Worship Words

This is a season of trying, failing, and trying again, O God. We come to the season of Lent with such lofty goals of how we will do all the things to strengthen our relationship with you. And often by this time in Lent, we may have given up as we realize that we cannot do all things. Inspire us, Faithful God, to do what we can with your help. Awaken us to where we can grow and change and know you better. Help us to leave behind the pieces that are not important. This season is not over and there is still time and hope for us. For your love, mercy, and forgiveness, we are grateful, Holy One. Amen.

To prepare for this prayer of peace, settle yourself somewhere that brings you peace. It may be a favorite place in your home. You might go outside or sit near a window where you have a good view. And if it is not possible to move to a peaceful location to pray, close your eyes for a moment and imagine your peaceful place. Now join me in prayer.

Holy and Loving God, We your children are in need of peace today. When it feels like chaos reigns, remind us that you are in control. When our schedules and calendars no longer apply, focus us on what is most important. When the news seems grim, help us to shut off the tv, set our smart phones down, and give ourselves a break from constantly receiving instant information. We your children, O God, are in need of your peace today. When the future seems uncertain, send us your peace. When worry is our first response, send us your peace. When hope is distant, send us your peace. For your peace which passes all of our understanding, we pray. Amen

Holy One, As we observe this Lenten season, slow us down. Open us to seeing and hearing what is happening around us. Remind us that our to do lists will wait and we should spend a bit more time with you. Push us to get outside more to observe your amazing creation. With deep cleansing breaths and slower steps, we are awaiting your words for us this day. Show us that the things we see as obstacles in our path may actually be you encouraging us on a new path. Gracious God, help us to be present in each moment this week to see what will be revealed. And now, to help slow us down, we will take three deep breaths and then end this prayer with a big AMEN!

Loving God, The season of Lent has begun. Whether this is our first Lent or we have observed so many Lenten seasons that we can no longer count them, we want this to be a time we are more open to you, Gracious God. Open us to hear your voice leading us and inspiring us. Open us to see you in each other in this place and everywhere we go this Lenten season. Stir our hearts to be ready for change. We see the brokenness around us and in our own lives, so help us to be healers. We will trust in you that this Lenten season will renew us to do your work faithfully. Lead us, God, and we will follow you. Amen.

Ash Wednesday is this week. I invite you to reread An Ash Wednesday Prayer and A Reading for Ash Wednesday. This year I share a blessing as you observe Ash Wednesday.

Go as those marked as God’s beloved. Look at those you meet and remember each one is also God’s beloved.

Go knowing your days on earth are numbered. Make the most of each day you are given by showing kindness and fighting for justice.

Go to embark on this Lenten journey. Go where God sends you to do God’s work. Amen.

Good and Gracious God, We are thankful for this Christmas season. We ask your blessing on our loved ones near and far and those who live with you. As we remember the baby born, we pray for the children of this world. May they all know they are loved and may they have enough to eat and somewhere safe to lay their heads. As we welcome the Prince of Peace, help us to be people who live in peace with each other. For those who are sad and lonely this season, open our eyes to see how we can be a friend. In a world filled with noise, we take a few moments now to simply be in the silence. (time of silence). God, for your constant presence in our lives, we give you thanks. In the name of Jesus born this night, we pray. Amen.

Call to Confession-Like the ten with leprosy, let us cry out to Jesus to notice us and have mercy on us.

Prayer of Confession (in unison)-Jesus, we need you today. We need you to see us. We need you to recognize the real us. You know our faults and our failures. You know the things we did that we wish we had not done and the things we neglected to do that may have lightened the load for another. See us as we are. And then, Jesus, we cry out to you “have mercy on us”. As we pray for your mercy, hear now the silent confessions of our own hearts. (time of silent prayer). Jesus, you hear us and you see us. You hear what we are willing to say out loud and the prayers that we hold in our hearts to afraid to let anyone else know. You see and hear and you love us still. Have mercy on us, Loving Savior. Amen.

Words of Assurance-Like the ones who were healed, we have a choice. We can return to Jesus and say thank you for the gift we have been given or not. The good news I share with you is this-you are a beloved child of God who is seen and heard and forgiven. The mercy of Jesus has been poured out upon you. And now, it is your time to decide how you will respond to that gift. Using the example of the one leper who returned, you too can lead a life steeped in thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s love and forgiveness in your life.