a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
Leader: There are storms surrounding us,
People: Furious waves and biting wind
Leader: We fear that God does not care
People: which frightens us more than the storms
Leader : Be Quiet. Be Still. God is with us.
People: Come into the calm, there is no fear here.
All: Let us live in faith!
Submitted by Christy Ramsey.
Beloved God, it is often hard for us to see anything special in something so small as a seed. We look at others we encounter in our lives, and think, “How could they be worthy of love?” But you call us, again and again, to shower love upon the world – on the impressive flowers and on the tiny seeds. Help us to see each other as you see us – needing your grace poured out, and through your grace, being worthy of your love. Help us to grow into sheltering plants, able not only to rise toward your outpouring of grace and love, but to point others to your life-giving light. Amen.
~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
Have mercy on us, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
cleanse this world and all our lives,
that we might shine with the glory of your love.
We call for your mercy in our own lives,
for forgiveness of what we have done or left undone
that violates your image in every human life.
O God, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We call for your mercy on those from whom we are estranged,
by our own fault or despite our deepest hopes,
that your reconciliation may bind us together again.
O God, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We call for your mercy on all who seek your truth,
that the seeds of wisdom would take root in every heart,
and that knowledge would bring joy and gladness.
O God, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We seek your mercy on those whose hearts fail them –
or their minds, their joints, their balance, their health –
that your healing power would be with them and restore them to life.
O God, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We seek our mercy on this church,
that we would be strengthened in love for one another
and for all your people,
united in service and understanding.
O God, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We seek your mercy on all your world, in every part of our lives,
calling upon your grace in Jesus’ name,
for we pray together in him, saying:
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Marion, IA
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