Affirmation of Faith: Abundant God

Here’s an affirmation of faith which celebrates the extravagance of God.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Creed

We believe in the debonaire God

who clothes the wild flowers

dressing them so superbly

that they outdo Solomon in all his glory;

who is the true Friend

of all creatures great and small

who feeds magpies and laughing kookaburras,

and even doleful ravens and drongos.

We believe in the God of Christ Jesus

the Source of abundance,

full of grace and truth.

We believe in the extravagant God

who turns the other cheek,

goes the second mile,

turns water into the best wine,

brings healing with his every touch,

and who welcomes a woman’s of love

as she fills the house with unforgettable fragrance.

We believe in the faith-full God of Jesus Christ,

who sweated blood in an Olive Grove,

and kept the faith to the very end.

We believe in the redeeming God

who spared no cost,

forgave even his brutal crucifiers,

had time for a dying thief at his side,

and who on the third day

did a thing so prodigious

that even his friends were dismayed with joy.

We believe in the God of Jesus Christ,

the Source of abundance

wherever we turn

and no matter what we do.

Amen

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Blessing: John 12: 1-8

Here’s a blessing inspired by the anointing of Jesus (see Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, John 12:1-8).  It was written by Jan L. Richardson.

 

Blessing of Balm

(inspired by Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, John 12:1-8)

When we see

the body of Christ

still broken in this world,

may we meet it

with lavish grace

and pour ourselves out

with extravagant love.

~ written by Jan L. Richardson, and posted on The Painted Prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/

Call to Worship: Psalm 5

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Psalm 5.  It was written by Heather A. Moody, and posted on the Worship Ways website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 5)

Come, let us worship and bow down

in awe of God’s steadfast love for us.

For God gives ear to our words;

God listens to the sound of our cries.

Come, let us take refuge in the God of our salvation.

For God is our shield,

our protection in times of trouble.

Come, let us rejoice and sing for joy!

For God is surely in this place! 

Let us worship God!

~ written by Heather A. Moody, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Call to Worship: In the Morning

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Psalm 5:3.  It was written by Thom Shuman.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 5:3)

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you 
and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

In the morning,

God hears our voices as we lift our prayers and songs.
In the morning,

God whispers to us in the gentle breezes stirring the world.
In the morning,

we look for God alive and active around us.
In the morning,

we find God playing hopscotch with the kids on the corner.
In the morning

we come together to worship our God.
In the morning,

God gathers us up to lead us down the streets of justice and faithfulness.

~ written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/

Readers' Theatre: Luke 7:36 - 8:3

Here’s a readers’ theatre setting of Luke 7:36-8:3, the suggested gospel reading for Proper 6 C.  It is set for three voices.

Readers’ Theatre: Luke 7: 36 – 8: 3

One:     One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him,

so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.

 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there,

she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 

Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping.

Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair.

Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself,

Two:     If this man were a prophet,

he would know what kind of woman is touching him.

She’s a sinner!

One:     Then Jesus answered his thoughts. 

Three:   Simon, I have something to say to you.

Two:     Go ahead, Teacher.

Three:   A man loaned money to two people—

500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 

But neither of them could repay him,

so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts.

Who do you suppose loved him more after that?

Two:     I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.

Three:   That’s right.

Now look at this woman kneeling here.

When I entered your home,

you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet,

but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

You didn’t greet me with a kiss,

but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 

You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head,

but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven,

so she has shown me much love.

But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.

One:     Then Jesus turned to the woman, and said,

Three:   Your sins are forgiven.

One:     The men at the table said among themselves,

“Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?”

But Jesus just looked at the woman and said,

Three:   Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

One:     Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages,

preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God.

He took his twelve disciples with him, 

along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases.

Among them were Mary Magdalene,

from whom he had cast out seven demons; 

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager;

Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources 

to support Jesus and his disciples.

Prayer Reflection: John 12: 1-8

Here’s a prayer reflection inspired by John 12, where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.  It was written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the website of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre.

Prayer Reflection

(inspired by John 12: 1-8)

Mary moved to the table,

holding the precious ointment,

her eyes meeting and holding

the gaze of the One preparing to die.

