October 11, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The world loves riches, and so does the Devil.
People: If we rely on our riches or our works to get into heaven, we will never even squeeze in.
Leader: Thanks be to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the sacrifice of the High Priest.
People: Christ sacrificed himself to save us.
Leader: For us, salvation is impossible.
People: For God, all things are possible.
Good Teacher, you look at us with love. We exalt you for saving us. Teach us what it means for us to sell what we own, give the money to the poor, and follow you. In your name we pray. Amen.
Lord of the Sword-Word, we thank you for showing us mercy. Every day we sin against you. We are lax with our wealth, not giving the poor adequate help but just enough to appease our consciences. We are unwilling to invest everything into you. We think eternal life is something to buy or earn instead of something that you give us through mercy. We are eager to blame you for our problems but reluctant to praise you for helping us. We mean to number our days but then forget and doze off until the next wake-up call. We shove to be first, not realizing that we have shoved ourselves to the end of the line.
Leader: Out of the mercy of the High Priest-Lamb, forgive us our sins.
People: We approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Leader: For mortals, salvation is impossible, but not for God;
People: for God all things are possible.
Leader: The High Priest sacrificed himself for our salvation.
People: Through Christ, you have forgiveness of sins.
Leader: Through Christ, you have forgiveness of sins. Alleluia!
People: Alleluia!
We run up, kneel before you, and ask you to teach us the Good News. Teach us to be last.
All-knowing Lord, we praise you for great discoveries. Teach us to use them to show our love for you, including by loving others. Alpha and Omega, (congregational response: we seek good and not evil.).
Priest-Lamb, you have strengthened the Church with uplifting servants, including Teresa of Avila and Ignatius of Antioch. Remind us of our baptismal call to give up all for your sake. Alpha and Omega, . . .
God of camel and needle’s eye, we thank you for the riches with which you have blessed our nation. Teach us to share this wealth with all in need. We are quick to hoard. Tutor us to be quicker to help. Alpha and Omega, . . .
We exalt you for Canada. Bless that nation as its citizens celebrate Thanksgiving Day. May every single one of us remember to be grateful without ceasing. Alpha and Omega, . . .
Countless people suffer. Embolden us to work harder to care for earthquake and tsunami victims. Make us wiser agents for peace with Iran and other troubling nations. Bring an end to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Use us as instruments of justice and healing for the Darfur. Alpha and Omega, . . .
God of the Ominloving Gaze, you bring healing every day. Bring healing to those in need, including these people we mention in our hearts our out loud at this time. [Add names]. Alpha and Omega, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
We seek you and live. We thank you for hearing and helping us. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
We present this offering. Make us prudent stewards, that we may never push aside the needy in the gate.
Leader: Trinity-Yahweh, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, loves you and shows you mercy.
People: We live to give away everything we have, not to inherit eternal life, but because we are already heirs. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)