March 11, 2012
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Giver of the Torah, Father, Son, and Spirit, instructs us in the name of love.
People: Jesus cleanses the Temple and urges us to house-clean our lives.
Leader: The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
People: and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Teacher-Adonai, you lead us to wisdom, especially the wisdom of the cross. Throughout Lent, help us to learn anew what you have been teaching us all along, that we may have zeal for all temples, including one another. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
We have sinned against you, God. We have made the Church more about making and hoarding money than about helping the needy. We place other things before you, construct idols, ignore your holy day, full of excuses. We are disrespectful toward our loved ones. We hurt, cheat on, steal from, and lie about each other. We get envious because other people have what we want.
For the sake of the Rabbi-Savior, forgive us. Please.
Christ died on the tree and rose from the cave, so now we are free, saved. All your sins are forgiven, no matter how egregious you think they are. Yes!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
God of Sinai, you have guided your people throughout the millennia. We offer deep gratitude for your servant Patrick, who overcame slavery to bring the Gospel to a land that had held him captive. Embolden us to share the Good News through word and action with even our enemies. Teach us how to love those who hate us while we protect ourselves from victimization. Lord of Torah, (congregational response: lead us.).
Mother of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, you have made a magnificent universe and filled the Earth with extraordinary creatures, including us humans. Bless the United States, especially those recovering from the tornadoes. Bring peace throughout the world. Humble each of us to care for ourselves but to put others before ourselves. Lord of Torah, . . .
Sophia-Yahweh, we know the Ten Commandments, but we don’t really KNOW them. Teach us to meditate upon them and know their true meaning. They are not a rigid set of rules but a guide for a holy life. Lord of Torah, . . .
Healer, we praise you for touching us. Heal all those in need, including each individual we mention now. [Add names.] Direct our hands to be your instruments. Lord of Torah, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
Each prayer we give to you with gratitude, confident that you will respond with love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
We offer our gold, not to an idol, but to you.
Leader: On this Sabbath, God, Father, Son, and Spirit, has cleansed you and taught you.
People: We leave to live the loving law.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)