Contemporary Call to Worship: Proper 7 B

Here’s a contemporary call to worship inspired by the scripture readings for Proper 7 B (Mark 4:35-41; 1 Samuel 17:32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13).  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Contemporary Call to Worship

Strength is commanding the wind and sea to obey,

Strength is wielding a slingshot in the face of a raging giant.

Strength is accepting vulnerability from inside the boat,

Strength is standing in solidarity with the powerless.

Strength is turning a cheek,

Strength is loving an enemy.

We come to worship

a God who redefines our vision of strength.

~ written by Katherine Hawker, 1997.  Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

Reflection on the texts: Proper 7 B

Here’s a thoughtful reflection on two of the scripture texts for Proper 7 B (June 24, 2012): the accounts of David facing Goliath, and Jesus calming the storm.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Reflection on the Gospel and Hebrew Lections

(Proper 7 B)

The winds raged
and the disciples trembled.
Goliath taunted
and Saul tasted fear.
Enter Jesus
Enter David
staring beyond the fear
daring us to do the same.

The winds will rage
and giants will taunt
and fear will weaken our gait.
Still Jesus
Still David
offer a challenge
not limited to wind and bullies
but beckoning to the heart of the timid.

Staring beyond the fear
focused on the greater power
daring us to do the same.

— written by Katherine Hawker, 2003.  Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

Prayer of Approach: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a prayer of approach and confession inspired by Mark 4:35-41 (the account of when Jesus calmed the storm).  It was written by the Very Rev. John Christie.

Prayer of Approach and Confession

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Lord God of all Creation we come to you from our storm-tossed lives to seek your peace; we come to you with our questions and uncertainties, our worries and anxieties, we come to you from our joy and our happiness-- each emotion a kaleidoscope of our feeling in life’s changing patterns.

More than all of that we come to you because of what you have done for us in the love of Christ who bought our freedom by his sacrifice on the Cross and showed us new life in his resurrection life. We bless you for the love which has no dimension of length breadth or height, coming as it does from the perfection your being. We come to you knowing that sometimes we have received your grace in vain.

We have not relied on your word or wisdom, we have not shown any concern or compassion when we should have; we have not loved our neighbour as we love ourselves. We have remained silent when we should have spoken and spoken when we should have been silent.

We seize the moment to ask you from our discordant lives for yet another chance of hearing you say to us ‘Your sins are forgiven’. May the mark of that forgiveness be your grace in us as we respond with grace and gratitude to your love.

Eternal God as we ask that you accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray that from the grace we have received, what we say and what we do will enable those around us to glimpse the life of the your Son -- who calmed the storm with words which still echo down the centuries, ‘Peace be still’ …..Amen.

— written by the Very Rev. John Christie, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/ Visit that website for other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.

Opening Prayer: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of how Jesus calmed the storm.  It comes from the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren.

Opening Prayer

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Mighty God, who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea;
Caring God, who nudges us away from fear and toward faith;
Ever-present God, who fills us with awe
   but also raises many questions
      without easy answers;

Open our eyes to see you in our boat—today,
Strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead,
Open our ears this hour to hear the word you speak.

This we pray, In Jesus’ name. Amen

— posted on the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren website.  http://rockhay.tripod.com/

Gospel Reflection: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a thoughtful reflection on Mark 4:35-41 (the account of Jesus calming the storm) from Bruce Prewer.

Who is this Jesus?

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

To leave the safe sheltered quay;

to rest while strong men fear;

to doze through a storm at sea:

  who is this Jesus?

To display the might of the meek;

to sleep while threats are near;

to dream while fierce gales peak:

  who is this Jesus?

To know what keeps you afloat;

to let another hand steer;

to be safe in a foundering boat:

  who is this Jesus?

To be see when there’s no light;

to trust when nothing’s clear;

to confront the powers of night:

  who is this Jesus?