Mary fell to her knees

and broke open her treasure,

massaging the fragrant oil into his feet,

and wiping them with her hair.

Mary kept her eyes on his,

as a collective sigh arose,

followed by a bitter criticism,

an attempt to disqualify her action.

Mary’s tense shoulders relaxed

at his words “Leave her alone”:

Defended by Jesus

she could take on the whole world.

Jesus, friend and defender,

may we who remember her story,

be emboldened to live

with sensuality, courage and passion. Amen.

~ written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the website of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre.  http://www.stillpointsa.org.au/

Call to Worship: Luke 7: 36-50

Here’s a responsive call to worship/opening prayer inspired by Luke 7:36-50.  It was written by Pastor Seth A. Normington.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Luke 7:36-50)

Mighty God, You welcome us into Your Kingdom as honored guests.

You give us water to wash our feet, 

You give us a kiss of greeting, 

and You anoint our heads with oil.

Merciful God, You welcome us even though we are sinners.

You forgive our debts and give us a seat at Your table.

Wondrous God, we have come here to give You our worship and praise.

May we make a joyful noise at Your table!

~ written by Seth A. Normington, Pastor at Linden Presbyterian Church in Linden, MI.

Invitation to Confession: Psalm 32

Blessed are those whose wrongs have been forgiven,

whose sin is hidden from sight.

Blessed are those whose sin is covered,

who no longer lie to themselves, or others.

Come, let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Let all who are devoted to God speak honestly to God,

while God is listening.

For then, when the floods come, the rushing water will not reach us.

God is our hiding place, and will keep us out of trouble,

surrounding us with songs that remind us we are free.

Come, let us confess our sins to the Lord.

For God will teach us, and show us the way we should go.

God will keep watch over us.

Come, let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Intercessory Prayer based on the Beatitudes

Here’s a model for intercessory prayer based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12.  It was written by Stasi McAteer, and posted on Richard Webb’s Clayfire Curator website.

He writes: Based on the Beatitudes, Stasi has constructed a community prayer experience that combines both practices into an organic and seamless whole.

These Intercessory Prayers make use of a leader who leads the congregation through a series of congregational responses, periods of silent reflection, and spontaneous silent prayer. She’s designed this element using a call-and-response form that eliminates the need for any printed material or projected text.

One of the crucial aspects of this prayer experience is the frequent periods of silent reflection following each congregational response. This silence helps the worshiper process what they’ve just heard and spoken. Before each of these periods of silence the leader asks worshipers to remember the people Jesus names in each of the Beatitudes—those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, etc. In her instructions to the leader, Stasi asks him or her to make sure the times of silence are “long enough to promote reflection but not so long that people get restless.”

Intercessory Prayer

based on the Beatitudes

(Matthew 5:3-12)

Leader: Living into the blessings and challenges of the Beatitudes requires great strength and courage. We can only reach this goal by grounding ourselves, as a community, in prayer.

As we come before God together, I invite you into the Beatitudes: into their surprising blessings, and their bold proclamation of the Kingdom. From the beginning of Christianity, our mothers and fathers in the faith have relied on these seemingly simple words to guide their lives, to help them understand God’s will, and to direct them into prayer for and suffering with the world.

I will read each phrase and invite you to repeat it. Then I will suggest a focus for a brief time of silent prayer and meditation.

Brief silence

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

All: Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Remember the poor of our world,

for whom the kingdom of heaven often seems distant and unattainable.

Silence

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

All: Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Remember those who are in mourning,

who have lost someone or something dear to them.

Pray for their comfort.

Silence

(pattern follows….)

~ written by Stasi McAteer, and posted on Richard Webb’s Clayfire Curator website. http://clayfirecurator.afpwpdev.augsburgfortress.org/2011/09/beatitudes-intercessory-prayer-richard-webb/

New Hymn: For Freedom, Christ has Set Us Free

If you’re following the scripture readings suggested by the Revised Common Lectionary, here’s a contemporary hymn inspired by Galatians you might want to consider using over the next few weeks.  It was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  She suggests using the tune ELLACOMBE (I sing the mighty power of God).

