May 3, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: Alleluia, Christ is risen!
People: The Good Shepherd is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Leader: He lay down his life for us, the sheep.
People: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives.
Leader: We will dwell in the house of the Lord forevermore.
People: Alleluia!
Spirit, by your abiding presence we know that Christ abides in us. Lead us beside the still waters, reminding us of our baptism, that we may love one another as the Shepherd has loved us. In his name we pray. Amen.
Sacrificial Lamb who leads us through the valley into safety, save us from our sins. We have wandered away from the flock. We have ignored your voice. We have mistaken the wolf for you. We are irresponsible and cowardly like the hired hand. We reject your commandments, our love being all talk and no action. Our hearts condemn us. Good Shepherd, forgive us. So be it.
Alleluia! Christ leads us out of the dark valley into the eternal house. Christ is the chief cornerstone, the one who heals us. He forgives us all our sins, directs us back to the flock, snatches us from the wolf. Alleluia!
Holy Spirit, lead us with the abiding Word; guide us in right pathways for God's name's sake.
King of kings, you have ruled the Church with compassionate wisdom. We lift up extra alleluias for leaders such as Monica, Julian of Norwich, and Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Remind us daily of our baptism. Abide in us so that we abide in you and love one another as you have loved us. Staff-and-Rod Lord, (congregational response: hear our voices.).
Queen of All, you have guided the nation and cared for the planet. Send blessing to the United States and countries all around the world. Bring healing from the swine flu. With your love unite people everywhere against disease. Help us to avoid scapegoating and to focus on helping each other. Staff-and-Rod Lord, . . .
We praise you for Cinco de Mayo. Care for Mexico, especially during its struggle with swine flu. Help the United States to have more loving relations with its neighbor. Staff-and-Rod Lord, . . .
You have given us healing in ways large and small. You have renewed body, soul and mind. Deliver healing to people in need, including those we mention in our hearts our aloud now [Add names]. Staff-and-Rod Lord, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
King of kings, these prayers are for you. Transform them into green pastures, oil, and an overflowing cup for all in need and for your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Leader: We, your little children, offer these gifts, abiding in you, laboring to love you and one another,
People: following your example.
Leader: God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, lead you and guide you.
People: We follow the Shepherd, listening to the Voice, rejoicing over the Resurrection. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)