To speak the word that saves;

to know God is even here;

to command the wind and the waves:

  who is this Jesus?

— Copyright Ó B D Prewer 2000.  Posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page.  http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Call to Worship: Turning a Cheek

Here’s a call to worship which explores true strength.  It is inspired by 1 Samuel 17:1-58 and Matthew 5:38-42 (Luke 6:28-31).  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Turning a Cheek

(inspired by 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Matthew 5:38-42)

Strength is commanding

the wind and sea to obey,

Strength is wielding

a slingshot in the face of a raging giant.

Strength is accepting vulnerability

from inside the boat,

Strength is standing in solidarity

with the powerless.

Strength is turning a cheek,

Strength is loving an enemy.

We come to worship

a God who redefines our vision of strength.

~ written by Katherine Hawker, 1997, and posted on Liturgies Outside.  http://liturgyoutside.net/  

Prayer for Unity Amidst Diversity

Here’s a thoughtful prayer of petition for unity. It seems particularly timely these days.  It was posted on the “Monthly Prayers” page of the Christian Aid website.

Prayer for Unity

God of all creation 
who called every being into life 
who is mindful of humankind in all its diversity 
who embodies us with dignity, 
granting different gifts and talents to shape life in this world 
we ask for your Spirit to unite us 
where we face lack of understanding and disunity 
in our churches, in our communities, in our countries. 
And in silence we lay before you the burdens of our hearts.

(Silence)

We ask for your Spirit to unite us 
in the face of the conflicts, hatred and violation of life 
experienced in so many regions of the earth 
and in silence we bring to you the pain of the victims.

(Silence)

We ask for your Spirit to unite us 
wherever fear prevents us from caring for our neighbour, 
from meeting people of different ethnicities, cultures

and faith communities with respect 
and in silence we bring to you the brokenness of human relationships.

(Silence)

God of all creation, 
in Christ we are reconciled, 
and so we ask for your uniting Spirit 
to help us to overcome all our divisions 
that we may live in peace.

~ posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Psalm 107 Litany

Here’s a responsive litany inspired by Psalm 107.  It comes from Kristin Holbrook.

Litany

(inspired by Psalm 107)

O give thanks to the LORD, for the LORD is good;

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.

God has redeemed us from trouble.

Some wandered in the desert,

Dying of hunger and thirst.

They cried out to the LORD;

The LORD heard them and delivered them from distress!

Some sat as prisoners,

In darkness, loneliness, isolation, and gloom.

They cried out to the LORD;

The LORD heard them and delivered them from distress!

Some are sick, with malaria and AIDS,

Burdened by disease that brings stigma and isolation.

They cried out to the LORD;

The LORD heard them and delivered them from distress!

Some are left to raise and tend siblings,

Orphaned by disease and matured by hardship.

They cried out to the LORD;

The LORD heard them and delivered them from distress!

Some are children of the street,

Left alone to violence, to drugs, to gangs.

They cried out to the LORD;

The LORD heard them and delivered them from distress!

Let those who are wise give heed to these things.

God’s steadfast love endures forever!

~ Kristin Holbrook, UMV http://www.roanokeumc.org/clientimages/45038/litanies.pdf

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 107

If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 107 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 26A,Lent 4B, Proper 7B, Proper 13C), you can find a list at my Contemporary Psalms blog. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but perhaps something there will be helpful.

Follow this link to Psalm 107: http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/2013/05/psalm-107.html

Centering Prayer: Be Still

Here’s a prayer inspired by Psalm 46:10.  It was written by David Adam.

Prayer

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

I weave a silence on to my lips
I weave a silence onto my mind
I weave a silence within my heart
I close my ears to distractions
I close my eyes to attractions
I close my heart to temptations

Calm me, O Lord, as you stilled the storm
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm
Let all tumult within me cease
Enfold me Lord in your peace.

