May 17, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: As the Risen and Ascended Christ has loved us,
People: we are to love one another.
Leader: We gather in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
People: so that we may bear more fruit for God's glory, including by helping those in need.
Leader: Alleluia, Christ is risen!
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Paraclete, you are the one that testifies, for you are the truth. Guide us with your wisdom, that we may love God by obeying the commandments. In the name of the Risen Christ we pray. Amen.
Lamb of God, we give you thanks for dying and rising for us. Now you reign from heaven, ready to forgive us every time we repent. We have hurt you over and over with our sins. We have said that we loved you but then hated one another. We have made excuses to ignore your commandments. We have allowed ourselves to wither.
By your powerful compassion, forgive us. Prune us with love so that we can bear the fruit of love. So be it.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! By his death and resurrection our ascended, reigning Lord forgives us every single one of our sins, even if we struggle to forgive ourselves and one another. Christ prunes us to bear the fruit of love. Alleluia!
Father, pour out the Holy Spirit upon our proclamation, that it may nourish us so that we can better obey your commandments. In the name of the Word we pray. Amen.
Astonishing Adonai, we find amazing Christ's death, resurrection and ascension. Alleluia. (congregational response: We thank you for loving us.).
We are in awe of your commandments, which are full of wisdom that challenges and comforts us. Help us to obey your commandments. Alleluia . . .
Your Church is beautifully organic and, by your cultivation, bears fruit. We give special gratitude for martyrs such as Erik, the twelfth-century king of Sweden. We praise you for wise leaders such as Helena, the mother of Constantine. Lead us to be flourishing branches. Alleluia . . .
Supernal Sovereign, you have filled the planet with a gorgeous variety of people. Bless the United States and people everywhere. Abide in us so that we may be move loving toward each other and the planet. Alleluia . . .
Wisdom, we thank you for schools and graduates. We are grateful for our intelligence and the ability to learn. Alleluia . . .
Agape, you have abided in the needy. Help us to do the same. Care for all in need, including those we mention silently or aloud at this time. [Add names]. We praise you for your healing love. Alleluia . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
Leader: O sing to the LORD a new song,
People: for he has heard our prayers and will do marvelous things. Alleluia!
Devoted to you, Our Lover and Friend, we give you this offering, abiding in you.
Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all the earth;
People: God's right hand and holy arm have gotten the victory. Alleluia!
Leader: As the Lord's friends, abiding in love, we leave to bear fruit.
People: We leave to love even those who do not love us. Amen!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)