October 21, 2012
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Trinity teaches us that whoever wants to be great
People: must be a servant,
Leader: because the Son of Humanity came not to be served but to serve,
People: and to give his life a ransom for many. Alleluia!
Mother, we are ever grateful for Christ’s suffering as a servant to save all creation. By the Spirit, continue to guide us toward greater humility and service in imitation of the High Priest in whose name we pray. Amen.
Our sins are myriad, Abba. We need your help! We worry more about our own greatness than on serving others. We curve in on ourselves instead of out toward you and the world. You call us to sacrifice, but we’d rather have security. You summon us to cooperate, but we’d rather compete.
For the sake of the Melchizedek Priest, forgive us. Bear us up with your hands. Yes.
Hallelujah, the LORD is our refuge, and the Most High is our habitation. Through Christ’s sacrifice, all your sins are forgiven. Hallelujah!
Spirit, through the Word teach us to give more and waste less.
God of Melchizedek, across the millennia, you have blessed the Church. You have endowed us with marvelous leaders such as James of Jerusalem and hymnwriters such as Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt. For continued wisdom we pray. (Congregational response: Show us your salvation.).
Mamma Adonai, we are in awe of the splendor of the universe. Bless the U.S. and every nation. Teach us humans to show greater respect toward the rest of creation. Bring peace of Syria. Grant all of us the courage and creativity to be peacemakers. For continued wisdom we pray . . .
Sophia Lord, much of the world teaches us to win at all costs, to put ourselves first, but you call us to care for others, to put ourselves last. Fill us with the tenacious humility to serve. For continued wisdom we pray . . .
Almighty God, these Presidential debates. Nerve-wracking! Please let your will be done. For continued wisdom we pray . . .
We exalt you for healing us, Elohim, and ask you to heal all in need, including everyone we mention now [Add names.]. Show us how to care for the afflicted. For continued wisdom we pray . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
We call on you confident that you will answer us. You will rescue us and bring us to honor. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
May our offering help those in the greatest need.
Leader: The Almighty, the Three-in-One, has lifted you up.
People: We respond by lifting others up. Yes.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)