Prayers for Worship
Proper 19
by Ron Gordon

Mark 8:27-38

Collect:
 

Eternal God, the fount of all wisdom, whose ways are not our ways, 
help us focus our thoughts in Jesus your Word. Grant us your Spirit of truth 
to align our thinking, praying and behaviour to conform to your perfect will, 
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer:
 

Holy and Blessed God, the creation declares your glory, singing your praise day by day. 
You have given us the knowledge of your ways through men and women of your inspiring, 
and in Jesus you have come into the midst of our history to declare 
that you are holy love, always, and without change. We praise and adore you.

Lord Jesus, truly the promised one who was to come, you came not to laud it over people, 
but to be in our midst as the humble servant of God: to live with us, 
share with us the good gifts of God, and to suffer and die for us. We praise and adore you.

Holy Spirit always with us to inspire and correct and lead: you help our feet walk 
in the way of Christ, and our lives to reflect the glory of his love. We praise and adore you.

Lord Jesus, who do we think you are? Are you the great liberator to smash down 
all the enemies of God, and our enemies? You are the one who gave himself into the hands 
of enemies that you might free them also.  Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, who do we think you are? You are the liberator who frees people 
and communities to live in peace and love together. We confess that is not exactly 
what we say when we confess you, for we forget the power of God is shown 
in the utter weakness of the cross. Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you show us that God is caring, vulnerable love which can bear all things, 
suffer all things and redeem all people: your resurrection affirms that 
and empowers your people to follow the way of the cross. Lord, have mercy.

Blessed is God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in redeeming grace, for ever and ever. Amen.

© 2009 Ron Gordon (used with permission)

who do you say that I am?
by Jenn Gordon
 
Mark 8:27-38

you are the morning
dawning on us while we struggle to wake
to your presence

you are the birdsong
heralding the approaching day
of justice and peace

you are the mist
enfolding the gift of hope
in empty shrouds

you are the fading stars
with all the saints
awaiting our next needy night

you are the light
that tall trees stretch to catch
aflame with your unspoken name

you are the scent
of leafy litter crushed
by fast and fearful feet

you are the day
that stands to greet
the drowsy soul released from sleep

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)