— written by David Adam.  Posted on A Place for Prayer.  http://revgalprayerpals.blogspot.ca/

Invocation: To the Wellspring of all that is

Here’s a prayer of invocation from Richard Rosenberg.

Prayer of Invocation

Blessed are You,
O Lord our God,
Wellspring of all that is.

You are the sea on which we float,
You are the wind that fills our sails,
You are the storm that buffets us,
You are the calm that brings us peace.

Open our ears to hear Your word,
Open our eyes to see Your beauty,
Open our hearts to be warmed by Your love.

Free us from our lonely prisons of fear and selfishness,
And make us over, day by day,
into bearers of Your peace.

~ Richard Rosenberg, posted on World Prayers http://www.worldprayers.org/

Prayer: Still the Waves

Here’s a prayer based on Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms the storm.  It was written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPals.

Prayer

(inspired by Mark 4: 35-41)

Oh my!
God,
Still the waves
that rock this
life.

Settle
fast
beating hearts
anchor fear
breath.

Stir in us
hope
take hold, now
faith, Oh God,
God?

Awaken
love
embrace us
still the wind
fear!

Silence, awe
God.
God with us
God in us,
Love.

Gentle wave
Christ
in and through
us, hand, heart,
Faith.

Amen.

— written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

Litany: An Invitation to Trust

Here’s a thoughtful litany inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.  It was written by Connie R. Burkholder, from the Monitor Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas.

Invitation to Trust

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

When dangers invade our sense of safety

and we wonder if our Redeemer cares,

we hear the invitation:

Be at peace. Be calm.

When we face job loss and financial downturns,

and our sense of security is shaky,

we hear the invitation:

Be at peace. Be calm.

When our congregations experience distress, conflict,

and loss of significant leadership,

we hear the invitation:

Be at peace. Be calm.

When controversial issues and rigidity of spirit

threaten to tear at the very fabric of the faith community,

we hear the invitation:

Be at peace. Be calm.

When our lives feel chaotic and desolate

because of illness or sorrow,

we hear the invitation:

Be at peace. Be calm.

Help us to know, O God, that the one who calmed the dangerous sea is present with us, cares for us, and can calm the stormy waters of our lives. Help us to trust more fully and more deeply in you. We pray in the name of Jesus, who invites us to be at peace. Amen.

— written by Connie R. Burkholder, Monitor Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas.  Posted on the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren website.  http://rockhay.tripod.com/

Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of confession and words of assurance based on the suggested texts for Proper 7 B.  They come from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer of Confession

(based on Mark 4:35-41)

Merciful God,
when lashed by life’s windstorms
we often lash out in return.
Forgive us
when we blame you or others
for our troubles.
Teach us to find you
in the eye of the storm.
Show us the calm center
that comes from a word of peace.

Words of Assurance

(inspired by 2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

Hear the witness of scripture:
God listens; God helps. Now is the day of salvation.
Open wide your hearts and receive God’s forgiveness.
Amen.

— Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012, © 2011 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Prayer: Loving Through the Storm

Here’s a thoughtful prayer inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.  It was written by John van de Laar.

Loving Through the Storm

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

The worst storms, Jesus, are the ones caused

by our fear,

when we grow afraid of losing our power,

or we grow suspicious of the power of others,

when we refuse to acknowledge your mysterious authority;

Yet, it's in the storm that we find our capacity to love.

In releasing our weak claim to power

and opening to your reign,

we discover a new way of seeing ourselves -

as called and useful and beloved -

and the other, whoever they may be -

as dignified and precious and beloved.

Here in the storm, Jesus, we need you, and we need each other,

and the love you give us to share,

leads us through sacrifice and self-giving

to peace and calm,

if only we will loose our hold on fear.

Amen.

— written by John van de Laar.  Posted on his excellent Sacredise.com website.

Act of Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a thoughtful act of confession for Proper 7 B (Ordinary 12 B).  It was written by Thom Shuman.

