a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
Holy One,
The space between us is too great–
this agonizing expanse between you and us:
The rift we have created by demanding our share.
The distance we have put between us as we flee to a far country.
The resentment we hold when things don’t seem fair.
Our refusal to join your gracious party.
Forgive each selfish request
each step away
each bitter thought
each joyless rejection.
Forgive us
and run toward us
with open arms.
Submitted by Rev. Joanna Harader.
God of the old and the new,
we want to embrace your new way,
but we like the old just fine.
We repeat tired ideas and resist new possibilities.
We hold on to old grudges
and resist your word of reconciliation and new life.
We are too afraid of the unknown to step out into something new.
Forgive us, loving Lord.
Help us to see the way of your new creation in our lives and our world,
that we might be reconciled to you and one another in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Submitted by Rev. Andy James, First Presbyterian Church, Whitestone, New York
One: God, you have called us into community, and gifted us with ways to celebrate your presence and to mark our journey.
All: Forgive us for the times when we have believed that our way is the only way, trusting in the words and actions rather than in the One to whom they point.
One: Through words ancient and new, you speak. Through bread and water, journey and prayer, feast and fast, you show us your way.
All: When these rituals of your people become nothing but empty rote recitation, not worth our attention, forgive us.
One: We hear your words of invitation, but sometimes we are certain they do not apply to us.
Reader 1: We are not worthy of your notice.
Reader 2: We are too smart and sophisticated for such things.
Reader 3: We aren’t sure we believe it all.
All: We are not ready, we do not understand, if you knew what we’d done…
One: And you say: You are my beloved, and I have called you by name.
All: We offer ourselves to you, O God, not because we are good, but because you are good.
sung: Kyrie Eleison
silence
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks and praise, almighty God,
for the gift of your creation,
the garden that you yourself tend,
the wonderful fruit that you invite us to share.
Even when we wandered from your ways and bore no fruit,
you kept longing and hoping and working to show us a better way,
sharing the law, the prophets, and even your own son
to deepen your love in us and help us bear the fruit you intend.
For these and all your gracious gifts, we are truly thankful.
Loving God, we are most thankful for the gift of your son Jesus, the great gardener,
who taught us how to walk in your ways and bear your fruit.
He lived for us and died for us,
and when you raised him from the dead,
he gave us too the promise of new life.
Even now he intercedes for us and shows us the possibilities of life with you.
So as we gather to share this feast,
show us his presence in these simple gifts of bread and cup.
In this holy meal, lift us up to new life in you and with you,
that we might have grace to bear the fruit you intend in the life of your Spirit—
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—
each and every day as we journey with you.
Along this journey, by the power of your Spirit,
make us one with Christ,
that we may be one with all who share this feast,
united in ministry in every place,
bearing the fruits of your mercy, grace, peace, and love.
Keep us in your ways and guide us in your paths
until you gather up all things in Christ
and we share this feast with you and all your saints
in the joy of your eternal love.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,
now and forever. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Andy James, First Presbyterian Church, Whitestone, New York
One: God, you provide beyond our imagination
All: and yet somehow, not quite up to our expectation.
One: We desire so many things, forgetting your desires.
All: We long to control what you do, how you act, who you favor.
One: But you call us to a feast full of guests we would never choose.
All: Forgive us when we act as if your giving is restricted to our pleasure.
Forgive us when we try to ration your abundance.
Forgive us when we fail to share your generosity.
One: Fill us again, O God, with your goodness, and nurture our faith,
All: that we may grow in your love.
sung: Kyrie Eleison
silence
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL.
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