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confession: So far…

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So far, O God – we are so far from what you have called us to be.  We are eaten up with judgment and self-righteousness.  We are buried in selfishness, ego, and pride.  We have let your world be full of war and violence.  We allow some to go without while we and others have plenty.  We have been silent instead of speaking, or spoken harshly instead of your word of peace.  We are so very far from what you intended when you made us and breathed your life into us.

We have not been faithful to your call and steadfast in pursuing your way.  At least not so far.

Help us, save us, forgive us, make us new.  Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Betsy Turner, Luther Hays Presbyterian Church, Hayston, Georgia

CTW: citizens of a kingdom

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We come before the God of resident and alien, native and sojourner –
As Adam and Eve fled the Garden,
As Noah drifted rudderless,
As Abraham and Sarah fled famine, followed God, and journeyed everywhere but home

The God whose call knows no borders –
As Israel and Joseph were reunited and reconciled as refugees in Egypt
As Moses, a refugee was saved from death
As the Hebrews fled Egypt without time even to bake bread

The God of refuge, who chooses the poor –
Whose Law a dozen times demands justice for native and alien alike,
Who calls us to leave the gleanings for the poor and refugee,
For whom Cities of Refuge were built to house all those fleeing persecution

We come before this very God, citizens in a Kingdom that is alien to the world –
Called to love strangers as God does,
To follow Jesus the refugee who fled persecution
And to offer hospitality to all; to welcome as we have been welcomed.

 
Submitted by Rev. Doug Hagler, First Presbyterian Church, Phoenixville, PA

POP: hear and provide

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Giver of every good thing,

we praise you for the abundant goodness of your creation.

In the love of Jesus Christ,

you have opened our eyes to those who are yet in need,

for whom we pray now.

For all who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, or in need;

that there might truly be enough, through the sharing of your gifts.

God of grace, hear and provide.

For those who suffer from illness, disaster or violence;

that your faithful ones might recognize their kin

and seek peace and healing.

God of grace, hear and provide.

For those who work long hours and endure harsh conditions,

and for all who struggle to provide for their families;

that their deepest needs might be fully met.

God of grace, hear and provide.

For those who seek to be faithful

and find the work challenging or unsafe;

that you would reveal your presence among all your people.

God of grace, hear and provide.

God of grace,

we lift our prayers and call on you,

trusting in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ,

in whom we pray together, saying..

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, IA

confession: the earth is yours

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The earth is yours, O Lord,

and everything in it belongs to you.

We confess that we have treated “our own” as exclusive property

and cut off those in need from the gift of your abundance.

We have ignored orphans, widows, and foreigners,

as if there were someone else to care for them.

We confess that we have not looked closely enough at others,

and we have failed to see in our own lives

the abundant gift of your love.

Forgive us.

Restore us to wholeness,

and call us back to your way,

through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids IA

Dedication: not to earn favor…

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We thank you, God of abundance,

for the privilege of sharing your blessings with others.

We dedicate these gifts to you,

not to earn your favor or make a point,

but simply out of gratitude

for the amazing goodness you pour out on us.

Thanks be to you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids IA