July 12, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Lord of Amaziah and Amos has destined us to be made straight.
People: The God of John the Baptist and all the prophets tells us right from wrong.
Leader: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, steadfast love and faithfulness have met together;
People: in the Trinity's name, righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Adoption-Adonai, you have destined us for the Inheritance. Lead us with the Holy Spirit to respond by proclaiming the truth, even when doing so means danger for us. In your name we pray. Amen.
Plumb-line Lord, straighten us up. We have neglected the poor. We come to worship but only go through the motions. We behead your prophets when they tell us what we don't want to hear. We mistreat children. We keep steadfast love and faithfulness apart. We live as if righteousness and peace are incompatible. We do not live like the destined, adopted heirs we are.
For the sake of the Crucified Lord, forgive us. Set us free from the prison we have made for ourselves. Amen.
We are the heirs. Through his death and resurrection, Christ grants us eternal life. All your sins are forgiven. Steadfast love and faithfulness are hugging each other. Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Alleluia!
LORD God, we listen to what you are saying. We prophesy and speak peace.
Lord of John, over and over you have sent courageous leaders to guide the Church. We lift up special praise for Church leaders, including bishops such as Nathan Soederblom and missionaries such as Bartolome de Last Casas. Help us to heed the guidance of these leaders. God of righteousness, (congregational response: we prepare a pathway for you.).
Almighty of the Baptist, we are grateful for our nation and for humanity's fragrant diversity. Teach us to be people of justice and mercy for everyone, especially the poor. God of righteousness, . . .
Baptism-Yah, we praise you, not only for baptism, but also for holy communion, the Bible, and all the ways you take care of us. God of righteousness, . . .
Yahweh, you care for people in need. Heal those in need now, particularly those we mention now: [Add names.]. God of righteousness, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
Way, Truth, and Life, we give you these prayers, knowing that you have destined us for blessing. In your name we pray. Amen.
We present to you, not death, but an offering of life.
Leader: The Almighty has straightened and healed us.
People: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit has given us an inheritance.
Leader: We go out to share the truth.
People: You embolden us to be prophetic.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)