Worship Leading 10/07

Pastoral Welcome - P. Mike

Call to Worship - Me

Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

People: For his steadfast love endures forever.

Leader: O give thanks to the God of gods,

People: For his steadfast love endures forever.

Leader: O give thanks to the Lord of lords,

People: For his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-3)

Pastoral Prayer - Me

Lord God, we know that even our most bold prayers fall short. And as we begin to come to you today we first and foremost ask that you would teach us how to pray and that we might have the boldness to live out the prayers that you have for us. God, let your light shine through us, so that others can know you. May your church be like like stained glass illumined to teach the world the grand story of the grace that you offer.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord in a world where we are crying out to feel loved,

wanted, cherished and unique. We pray that all would be well. We pray that we might come to know of your love for us. That we would see your light shining through those around us and that it would draw us closer to you and to each other. We pray for our own hearts.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for a world that thinks less of others than of self. A world where division between nations, race, religion neighbour and family leads to distrust, and fear.

Lord God even when we don’t fully believe it is possible we ask

“How could even this be made well?”

And when we are quite sure we trust in your faithful love that sustains us even when our attempts at “answers” fall short.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are experiencing the pain of personal loss,

for families who are mourning the loss of loved ones Comfort especially those who have friends and family members missing. In our own grief, help us to know that you are there with us.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the world that is searching for meaning and purpose in every single place we can find. We know that all will be well because we have seen your grace at work within these walls. Enable the work of your church with your enabling grace. Keep it close to your heartbeat. Let us be joyful in worship, warm in connection, inclusive in our response to you, bold in prayer, humble and in evangelism, and gracious in everything

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that all would be well with the spiritual leaders and church authorities, in our church, and our conference, our general church, and the church universal. That the Spirit may continue to enlighten them and grant them the grace to work in harmony, joy and love.

We pray also that all might be well with our civil authorities. Lord, grant that they may work towards justice and peace, and give them the wisdom to attend to the needs of all.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(the pray for our own stuff part)

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Visit each of us with your grace, . Dismantle our fears, build up our faith, deepen our love, clarify our goals, sharpen our insight, widen our compassion, and open our minds to the new words you wish to speak to our situation. That all will be well. When we don’t know how to share in that hope we pray a way that you taught us to pray. And we do so in community as we say together:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

Amen.

Everything Else - P. Mike