a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
Holy God,
you upend the wisdom of the world
by raising as your scepter
the cross of Jesus Christ.
You offer abundance through sacrifice
and call us to hold fast to your love
by giving ourselves to one another.
Receive these gifts as signs of our participation in your kingdom,
so that all the world can know the life of Christ,
in whom we pray together, saying…
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
God of Grace and Mercy, wide and deep
Since the beginning, Your creative power has been poured out in abundance
With every pat and piece:
sky, earth, and sea,
mountain valley and plains,
trees rock, rivers,
birds, fish, creeping things
Woman, man, and child
Having room, having a role, having a purpose that you called good.
Yet we acknowledge how we, created in your image, took a mile whenever we were given an inch, distorting your intent, polluting your creation, turning away from your call.
So our gratitude is great not only for your act of creation in the beginning but your ongoing action of love, revealed again in abundance through prophets and poets, nomads wandering the wilderness and sages studying in the temple, women and men of faith in every time and place who sought to redirect our steps back to your wide embrace.
But our deepest thanks is for your son, our savior, and brother Jesus Christ, who was himself the bread of life that restored, redeemed, and renewed us; who taught us how to live, how to die, and how we also can live again according to your promise of everlasting life.
As we gather around the table he has prepared for us, may we make room for his word again in our lives and room also always for one more. Breathe your Holy Spirit upon the gifts of the table and upon us so that the bread we break and the cup might be a true communion of your body, unified yet unique and ready to share your love with the world.
May that love continue to be poured out in acts of mercy and hospitality, in our actions after we leave this meal. May we share gifts of joy, generosity, and grace so that all may know peace, dignity, and have room to belong, to grow, to serve.
And even when we are apart, may we continue to trust in our ongoing unity with one another, with all who gather at table today, and with your ever present Spirit, until at last the day comes when we will feast together face to face in the time and place you have promised. For we make our payer in your Holy name. Amen.
submitted by Rev. Ben Acton, First Presbyterian Church of Garner, NC
O Lord, your word guides our feet
and shines on the path we travel.
We are committed to faithfully living out
your righteousness for those who are in need.
We pray for those who struggle to believe;
whose heart, mind, or conscience is deeply troubled.
Fulfill your steadfast promises,
accept even our uncertain praises,
and build us up in your perfect way.
We pray for those who live with danger, worry, or sickness.
Give us your healing, your comfort, and your hope.
Teach us your good news again,
free us from the snares of doubt,
and guide us in faithfulness even when times are hard.
We rejoice in your lasting promises,
and we long to show ourselves faithful to you always,
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams (he/him), Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
O Lord our sovereign, we praise your holy name!
From the vast expanse of the plains, to the glory of the heavens,
to the insistent cry of an infant,
the whole creation praises you.
We marvel at the beautiful moon and the countless stars;
yet, with humble confidence,
we trust that you attend to the whole universe
and also to each individual life, no matter how small.
Give your attention to these specific lives we name before you…
Reach down to us,
lift us up from the dust,
and breathe life into us once again.
Tend to all people who are in need,
to all the plants and animals who sustain us,
to the wild animals and natural wonders who enrich our lives,
and to those creatures we forget or ignore.
O Lord our sovereign, we praise your holy name!
Let your love be known throughout the earth,
in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray…
The Lord’s Prayer
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
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