Proper 9
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series VI, Cycle A
Object:
Words Of Assurance
Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Pastoral Prayer
Holy and Eternal God, out of the storms of the world we come into this quiet place to worship you, our abiding refuge. Thanks be to you for silence which enfolds strength and tranquility leading us to things deep and true. Meet with us here in the inner place of our spirits and refresh us with your living presence.
We find that life is often difficult Lord. It seems that a storm is usually either coming or going, and that the periods of sunshine are all too brief.
Help us when we are disappointed, to accept it without bitterness. Help us, when we are insulted, to reject the temptation to respond in kind. Help us, when we are in pain, to endure it with patience. Help us, when we are worried, to experience your peace. Help us when we fail, to have the perseverance to begin over again. Help us, when we are defeated, to accept it without excuse.
We thank you this morning, O God, for giving us space -- space to grow and toddle and fall, space to dance and dream, space to be alone, space to make connections, space to run toward another or to walk away, space to be and do, to love and to laugh, to risk and become.
Thank you, God, for all who share our space: spouses, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, adversaries and competitors, critics and supporters.
Thank you, God, for filling the space with: music and art, good work to do, purpose and passion.
Open us up to exploration of all the space you have given us, and open us to the task of being gracious stewards and hosts in that space.
With grateful and expectant hearts we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Benediction
Whatever has been the benefit of your presence here, keep it not to yourself, but share with others your faith, your trust, and your hope; and the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.
Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Pastoral Prayer
Holy and Eternal God, out of the storms of the world we come into this quiet place to worship you, our abiding refuge. Thanks be to you for silence which enfolds strength and tranquility leading us to things deep and true. Meet with us here in the inner place of our spirits and refresh us with your living presence.
We find that life is often difficult Lord. It seems that a storm is usually either coming or going, and that the periods of sunshine are all too brief.
Help us when we are disappointed, to accept it without bitterness. Help us, when we are insulted, to reject the temptation to respond in kind. Help us, when we are in pain, to endure it with patience. Help us, when we are worried, to experience your peace. Help us when we fail, to have the perseverance to begin over again. Help us, when we are defeated, to accept it without excuse.
We thank you this morning, O God, for giving us space -- space to grow and toddle and fall, space to dance and dream, space to be alone, space to make connections, space to run toward another or to walk away, space to be and do, to love and to laugh, to risk and become.
Thank you, God, for all who share our space: spouses, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, adversaries and competitors, critics and supporters.
Thank you, God, for filling the space with: music and art, good work to do, purpose and passion.
Open us up to exploration of all the space you have given us, and open us to the task of being gracious stewards and hosts in that space.
With grateful and expectant hearts we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Benediction
Whatever has been the benefit of your presence here, keep it not to yourself, but share with others your faith, your trust, and your hope; and the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.
