2nd
Quarter 2002
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 104:24-35)
Leader: O Lord, how wonderful are all Your works! In wisdom You have made all that is; the earth is full of Your creatures.
People: You created them when You sent forth Your Spirit; and with Your Spirit, You renew all the world.
Leader: May the glory of Lord endure forever; may God rejoice in all that God has made.
People: Bless the Lord, all people! Praise the Lord!
Prayer of Confession
God of life and growth, You gave birth to the church amid excitement and power when the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost. But we have failed to seek that same Spirit. All too often we have become bland and boring. The world yawns at the words we speak, and frequently they find our worship dull and lifeless. Instead of seeing us healing the sick and bringing good news to the poor, those around us are far more likely to see us having bake sales and running car washes. Forgive us for the ways that we have fallen short. Fill us once again with Your Spirit, that we may live as Your committed and faithful people. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Heavenly Lord, take our gifts and breathe upon them. Fill them with life, so that they might be used to carry the good news of Your gospel to the furthermost reaches of the earth. And breathe upon us, so that our lives might be a daily offering of thanks as we bear witness to Your abundant goodness. In the name of our Spirit-filled Savior we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
God of power, on this Day of Pentecost, come and set our hearts on fire. Kindle in us a renewed desire to serve You and to announce Your good news to all people. Burn away our sense of complacency, which causes us to rest on the laurels of yesteryear while we ignore the new opportunities that still lie ahead. Spark in us a fervent longing to have that same Spirit at work in our midst that was at work in the midst of those first disciples.
Holy Lord, we are people who take pride in our nation. We sing the praises of this country, which shines as a beacon of freedom, hope, and liberty. But keep us ever mindful that Your Lordship goes far beyond the borders of our republic. Your concern is for all people, for every race and nationality, that they might have the opportunity to hear the good news and be included as members of Your body. Therefore, do not allow us to be content with merely focusing upon ourselves, upon those already within the church. Rather keep us constantly vigilant to reach out to everyone, for alone you are the God and Father of us all. We offer our prayers in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
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