a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
O God…we are thankful
that you have created this colorful world…
that you have invited us to see the world through your eyes…
and that you trust us enough to join you in the creative process.
Through the stories we hear today,
may your light shine brightly on our path
as we strive to fulfill your hope for all creation
through Jesus Christ, our Lord…
Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Scott V. Cervas (Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church; Lexington, KY)
Beloved, we have heard and trusted in
the good news of Jesus Christ.
Go now into the world to do and see still greater things,
to open heaven upon earth
and bear witness to eternal life today;
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
We rejoice in you, O God,
all the earth rejoices and sings glory to your name;
we sing praise and glory to you, O God.
As Christ’s beauty shines forth,
we praise your great salvation
and celebrate the merciful love that reconciles us to you.
As the new year dawns around us,
we pray for the welfare of the earth:
for the healing of the climate;
for the preservation of the beauty and balance of nature;
for the lives of the creatures whose very being sings your praises.
As Christ calls us into renewed discipleship,
we pray for the needs of your people everywhere:
for the forgiveness and redemption of the sins that bind and wound us;
for the deliverance of those who face chaos, despair, and sorry;
for the comfort and courage of all who mourn or face death.
We pray for the lives of the nations:
keep watch, Sovereign,
and teach us to work for justice and lasting peace.
We bless you, O God,
and we join all peoples in praising you,
in the name of Jesus our Savior, our Lord. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Lord Jesus, you are the Messiah, the savior of the world.
We dedicate these earthly things to your use,
that they and all the world might shine with your light.
We celebrate the gift of life abundant,
in your holy name. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Holy God,
in the midst of our stillness, let your Spirit move;
through the sound of sheer silence, may we hear you whisper;
to the rhythm of creation, set the beating of our hearts;
and with the words of these stories we hear today,
teach us the lyrics to your song
Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Scott V. Cervas, Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church (Lexington, KY)
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