2nd
Quarter 2002
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 66:8-20)
Leader: Come and bless our God! Let the sound of praise be heard in all the earth!
People: God has tested us. The Lord has led us through fire and water. But God is faithful and has delivered us.
Leader: Come and hear what God has done! Truly God listens to us; when we pray, God hears.
People: Blessed be our God; God's love for us has no end.
Prayer of Confession
O God, our Deliverer, You call us to be faithful. But we prefer security instead. You part the waters of the sea for us, yet we are afraid of getting wet. You provide our daily bread, but we are afraid there won't be enough tomorrow. You raised Jesus from the grave, but we still live in fear of death. Forgive our fearful and faithless hearts. Instill in us a new boldness, that we may courageously follow in Your way. In the name of Christ our Savior we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Creator God, all the world is the work of Your hands. But quite often we worship the things that You have fashioned, rather than You. We lust for gold and prestige. We strive to obtain the fashions that signify success. We covet that imported car or that newly released gadget. We wrongly think that if we had those things, we will be satisfied. As we offer our gifts to You, remind us once again that we will only find our true peace as we look to You and as we seek You above all else. In the name of Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
Almighty God, when we were little children in Sunday School, we were taught that if we had faith in You, You would keep us safe and protect us from all harm. As we grow older, though, we discover that a life of faith is not quite so simple and sedate. Yet even when the way becomes rocky and difficult, keep us from losing heart. Just as Moses confronted Pharaoh, give us the courage to confront the injustices in our society. Even if it means that we will be mocked and stripped of our prestige, grant us the boldness to do what is right.
Just as Noah refused to conform to the sinfulness and sordidness around him, empower us to withstand the evil forces at work around us. Even if taking a stand results in others labeling us as weird or wacky, enable us to persevere and to prepare for what is to come. And just as Jesus endured indignities and injustice, teach us how to refrain from returning evil for evil. Following in the way of Christ is certainly not an easy undertaking. But as we look to You, O God, uphold us and lead us until that day when we have completed our journey and we may share in Your glory forever. In the name of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
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