1st
Quarter 2001-2002
Invocation
Holy God, You sent Your Son into the world as a sign of Your infinite love. Yet the world responded with hate and violence. As we today seek to be Jesus' disciples, as we seek to follow in his way, grant that we may have the courage to face resistance and even persecution. In trying times, keep us faithful to You. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
God of grace, the prophets of old were stoned and beaten. Jesus was mocked and crucified. And the disciples were harassed and imprisoned. Yet we desire lives of pleasure and ease. When it comes to living our faith, we avoid controversy. When opposition arises, we grow silent. When hardship appears on the horizon, we abandon You and pursue other paths. Almighty Lord, forgive our fears and apprehensions. By Your Spirit, strengthen us and make us bold disciples. In the name of our Savior we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Creator God, across the centuries men and women have offered great sacrifices in order to be Your faithful followers. They have yielded their personal security, their comfort, even their very lives for the sake of Your service. By Your Spirit, enable us to join in having that same deep commitment. Do not allow us to hold anything back from You. For You are our one true hope. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
God of compassion, many of us live in lands where our faith often comes with little cost. As we live for You each day, those around us are more likely to respond to us with yawns than with beatings. But even though at times it is difficult for us even to imagine what real persecution would be like, open our eyes to the genuine abuse and hardship that is inflicted upon Christians throughout the world every day. We especially pray for those living their faith amid the constant fear of being thrown in prison if they admit to following Jesus in public.
We pray for Christians who must gather for worship in secret, for fear of arrest and reprisals. We pray for Christians who are ostracized by family and friends, because they have chosen to follow Jesus, a decision which causes them to be looked upon as infidels. We pray for Christians who are beaten, who have their homes burned to the ground, and who are even murdered because of their commitment to their Lord. Heavenly Father, uphold Your church through times of trial. Deliver Your people from evil. Especially in those dark hours, shine Your light upon us and give us hope. We ask this in the name of our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.
