As we come to your word this day, O God, make peace in our hearts so that we may truly hear you, and follow you, for it is in serving you that we find life abundant. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
TeriP
confession: easier
Call to Confession
If we say we have no sin, we deceive only ourselves, and we leave no room for God’s truth to dwell in us. When we confess our sin, we are able to experience the abundant mercy of God’s everlasting grace, right here and right now. Before God, with the people of God, let us confess to our brokenness. Let us pray.
Prayer of Confession
All: God, your will is for all creation to have abundant life. We confess that sometimes we do not understand your way, and often we prefer to walk our own way. We confess that sometimes we have received your good gift, then allowed that gift to become our god. We confess that it is easier to ask you to bless what we want to do, rather than to ask for the courage to do what you are blessing. Forgive our hard hearts and closed minds, our selfish ambition and cultural bondage. Free us to follow your way of justice, peace, and love.
~silence~
Gracious God,
silence every voice in us but your own, that we may be your faithful people. We pray in the name of the One who lived every moment in obedience to you, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. From before the beginning until long beyond our imagination, God’s love endures. Know that you are forgiven, loved and free. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
CTW: in the midst of life
One: God calls in the midst of our busy lives,
All: with a soft whisper, a clear voice, a gentle nudge, a striking view.
One: God calls in the midst of our busy lives,
All: asking us to come and follow, to lay down our nets and pick up the cross.
One: God calls in the midst of our busy lives,
All: giving everything and asking for everything.
One: God calls in the midst of our busy lives,
All: and so we come.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
illumination: creating word
God, by a word you created all things. May your word, living and active, create us anew this day, making us again in your image. Amen.
submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
CTW: all things…
One: Light and dark, sea and sky, all things vast and intricate,
All: These God created.
One: People and communities, ecosystems and empty space,
All: These God created.
One: Large and small, simple and complex,
All: God called it good.
One: All that is seen and unseen is filled with God’s creative energy,
All: and God called it good.
One: In the beginning, God created.
All: Still God creates today, in us and around us and through us,
and behold: it is very good.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
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