October 25, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
People: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Leader: The liberating truth is Jesus Christ.
People: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Leader: We are freed to be slaves to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Spirit of the Angel-Armies, you have made possible in our hearts faith in Christ’s saving grace. Lead us at this hour to be still and not just know about God, but know God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Liberation God, you have justified us by grace through faith. We all have sinned and fall short of your glory. We are quick to judge others, but we ourselves are guilty, as well. We boast about our credentials and works, as if they save us. We are so busy competing and bickering that we do not hear the Good News. We cheat on you, our spouse. We think truth is about right doctrine more than it is about your love for us and our responding love for you.
For the sake of Rescuing-Christ, forgive us. Remember our sins no more. Amen.
God our Strength has busted us out of the Hell-prison, has broken us out of Sin-Sin. The Lord put Christ forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. All your sins: forgotten. Alleluia!
Spirit, through the sermon show us truth.
Creative Lord, you reform the Church as the need arises. We praise you for Martin Luther, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, Ignatius Loyola, and other reformers. Endow us with courageous, cruciform creativity to shape the Church according to your love. God of Jacob, (congregational response: you are our stronghold.).
Adonai of Truth, we exalt you for the blessings of our nation. Guide it and leaders and citizens around the planet. Teach us to be still and know you. God of Jacob, . . .
Supreme Musician, we thank you for great hymnists, including Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt. Teach us to make music embodying the Good News. God of Jacob, . .
You are mightier than evil, stronger than our fears. We enjoy Halloween with confidence in your healing, protective love. Keep us safe as we have fun. May we always worship you alone and reject the Devil. God of Jacob, . . .
You have healed us in many ways. Bring healing to people in need, including these we mention in our hearts or aloud right now: [Add names.]. God of Jacob, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
We entrust these prayers to your care, confident that you will respond in liberating ways. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
We present this cornucopia to you as part of knowing you, Truth.
Leader: Saving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has redeemed you, has freed you, and is with you.
People: We serve people in need, confident that, because of Christ alone, the kingdom is ours forever.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)