a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
The scent of the Bread of Heaven has called us together
For when we pray, a window to heaven is opened
Let the joy of the feast to come fill you in this place
For whenever we gather at this table, we are filled to overflowing with God’s love
The Holy Bread we share with each other, for God’s gifts are for sharing
In sharing with one another, we see the face of Christ. Let us worship God!
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, Okla.
Holy Spirit, lift these words from the pages of scripture like the aroma of freshly baked bread. Help us to hunger for these words, to be fed by your grace, and to share what you offer with all of your children on this earth. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, Okla.
We exalt you, O God our Sovereign,
and we bless your name forever and ever.
Every day proclaims your blessing,
and lifetime after lifetime sings praise to your name.
To you, whose greatness never ends,
we lift these prayers for your beloved people.
We pray for children and generations yet to come,
that they may know and praise your works with joy.
We pray for elders who ponder your glorious splendor,
that they may rejoice in your marvelous works.
We pray for those who have little to depend on except your might,
that all your people may have everything they need.
We pray for those who are sick, suffering, or grieving,
that their lives might bear the mark of your great goodness
and that, healed and whole, they may sing of your righteous deeds.
We pray to you, for you are gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
We pray to you, in the name of the risen Christ,
in whom we pray together:
The Lord’s Prayer
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
O Lord, you are our shepherd;
we shall not be in want.
Your creative grace is visible in lush green pastures
and revealed in still, clear waters.
Your restoring resurrecting Spirit revives our souls and our communities,
and you guide us in ways of righteousness for the sake of your earth.
We pray for the earth you create and love:
for people, families, nations, and species that dwell in the valley of the shadow of death;
for all who fear the evils of pollution, violence, depredation, and illness;
for those whose suffering is on our hearts this morning, and for those whom we will never meet.
Shepherding God, be with your people;
with your rod and your staff, restore us and lead us.
Spread your table of abundance before those who hunger and thirst;
set us free from enmity and division.
Anoint us with your calling to reconciliation,
and let the cup of our life overflow
with justice and life for all your creation.
Let your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life,
and make this earth your home forever,
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Call to Confession
Sometimes we must let go of our nets in order to follow Jesus.
Let us confess our reluctance to follow,
and examine what we must let go of in order to follow Jesus.
Prayer of Confession
We confess that we do not often know what to confess, O Lord. We are so consumed by our own projects that we don’t always hear your voice. We know that you speak through the suffering of others, the curiosity of one who needs to know they are not alone, and the opportunity to demonstrate love and forgiveness. Help us, Lord, to know our faults and turn from them. Hear us now, even as we confess our own unwillingness to hear you.
(silent prayer)
Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.
Guide us in the true way of life as we follow you today. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Zach Sasser, First Presbyterian Church, Lafayette, Louisiana
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