a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
Risen Christ, fill us with your Spirit
and speak peace to us through these words of scripture.
As we hear you, let our love overflow
with knowledge and insight,
and teach us to live in you,
to the glory and praise of God. Amen.
Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church. West Des Moines, IA
Lord, sin is a hard word. I try so hard.
I do not do the good I want to do.
Is sin unavoidable, so that the world can see your grace?
I do not do the good I mean to do.
The broken frustrations of the world surround me and are within me.
I seek your will, forgetting that it has found me.
I long to feel a flood of forgiveness, to be transfigured, to be different- somehow, someway.
But you made me, you know me, you love me.
Forgive my sins- what I do, what I avoid.
Forgive my sins- what I say that should go unsaid, what I hold back that should be shouted.
Forgive my sins- the successes I credit to myself, forgetting your Spirit.
Forgive my sins- the shortcomings I see in others, forgetting my own.
Forgive us. Renew us. Transfigure us.
Silence for reflection
The God of creation does not begin work only to abandon it. The good thing that God has begun in you will continue until the day of Christ’s return and, then, eternally. Hear and receive in your hearts and minds to forgiveness of all your sins, consolation for all your griefs, affirmation of your gifts, and hope for your tomorrows. All of this is true and possible, through Jesus Christ- our Savior and Lord!
AMEN.
Submitted by Rev. Julia Seymour, Lutheran Church of Hope, Anchorage AK
Call to Confession
God calls us to rest in grace, to let down our guard and be truthful about ourselves and the world. When we allow some breathing room, we can see the Spirit moving, calling us to a new way of life. Before God, with all the people of God, let us confess our brokenness and make room for healing. Let us pray.
Prayer of Confession
Your Love is hard at work, O God. Yet we resist, insisting we must do the work ourselves. We resist, unwilling to allow the undeserving to be loved. We resist, wanting to control the methods and outcomes. We forget to give thanks, instead wavering between trying harder and giving up. Forgive our hard-heartedness, and remind us that you are Love. Forgive our narrow vision, and turn us again to walk your way. Forgive our ingratitude, and open us to receive as well as give. Free us from our selfish desires, and make room for your work to grow in us.
~silence~
Assurance of Forgiveness
Hear this good news: God is at work in you. Live this truth: God’s grace is more than enough for whatever you carry. Know that you are forgiven, loved, and free.
We will rejoice and be glad! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
Christ is alive!
We will rejoice and give thanks!
God’s grace is always at work!
We will let love overflow!
The Spirit is speaking yet again!
We will join our voices in proclaiming the good news!
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
recent comments