Prayers 1 24 99
Call to Worship
God is our light and our salvation.
God is our stronghold; we need not fear.
Come, behold the beauty of our God.
Come to find shelter in the house of the Lord!
Invocation
Shine on us today, gracious God, for we need the light and salvation you offer. Come to each one gathered here, and to all who are a part of this community of faith. Come to our city, our nation, our world, to still the quarrels and dissolve the enmity among us. Come with good news of health and wholeness for everyone. Do not cast us off, do not forsake us, O God of our salvation. Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
Dear Loving and Heavenly Father God, we rejoice before you today, for our burdens are being lifted, and the yoke of oppression is broken. You free us to see your beauty and to share in the ministries through this church community. You liberate our spirits to appreciate the value of our own lives and to treasure the lives of others as we share this existence on your earth.
We come this day as it is in other days, to have our lives turn around, O God. Help us to identify in ourselves those parts of us that need to change if we are to experience your joy. Too long we have been hiding in the shadows, reluctant to express our faith. Too long we have shunned the light, afraid of what might be exposed. Too long we have avoided people with whom we have a quarrel, refusing to build bridges across our differences. Save us from ourselves so that we may enjoy your heaven on earth.
Dear God of healing and making all things new, we pray this morning for the health and recovery of Virginia Toy who continues to make small but important gains toward getting better. We ask for your mercies on Deanna Wong as she recovers from her falls and bless her with your love and care that you and we can provide as her family of faith. Today, we also pray for our friend Lela Crockett who has given so much of herself in Christian camping. May these days of facing bone cancer be less painful and graced with your mercies. We pray fervently because we believe that when we trust our lives in your hands, that your will be done according to your wonderful plan for our lives and for our world.
O mighty creator, God, we are thankful for the many undeserved and welcoming surprises that you have granted us with. Truly, you continue to bless our lives, our families and friends, and this church in San Francisco with gifts, and talents, and resources, that we must rededicate to perform your ministries around the world. We hear Christ’s compelling call to discipleship. Grant us the courage to follow, to leave behind the distractions and lesser loyalties, to make central doing your work in this world. We have good news to share that is healing and life-giving. Unite us in Christ to serve in his name that we pray together, “Our Father….”
Offertory
What can we do to send the message of the cross to those who think it is foolishness? How can Jesus’ Great Adventure be played by all people, both within and far beyond this church? One way is through the sharing of resources God has given us—our time, talent, and treasure. Let us give with joy!
Offertory Prayer
Let these gifts follow Christ’s lead into the lives of people who live in hope. Show us how to be instruments of your peace. Ready us to follow Jesus, to make an offering of ourselves, not just our money. Teach us so we may teach others. Heal us so we can become instruments of healing. To these purposes we dedicate this offering and our lives. Amen.
Benediction
People of light, turn to face a new week.
People of joy, enter your daily routines empowered.
People of unity, seek to overcome divisions.
People of commitment, dare to follow Jesus. Amen.