Prayers for Worship
Proper 19
September 16, 2012

Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten

Call to Worship

Leader: Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” We answer,
People: “You are the Messiah.”
Leader: Christ says, “If you want to be my follower, then you must take up your cross and follow me.” We answer,
People: “Here we are, Lord; send us.”

Invocation

God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, through the cross, you have saved us. Amazing! Grant us the humble boldness to take up the cross and follow you, including by using our tongues for good speech, not evil. In the name of the Messiah we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Eager to follow Satan, we fail you, God. We start huge fires with our incendiary words. When people give us a hard time for being a Christian, we are quick to cave. We wear cross-jewelry but refuse to take up the cross itself, full of excuses.

For the sake of the Suffering Messiah, forgive us. Renew our commitment to serving you. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Yes! Through the crucifixion and resurrection, Christ has rescued you from death. God forgives you all your sins. Yes!

Prayer of Inspiration

Holy Spirit, guide our ears and tongues, that we may hear and speak the Word.

Prayers of the People

God of the Messiah, we glorify you for the Church. We give special thanks for apostles such as Matthew and other geniuses such as Hildegard of Bingen. Continue to teach us in the Church to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and eager to care for widows and orphans. O LORD, we pray you, (congregational response: guide our lives.).

Queen of the nations, we thank you for humanity and the rest of your splendid creation. Bless the Presidential candidates, that they may campaign with integrity and love. Lead our nation to make greater sacrifices for the sake of poorer nations. O LORD, we pray you, . . .

Elohim of the Cross, help us to understand taking up the cross. To take up the cross is not to embrace any suffering, but is to embrace suffering that glorifies you and serves the neighbor. Guide us to break free from evil, abusive suffering and to take up the suffering that helps to spread your love. O LORD, we pray you, . . .

Mother, our tongues trip us up. We say such stupid and toxic things! Frustrating! Fill our hearts with the wisdom that enables us to speak love. O LORD, we pray you, . . .

You are the papa who heals us. Heal all in distress, including everyone we mention now. [Add names.] Grant us the courage and creativity we need to help with the healing. O LORD, we pray you, . . .

Artist, we love autumn! Such a refreshing and soothing season. So beautiful! Thank you! O LORD, we pray you, . . .

(You may add other praises and petitions here...)

We pray in the name of Jesus Messiah. Amen.

Offertory Prayer

Part of taking up the cross is presenting this sacrifice of thanksgiving for your glory and the good of those in need.

Benediction

Leader: Jesus is the Messiah.
People: Jesus is the Messiah!
Leader: In response, by the Trinity’s power, we bear the cross,
People: knowing that God bears it with us. Yes!

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)