For Freedom, Christ has set us free!

(Meter: 8.6.8.6 D)

"For freedom, Christ has set us free!"
What joy is ours to claim!
No more enslaved, humanity
Finds life in Jesus' name.
We try, Lord, to be justified
Through all the works we do.
Yet you adopt us, saying, "Child,
It's Christ who makes you new."

We're clothed in Christ and we belong;
Now no one waits outside.
In him we find our common song;
Old ways no more divide.
"It is no longer I who live,
But Christ who lives in me."
He died for us, new life to give —
And new identity.

Now, Spirit-filled, may we be led
From ways that would destroy.
May we your people turn instead
To lives of love and joy.
May we find peace that makes us whole
And patience everywhere.
God, give us kindness, self-control,
And hearts and hands that share.

Biblical Reference: Galatians
Text: Copyright © 2000 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Copied from Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor  by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Upper Room Books, 2009).

Email: bcgillette@comcast.net  New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com

Gospel Reflection: Luke 7: 36-50

Here’s a reflection on Luke 7: 36-50, where Jesus is anointed by a sinful woman.  It was written by Ken Rookes.

One who loves much

(inspired by Luke 7: 36-50)

The righteous ones,
offended by her
very presence;
call her sinner,
whore, temptress,
seducer,
promiscuous,
unmarried mother,
unemployed,
dole bludger,
drunkard,
irresponsible,
druggie.
Unoffended
by her intimate
caress;
Jesus calls her
woman,
friend,
forgiven,
one who
loves much.
And God smiles.

~ Copyright © Ken Rookes.  Posted on Poems in Season. http://poemsinseason.wordpress.com/

Confession: Psalm 32

How happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven,

whose sin is no longer held against them!

How happy are those who no longer lie—

to themselves or to anyone else.

When we refuse to admit our sin,

it eats away at us, little by little,

weakening us in body and soul.

So let’s come before God with our prayers of confession.

Let’s lay before God the sin that is weighing us down,

so that we can be freed from its burden,

and receive God’s mercy and love.

(silent prayers)

God, you are our hiding place!

Your unfailing love surrounds us,

and you fill our hearts with songs of joy!

Continue to guide us in the way we should go,

and watch over us,

so that our lives may bring honour to your name.  Amen.

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 32

If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 32 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 6C, Lent 1A, Lent 4C, Proper 26C), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.

Follow this link to Psalm 32: http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/2013/05/psalm-32.html

Prayer of Confession: Psalm 5

Lord, hear us as we call out to you this morning;

listen to our heart-felt prayers.

We bring our confession before you,

and wait for your response.

We know that you do not tolerate deliberate sin;

you take no pleasure in wickedness.

We know that you hate evil,

and will not abide those who pervert and destroy what is good.

We also know that, despite our best intentions,

we often do not measure up to the standard you have set for us,

that our attitudes and actions often fall far short of what you desire.

And so we offer you our confession.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

(silence)

We praise you, God!

Despite our mistakes and failures, you welcome us into your presence.

Because of your unfailing love, we can draw close to you,

and receive your forgiveness and mercy.

Help us to move forward with joy and confidence,

knowing that you go with us.

Continue to reveal yourself to us,

and lead us in your paths.  Amen.

Benediction: Galatians 2

Here’s a closing commission and benediction inspired by Galatians 2:15-21.  It comes from the Presbyterian Church of Canada.

Commission and Benediction

(inspired by Galatians 2:15-21)

When you go out into this world to serve God’s mission,

remember that it is no longer you who live,

but Christ who lives in you. 

The life you now live in the flesh

you live by faith in the Son of God

who loves you and gave himself for you. 

May the grace of God which daily renews us,

and the love of Jesus that enables us to love all others,

and the community of the Holy Spirit that unites us into one body

enable and empower us to obey the will of God,

now and forever; Amen.

~ posted on the Presbyterian Church of Canada website. http://presbyterian.ca/worship/

Prayer: Psalm 32

Here’s a prayer inspired by Psalm 32.  It was written by Chris Altrock.

