July 1, 2012
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Three-in-One heals the undervalued and overlooked.
People: Jesus says, “Talitha koum!” and we get up.
Leader: From the depths, God raises us.
People: God removes our sackcloth and clothes us with joy.
Jesus Christ, we touch you and are healed. You take our hand and call us to renewal. When we lament, lift us to life, and use our hands and voices to lift one another. In your name we pray by the Spirit’s power according to the will of God. Amen.
Reaching-God, we are in the Pit. How hasty we are to sin, even when we know better! Like Saul, we tend to disobey you, trusting ourselves more than you. You call us to push ourselves harder to take up collections for those in need, yet we conjure up excuses for stinginess. We are quick to say that we care for children and the sick but then fail to provide meaningful support.
For the sake of the Healer, please forgive us. Raise us to love. Yes.
Alleluia, through Christ, God forgives your sins. The Almighty has stripped you of sorrow and death and has enrobed you in life eternal. Go, and sin no more. Alleluia!
Holy Spirit, through the sermon, revive our determination to help the needy in the name of the Savior. Amen.
God of David and Jairus, throughout the millennia you have kept us, your people, working for your glory. We thank you for servants such as the apostle Thomas and reformer Jan Hus. Through those who came before us, teach us greater devotion to people that society tends to neglect. LORD God, (congregational response: our heart sings your praises.).
Adonai of Humanity, we praise you for our nation, the United States of America, which was born 236 years ago. Not only have you graced our nation with freedom, but you have also blessed us with magnificent diversity and wealth. Humble us to use all our resources, not to dominate the world, but to advance peace, including by helping those in need. LORD God, . . .
We thank you, Mother, for the upcoming Independence Day celebration. Keep us safe. Help us to celebrate respectfully, and show us anew how to bring comfort to those for whom the holiday is a sad occasion. LORD God, . . .
Abba-Ima, you are the Healer. Make whole those we mention now [Add names.], and make us more receptive to assisting you with the healing. LORD God, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
These prayers and more we place into your hands in the name of Christ. Amen.
God, you grant us the courage to excel in the grace of giving.
Leader: Talitha koum!
People: Christ takes our hand, enables us to stand.
Leader: By the power of the Father, Son, and Spirit,
People: we leave to lead others to life. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)