Sunday Prayers, loosely based on Jeremiah 29:11
Call to Worship
One: I paused my game to be here.
All: We stopped doing our chores, and switched off the TV; we put our other plans on hold.
One: I put down my to-do list.
All: We left the laundry for later; told our email to wait.
One: And in the pause, we come to abide with you,
welcoming and inviting God.
Help us, Lord:
All: To pause our anxiety and fear; to pause the selfishness that pulls us away from you.
One: Guide us, Lord:
All: To find your presence in our lives; to share your peace in our relationships; to feel your hope in our prayers.
One: Fill our hearts today with your eternal grace,
All: As we pause to worship you, our loving God.
Opening Prayer
Ever-present God, we reflect today on the glory and wonder of your unending love for us. We give thanks for the magnitude of your perspective, and we treasure the moments when we are aware of your intervention in our lives. Your care is humbling and awe-inspiring, that amidst the vastness of creation, you act for us. We remember with gratitude your healing of our brokenness; the unmerited forgiveness you so generously provide. And we acknowledge our essential helplessness, turning our worries over to your loving protection. Help us to trust and affirm your support and compassion, that we may find peace in your promises to us. Amen.
Offering Prayer
Compassionate God, we recognize so many people around the world who lack a future with hope, who are suffering with little prospect of change. Use the gifts we offer before you today to bring peace, nourishment and encouragement to those whose outlook is bleak. Inspire us to give and serve in your name to restore our broken communities. Amen.