Call to Reconciliation
We let fears control us, we let doubt become the way of life for us. If we but look, we will see our lives, and our world, cradled in God's loving hands. Let us confess our lack of faith, even as we trust the One who has promised to listen to our words, as well as our hearts. Join me as we confess together, saying,

Unison Prayer of Confession
They can be such giants in our lives, God of Grace. Each day, our fears, our doubts, our worries wash over us, until we come to believe that you do not care for us. There seems to be so much wrong in the world, we are convinced that there is nothing good we can do. The storms of sin and temptation batter at us, and we cower, unable to find the faith to withstand them.

Forgive us, God of Hope. Remind us that if we but open our hearts, you will heal us. If we but listen to your words, we will hear peace and joy. If we but open our lives to you, we can go forth to serve our sisters and brothers, even as we have been served by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
With calming words,

with a peaceful Spirit,

with overflowing love and hope,

our God forgives us and fills us with faith.
Our God affirms us for who we are—

those whose brokenness is made whole,

whose sin is forgiven,

whose lives overflow with faith.

Thanks be to God!  Amen.

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

Prayer of Praise: Psalm 9: 9-20

Here’s a prayer of praise and adoration inspired by Psalm 9:9-20.  It would also make a wonderful start to a prayer of intercession.  It was written by Moira Laidlaw.

Prayer of Praise and Adoration

(inspired by Psalm 9: 9-20)

Gracious and loving God,

you enabled the Psalmist to turn to you,

confident that all his cries and prayers

would be heard by you and answered by you. 

Prayers uttered in the belief that you would not permit evil and despair

to have the last word. 

We offer our prayers in that same belief,

and with even greater confidence,

for in Jesus you have made known your great love for all people. 

He bears our burdens in times of trouble and through his sacrificial love,

our lives are blessed, strengthened, and empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

For these great gifts,

we offer our thanksgiving, our praise, our adoration,

and this prayer,

in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

  

— written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.  Visit that site for many other lectionary-based worship resources.  http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

Call to Worship: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a call to worship based on Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.

Call to Worship

(based on Mark 4:35-41)

In the midst of life’s storms, God is there.

What have we to fear?

In the darkness and terror, God is with us.

Of whom shall we be afraid?

Rise up, people of God, for you are loved and saved.

Thanks be to God who cares deeply for us. Amen.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Prayers of the People: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7 B).  It was written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-shalom website.

Prayers of the People

(inspired by 1 Samuel 17:32-49)

Our faith in your power and your providence, O God, is strengthened today in our reflection upon the experience of David in his encounter with the giant Goliath.  You remind us that there is nothing in all creation that is more powerful than your word in all its two-edged glory.  By it Jesus calmed the storm; by it he healed and made people whole—and by it we too are sustained from day to day and from minute to minute.  Help us, O God, to cling to your living word—and to root ourselves in it—that we may be a people who overcome all the trials and tribulations that come upon us. 

Lord hear our prayer....

We are reminded today, O God, of how the strong can be defeated by the weak, of how the exalted and the mighty can be overcome by those who are humble and lowly—and we thank you for this.  We pray, O God, for all those today who are oppressed, as Israel was oppressed in Egypt, we pray for those who must contend with forces greater than they—grant them faith and in faith, grant them courage; act for them, and in them, to bring about their liberation. 

Lord hear our prayer....

We pray today, O God for all those who live in fear and insecurity—for those who need encouragement, for those who need our help and the help of their neighbours and their communities if they are to know life in its fullness. 

Lord, hear our prayer...

We ask it through Jesus Christ our Lord—saying together the prayer he taught us:  Our Father….

— written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom. http://www.rockies.net/

Sending Words: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-8

Here’s a commission and benediction based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-8.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Commission & Benediction

(based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-8)

Put obstacles in no one’s way,
but rejoice in purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech,
and the power of God.
Go in peace.

— Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012, © 2011 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/