Prayers 1 3 99
Call to Worship
Have you seen the star? Have you heard the good news?
God, who created all things, has come to earth.
We have heard of a baby born in Bethlehem.
We have seen evidence that God is with us.
Invocation
Arise upon us, holy God, and let your glory appear over us today. Come in the brightness of your dawn to bring light to all the nations of earth. Gather us together in such harmony that we may discern your will for us and be led in your ways. Fill us with radiant joy that allows us to reflect your goodness. Let all people praise you, O God. Let our praise resound through all the world! Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
Let us join our hearts in prayer this morning.
O Mighty and Everlasting Father God, through the mystery of your mercy, you have called us to be servants of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We marvel that you have moved us to be caretakers of the gift of the gospel. Thank you for your continuing faith in us to serve you through this church.
You said, ‘Let there be light,’ and the earth began to blossom with all forms of life. You named Jesus, “Light of the World,” and our lives came to birth and life in wondrous ways. Your light, precious God, takes our hands, leads us on, lets us stand for the Word made flesh. There are days when your eternal purpose for this time and this world are not clear to us. It is clouded by anxiety of profession and family, finance and education, moving and staying, and pain and suffering. We are fixed on these and forgetful that we have access to you in boldness and confidence through faith in Jesus, the Light of the World.
Among our church family, we think about those who are in need of prayer and continued support. We ask for strength and healing when our bodies are overworked and are in need of rest and regeneration. There are some who are searching for new directions and purpose for living, give us guidance and clarity of mission to do what your plan is for our lives. We pray all of these things because we know that you answer prayers and that when we trust you with all of our troubles and concerns, you help us through them.
Help us fall on our knees like the Magi. Even with all their knowledge of science did not blind them to the mystery made known to them in the face of the Christ Child. In that face, they saw your wisdom shining as light to guide them in their search for truth. In the face of Jesus, they saw a bright morning star who would bless their day with a mystery of hope. In the glowing face of Jesus, they perceived a love which was gracious enough to be the redeemer of humankind. Come, Light of the World, and in your light may we see eternal life.
As we begin the new year, we pray for your blessings on our lives and on this church. May we remain faithful to your Word, who taught us to pray together, Our Father…
Offertory
Let us not grow weary in doing what is right. Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
Offertory Prayer
We pray, O God, that these gifts be accepted as the symbols of our lives. For as we dedicate these gifts, so do we consecrate our lives to your service. Amen.
Communion
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser…. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”
Bread
The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Cup
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Prayers
Benediction
Gracious God, at your table through the bread and the cup you have brought us once again to a remembrance of Jesus the Christ. Grant that as we leave this time of worship the memory of him may be to us a guiding light as we walk the path of our daily life. Amen.