January 25, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near,
People: so we repent and believe in the good news.
Leader: Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”
People: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we drop our nets immediately and follow Christ.
Holy Spirit, just as you compelled the fishermen to follow Jesus, compel us to worship God now in a way that glorifies our Lord and edifies one another. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
Adonai, we are more sinful than Nineveh, more stubborn and foolish than Jonah. We scramble after wealth, extorting and robbing each other. We act like we have forever, ignoring that the present form of this world is passing away. Jesus calls us to drop everything and follow him, but we'd rather chase after all the wrong things. We're more concerned about 9 to 5 than about God-Time and God-Work.
For the sake of the Crucified One, forgive us. Re-call us. Drive us to answer by putting you first.
God alone is our rock and salvation. Because of Christ, the Almighty spares us just as he spared Nineveh. God has spoken mercy, and twice have we heard his words of clemency. The Lord has fished for us and caught us, snatching us from the jaws of that shark Satan. Alleluia!
Dove-Spirit, speak to us through the Word, and give us the wisdom to hear the message twice.
Thank you, YHWH, for calling us to follow you. Throughout the centuries, every day, you have summoned us to life-giving service of you. We lift up special thanksgiving for Paul's conversion. Fishing-Lord, (congregational response: you catch us with liberating grace.).
We also are grateful for missionaries such as Titus, Timothy and Silas. We praise you for witnesses to the faith such as Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe. We are in awe of the holy brilliance of Thomas Aquinas. Alleluia for all these saints. Fishing-Lord, . . .
Thank you, Elohim, for the United States of America and the human race's gorgeous diversity. We give extra gratitude for our new President, Barack Obama. Guide him, that he may serve you by being an instrument of healing for our nation. Bring peace to the world entire. Fishing-Lord, . . .
Makes us smart enough to put dysfunctional partisan bickering and nastiness aside so that we can pull together to learn from each other in a way that will benefit our nation and the world. Fishing-Lord, . . .
Thank you, Adonai, for making us all equal through Christ. Teach and embolden us to do the same, tossing out prejudice. Fishing-Lord, . . .
Thank you, El Shaddai, for caressing us with healing. Bring healing to those in need now, particularly [Add names]. Guide our hands to assist you with healing. Fishing-Lord, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here....)
Rock and Salvation, we hand our prayers to you, knowing that you will answer in a way best for us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Following you, we present these gifts. May they serve to spread the Good News throughout the world.
Leader: Father, Son and Holy Spirit have caught, freed, and strengthened us to minister to the world.
People: Immediately we go to serve you, for the time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God has come near. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)