January 27, 2013
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Christ and so is upon us.
People: We are members of the body of Christ.
Leader: Our abilities may vary, but we are one.
People: We are all to bring good news to the poor.
Leader: God uses us to announce hope to everyone in need,
People: to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
God, your joy is our strength. You sent the Messiah to bring the Good News and to make us one. Continue to show us how to live according to that oneness, including by joining talents for the sake of the suffering. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Our sins are more than we can detect. Adonai, we have rejected your teachings, turned away from your truth. We divide Christ’s body with our silly arguments and competitions. Christ fulfills scripture right in front of us, but we are blind. Miracles surround us, but we fail to see them, too busy fixating on evil.
For the sake of the Savior, please forgive us. Cleanse us from our faults. Amen.
Alleluia, through the Redeemer God forgives all your sins, even your hidden ones. No more shame. Alleluia!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.
Mother, we find astounding the Church, the Body. We offer special gratitude for the great women of the Church, such as Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe. You, Lord, (congregational response: revive the soul.).
We exalt you, Sovereign, for our President, Barack Obama, and other leaders. Guide the President in his second term. Bless the state of the union. Direct all of us to serve you by helping others and not to feed our selfish political interests. You, Lord, . . .
Adonai, we’re half way to spring. Yes! You, Lord, . . .
God, we often obsess over differences. Turn our attention to our unity instead. You, Lord, . . .
Mama, heal those we mention [Add names], and humble us to be your healing assistants. You, Lord, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
Into your hands, God, we commend these prayers in the name of Christ. Amen.
Take these gifts, Almighty, for the healing of the nations.
Leader: God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has taught you.
People: We will share what we have learned.
Leader: Teach as one,
People: amplifying each other’s strengths.
Leader: The light shines!
People: Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)