2nd
Quarter 2002
Call to Worship (Psalm 100:1-3)
Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
People: Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Prayer of Confession
David proclaims that you are our Shepherd, but the words of the prophet describe us best, "All we like sheep have gone astray." Forgive us for wandering from your fold, following the paths of our selfish desires. Forgive us for our blindness when we fail to see the goodness in our fellow sheep, or the wisdom in your word that calls us to love others as much as ourselves. Forgive us for eating at the table of your abundance and neglecting the poverty of so many others. Renew us by your Spirit so that our eyes will be opened and we will see the beauty and challenge of your Son's call to serve, received in our baptism. In the name of the One who died that we might live and see, Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Compared to the sacrifice of your Son on the cross, our gifts seem anything but sacrifices. May each of these gifts truly symbolize the intention of the giver to honor and serve you in thought word and deed, not only here in this your house, but throughout the coming days of this week, wherever you might send us. Amen
Pastoral Prayer (based on Psalm 23)
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
People: We thank you, gracious and ever-loving God, that in good and bad times you lead us, and even carry us when our strength fails.
Leader: He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
People: For your guidance in the past when we could not see the way, we give you thanks.
Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
People: We praise your name for the comfort and reassurance that you have brought to us through the ministry of your word and the loving concern of fellow believers.
Leader: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
People: In the midst of danger, as well as at times of ease, you have provided for our daily needs.
Leader: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
People: Amen, Lord, may this be so, that we, and all who love and serve you, might always feel close to you, never wandering from your paths, but joyfully sharing in spreading the Good News of your eternal love and guardianship. In the name of the Good Shepherd we pray, Amen.
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