Prayers for November 25, 2001

Christ the King

Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 8)

Leader: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.
People: Blessed be the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.|
Leader: Holy, Holy, Holy to the King of all creation in heaven and earth.
People: We come into Your holy presence to give our praise and honor.
Leader: We come to refresh our spirits and to renew our strength.
People: O King, shine upon us with Your great glory, joy, peace, and love.

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, this day of worship helps us to remember how we have fallen short of living in the light of Your glorious love. There seems to be so many temptations that come into our lives each day to detract us from the discerning light of our Risen King Jesus. Grant that we may find Your strong grace of forgiveness to rise above these temptations. Teach us to become sensitive to the guidance and wisdom of Your Spirit. Lead us to remember that `King Jesus is a-listening' to our every prayer for direction. In His Holy Name we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication

We come in the name of the Risen Christ, to dedicate this day for a day of worship and obedience—a day of spiritual joy and peace. Make of our day's work a small part of the Kingdom of our Lord and Christ, Who leads us by His Spirit, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Our loving, gracious God, grant that as surely as the Risen Savior has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, we may seek His healing for those burdened with grief and sorrow.

Grant that our family of faith in Your spiritual Kingdom may recognize the healing touch of the Master's hand through the medical staff of our hospitals or the kind words of a stranger. Give to those who are grieving because of loss a deep sense of Your gracious Love and Peace. Help them to discover that God is a very present help during times of trouble—That You promise to never leave us or forsake us.

In each moment of relief when we suddenly land safely after a bumpy flight or suddenly find that our child is home safe, let us remember to thank You, Dear God. Help us in that moment of relief to find You and remember that Your Spirit in with us always.

We come to You remembering these gifts, in the Name of Jesus, the Risen King. Amen.