a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
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 do praise you, O Lord, at all times,
and our souls boast in you.
From the beginning, you have reached down to the depths
and lifted your people into new relationship with you.
You shine your light on the world, and we are radiant with your joy.
When we cried out to you, drowning in our sins,
you heard us and came to us in Jesus Christ.
Through his life, death, and resurrection,
you have delivered your people from every trouble.
Therefore, we join with the faithful of every nation,
singing joyfully to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy…
You are great and holy, O God, and blessed is our Lord Jesus.
By his grace, you have provided for all your people,
and we have all we need.
Pour out then your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and cup
that we have taken from your bounty,
that as we eat and drink in Jesus’ name,
we might taste and see that the Lord is good indeed.
Let your eyes remain on your people, and listen to our prayer.
More than that, walk with us as we take refuge in you,
so we might carry your good news to the brokenhearted
and lift up those who are crushed in spirit.
Bind us to you and to all your people, now and forever,
in the name of Jesus, with whom we pray, saying together:
The Lord’s Prayer
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
Holy and beloved God, though we wander from your path as though we don’t have a care in the world, it is you who protects us and guides us back. When we would choose falsehood, tighten your belt of truth around us. When we would be corrupted by the world, cover us with your long-sleeved shirt of righteousness that reminds us of your purity. When we would walk into tall grass wearing sandals, cover our feet with your boots, ready to take the Gospel of Peace even to the den of snakes. When thorns and stickers would wound us, protect us with your bluejeans of faith. When our heads would get hot and our tempers rise, cool us with your wide-brimmed hat of salvation, reminding us that nothing separates us from you. When we would throw rocks in anger, show us the rod of your Spirit, the Word of God, who reminds us to love our enemies and heal their wounds. Walk with us in our journey, and help us to be in step with you and in you, wherever you lead us. Amen.
(Based on Ephesians 6, the Armor of God, for Ordinary 21B)
submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Ancho + Corona Presbyterian Churches, New Mexico
People of God,
you were set apart even before you came into being,
to proclaim the goodness and grace of our God,
in word and in deed, wherever you go.
Go out into the world this week, sharing God’s love with all people
in Jesus’ name.
And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit,
be with you, now and forever. Amen
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Marion, IA
To you, O Lord, we call out for help,
for you are our rock and our fortress.
Listen to the prayers we raise before you today.
Rescue those who are under the power of injustice and cruelty,
and cleanse our hearts of the desires that do violence against your people.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Protect and nurture the young,
who are just learning the promise of your constant presence;
keep them safe and cover them with your gracious love.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Let your mercy surround those who are old,
especially those whose health or mind or family fail them;
let your strength lift them up, and let your praises be on their lips.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Stand with all who seek to serve you faithfully.
Give them steadfast hope by the power of your Holy Spirit,
and let them celebrate the righteous acts you do through them day after day.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Reveal yourself in family and community gatherings this week,
that as loved ones gather together for Thanksgiving,
each generation may tell another about the wonders of your love.
Bless and watch over all who travel.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Revive and comfort those who face trouble and calamity among us,
and let your healing presence be with all who are ill (especially ___).
Bring your people up from the depths, to your honor.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
Show your faithfulness to those who face death or walk in the shadow of grief (especially ___).
Strengthen your people to sing your praises even in the darkness,
and watch over the souls of all who rest in you.
O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge.
God our rock, we call to you now and always,
trusting in the name of Jesus the Christ,
who taught us to pray as we say together:
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Marion, IA
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