Prayer: Admission

(inspired by Psalm 32)

Lord, I crossed a line I never thought I would. 

I made a choice I never thought I could. 

I messed up–big time.

Then, regretful and remorseful, I hid my crime.  

I determined to not come clean. 

My lips and tongue would not confess what my heart and hands had done. 

But the tighter my lips grew, the more toxic the guilt became. 

The deader my tongue, the deader my whole being. 

The secret became a burden I could not bear.

Thus, fearful and frustrated, I admitted my crime.  

I confessed my deed. 

I owned up to every despicable detail.

And you forgave. 

You did not hold it against me.  

Rather than sentence me, you saved me.

And now, I rejoice. I sing. My heart is glad.

~ written by Chris Altrock, and posted on True North. http://chrisaltrock.com/

Prayer of Confession: 1 Kings 21

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by 1 Kings 21.  It was written by Rev. Dr. Philippa Horrex.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by 1 Kings 21)

Loving and merciful God, we come before you confessing our sins.
Hear our cries for forgiveness.

We confess that there are times when we behave like Ahab –
pouting and sullen when we don’t get our own way.
Forgive us for our selfish and childish behaviour.

(Silence)

We acknowledge there are times when we hurt others
in order to get our own way.
Forgive us the hurt we inflict on others.

(Silence)

We confess there are times when we judge others on their past behaviour,
overlooking the possibility that they have changed.
Forgive us for judging others.

(Silence)

We confess there are times when we hide behind
rules and regulations to avoid examining our own motives.
Forgive us for being dishonest with ourselves.

(Silence)

Through the grace of God in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
our sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

~ Written by the Rev Dr Philippa Horrex of Wanganui from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand website. http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/for-ministers/worship-resources/

Opening Prayer: Psalm 32

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Psalm 32. It comes from the Archives page of the Lectionary Sermons website.

Prayer of Invocation

(inspired by Psalm 32)

Our hearts are blessed as we gather before You today, O Lord,

for you have given us freedom from all our transgressions

and joy in exchange for heavy hearts.

You are the refuge we seek when we are troubled

and the courage we need when we venture into our days.

Bless us today with Your steadfast love

as we declare our trust in You. Amen.

~ posted on the Archives page of the Lectionary Sermons website. http://www.lectionarysermons.com/ARCH-W.html

Prayer of Confession: 1 Kings 21

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the events in 1 Kings 21.  It was written by Heather A. Moody.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by 1 Kings 21)

We confess, O God,

that there are times when

what we want far exceeds what we need. 

We often go to great lengths to acquire what we desire. 

Like King Ahab, we become resentful and sullen

when we don’t get our way.  

We are reluctant to acknowledge

the consequences of our own actions,                          

ignoring your cries for justice. 

Even when we live more simply,

we remain tempted to judge what other people do and say. 

Our judgments produce labels that we apply with ease,

erecting barriers to your grace. 

How can we love our neighbors as ourselves

with such barriers in place?

~ written by Heather A. Moody, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Pastoral Prayer: Proper 6 C

Here’s a prayer of adoration and confession inspired by the scripture readings for Proper 6, Year C.   It was written by Rev. Adam Hood.

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

God our Father, Creator of all,

in these few moments of worship,

we come to you with the words and works,

the desires, and hopes, and fears,

that dominate our everyday lives.

We come to give thanks in all things;

to seek new perspective, to find new strength.

Jesus Christ, Son of God,

help us today to find our hearts burning –

with a fiery love and devotion to you,

so that, kneeling at your feet,

we hear the tender whisper of your call

Holy Spirit, Wind of God,

open our minds to learn from Christ,

that in listening we might hear,

and in hearing we might respond,

as he invites us, to come, and die, and live.

Eternal God, Creator, Redeemer and Comforter,

hear us as we confess our wrongdoings.

Often we wear ourselves down with a pretence of righteousness.

Today, we throw off this attempt,

simply admitting our failure

to live in the way of Christ. Amen 

~ written by Rev Adam Hood, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/starters_for_sunday/june