Prayers 2 21 99
Call to Worship
We have entered into the season of Lent.
We are here to worship the God of all creation.
We gather to remember God’s revelation in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Pastoral Prayer
God’s grace comes to us as a gift. We cannot earn it, but we can reject it. When we are responsive to God’s leading, when we open our lives to God in prayer, when we turn from our relentless pursuit of personal gains, when we embrace the obedience of Christ, we may recognize the abiding gifts of the Spirit. Happy are those who accept God’s forgiveness! Let us pray.
O Holy God, as this season of reflection and preparation begins, we turn to you seeking direction for our journey through the disappointments and trials of life. You are the hiding place for us in all times of trouble. Your steadfast love surrounds us amid the storms and distresses we face. Your Word, Jesus Christ is the guide to us, and your counsel instructs us in the way we should go.
We confess our transgressions before you. We resent limits on our freedom to follow the impulses of the moment. We want life to revolve around us. We want other people to fit into the patterns that serve us best. When we see this in our lives and in our world, we realize why there are wars and human misery. Be with the Kurds people who are desperately searching for a homeland that they can call their own. Influence the peace process in Kosovo and the Serbs in order to bring about reconciliation and the cessation of fighting. May we find in our own hearts the conviction to work for peace throughout your world.
Come into our lives and world today. Reveal your love and care so that we might sense your healing presence in our midst. Your people come before you today with hearts that are heavy-laden needing rest and restoration. We pray for your Aprielle Chan who needs strength and courage to take each day at a time to repair the damages on her right side. Give Alvin the patience and encouragement to help Aprielle at this time of physical therapy. We pray for your dear child, Helen Chan during this most difficult time in her life and for her family. If it is your will, grant her signs of recovery and vitality. We believe that what may be impossible and unthinkable for us, is all possible with you. Walk with Ed and his family during this coming week as they face hard decisions about the future. We pray for Edward Cheng’s father as he struggles for life. Touch him with comfort and the assurance of love. We pray for Mabel Chan’s grandparents as they both need your power and grace.
Gracious Lord, we are a true family of yours who care enough to bring each other’s concerns to you for restoration and to each other for support. Continue to be with Wes and Gordon Chan’s father, Theodore Chan, with Vivian’s grandmother who had a stroke, with Joyce Wong’s friend Tracy, with Mrs. Chen, Lujuan Norris, and Jimmy Lee.
Abide in them as you abide is us in Christian love and fellowship. Help us to be your hands and feet to bring hope and joy to those who are suffering and discouraged. The Psalmist said, “You are near to all who call, to all who call in truth.” O God, hear the cries of your people and save them.
Dear God of all people, places, and things. You are God of life and joy in the world. When we come with our transgressions and doubts, you forgive us and we are happy. We feel like shouting for joy when we are freed from the burden of our doubts and sins. Use us even with all the weaknesses that we have for your plan on earth. There is no God but you, and we are called to serve you. In the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together….
Offertory
Only in our generous sharing do we finally realize that we have enough. God has blessed us richly beyond anything we could ever deserve. Let us give with gladness.
Offertory Prayer
By your surprising grace, O God, our eyes are opened, our ears unstopped, our hearts attuned to the needs of others. We give so more people may know your acceptance and forgiveness. Amen.
Benediction
Be open each day to God’s counsel and instruction.
Learn from Christ to make difficult choices.
Let the worship of God be a part of all you do.
Serve with praise and joy every day this week. Amen.