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Ordinary Time

confession: excuses

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Speaking God, your name echoes through creation, bringing all things into being. We confess that we often act as if we can get along without you, and insist on getting our own way. We confess that we think of ourselves more highly than we ought, and also that we consider ourselves unworthy of your call—mostly so we can get out of following where you lead. When we are hard hearted and selfish, forgive us, and transform us into your likeness. When we make excuses and ignore you, forgive us and keep calling, Lord. Give us courage to answer faithfully.

~silence~

Gracious God,

speak your healing word into our lives again, that we may turn and follow you. Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, The Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL.

Confession – Blessings we cannot grasp

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God, from whom all blessings flow, forgive us when we forget we are blessed
To be alive, present in the world;
To inhale and to exhale;
To feel sun on our faces and earth beneath our feet;
To taste cool water on our parched tongues;
To share a moment or a space with another person;
To know that You are with us and will never leave;
To love and be loved by you.
Remind us that such blessings cannot be counted, but enjoyed, shared, and multiplied. When we confuse a self-centered want with blessing, when we think a blessing something we have achieved rather than received, gently turn our heads and hearts.
Bring us back to the wonders of life in your world, so close that they can never be grasped or taken or hoarded. In the name of Christ, who came that all may know your blessing, Amen.

Assurance of Grace
Beloved of God, hear the good news; let it live in you. We are heirs of God’s promise, that God is with us, that we are each loved by God as if we were the only one, that God’s blessings are always a clue to God’s love. Know that you are blessed, and live in peace.

Submitted by Rev. Laura Cunningham, Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, Pearl River, NY

confession: impatient, inconvenient, disinterested

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One: You, Lord, call us to faithfully follow where you lead.

All: We confess that we are impatient with your way. Forgive us when we take matters into our own hands, unwilling to wait for your time.

One: You, Lord, call us to open our eyes to your presence.

All: We confess that we often see you only where and when we want to see. Forgive us for ignoring you when it is convenient for us, missing your image reflected in every face, passing by your word in our midst.

One: You, Lord, call us to be carriers of your blessing for the world.

All: We confess that most often, we are interested only in blessing ourselves. Forgive us when we hoard your blessing,  and when we think we can define and limit your blessing.

~silence~

One:     Gracious God,

All:       empty us of our selfish and divisive ways, and make us again into your body, loving and serving and caring for the world. Create us anew as your image-bearers, so all may see your glory and know your good news.
We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, who offered himself as a witness to your faithful love. Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL

CTW: the gate of heaven

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One: O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

All: And not just your name, but your presence fills the whole earth with glory.

One: We see your works in earth, sea, and sky,

All: we see your image in people young and old.

One: Make this place, today, the gate of heaven,

All: that we may hear your blessing and be your people. Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL

prayer of dedication: our gifts

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God of Love, we seek to serve you.
Whether our gift is given freely or whether we hold back;
whether we offer abundantly or scrape off a portion;
whether we give joyfully or resentfully—
bless these gifts, we pray.
Lead us in your way,
so that through our gifts,
we may continue to grow
in your freedom, your abundance, and your joy.
Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Jennifer Garrison Brownell, Hillsdale Community Church – UCC, Portland, OR