Sunday Prayers: Romans 4:1–5, 13–17, James 2:14–26
Call to Worship
One: We are called to a life of faith.
All: However we may answer that call, God is listening.
One: We are called to a life of renewal.
All: Whenever we lose our way, God is patient and forgiving.
One: We are called to a life of service.
All: For both our needs and our talents, God inspires and strengthens.
One: We are called to a life of love.
All: God forever loves us and abides with us, as we are and where we are.
Prayer of Confession
One: Gracious and forgiving God, as we journey through Lent, turn our hearts towards you, that we may love you more faithfully and follow you more actively.
Two: We confess before you now that we do not always love others as you ask us to.
All: We offer words in place of action. We are too quick to judge and too slow to accept; too quick to anger and too slow to repent. Lord, have mercy.
One: We confess that we love our own comforts more than we should.
All: We reserve our time and our abilities, for our own benefit. We hold back our money and material gifts despite the needs of others. Lord, have mercy.
Two: We confess that we struggle to love you with all our heart, mind and soul.
All: We chase our own plans instead of seeking your purpose. We follow other values that pull us away from your word. Lord, have mercy.
Assurance of Forgiveness
One: Have faith. Hold fast. God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Two: God affirms his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. So that in every day, grace reigns for us through our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we can declare:
All: Our sins are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Offering of Ourselves & Our Gifts
Our faith teaches us that we are not saved or justified through what we do, but only through the immensity of God’s love. That does not mean however, that we are left alone to do nothing. Through the love and blessings we receive, we are called to respond with gratitude and service, affirming that even the smallest gift offered in love is sacred in God’s eyes.
Offering Prayer
Active and ever-working God,
Stir our hearts that in our living we may show our faith.
Inspire us to give, to feed the hungry in our communities.
Raise us up to serve, to welcome the newcomer and nourish the regular.
And awaken us to love, to heal the hurt and suffering in our world.
Accept this offering as a sign of our faith in your abundant love, and our hope in your eternal grace. Accept our thanks that you strengthen us for the work you call us to, and support us in our times of need and struggle.
Bless us today with your mercy and renew us for the days ahead.
Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
God of hope and healing,
We bring before you now our hurts and scars, our desires and dreams, and we ask for your care.
In prayerful faith, we think of those who are lonely. We pray for those who have lost loved ones or are grappling with the failing of a relationship. Assist those who create community and stimulate connection. Guide us to reach out in acceptance and friendship.
One: Loving God, in our time of need:
All: Deepen our faith and strengthen our works.
In prayerful faith, we grieve the damage in our world. We pray for the suffering caused by the war in Ukraine, and we pray for peace. We pray for the suffering in Turkey and Syria, and we pray for aid. Renew those who work to rebuild and make whole. Guide us to foster harmony and understanding.
One: Loving God, in our time of need:
All: Deepen our faith and strengthen our works.
In prayerful faith, we lament all those who live in fear. We pray for those wrestling with damaging relationships. We pray for those worried about their next pay cheque or meal. Build up those who strive to lessen the struggle of others. Guide us to offer compassion and sanctuary.
One: Loving God, in our time of need:
All: Deepen our faith and strengthen our works.
In prayerful faith, we bring before you all that is on our mind and weighing us down.
Sustain us on our travels, both near and far. Guide us to follow your path.
One: Loving God, in our time of need:
All: Deepen our faith and strengthen our works.
Sanctify us with your grace and sustain us in your peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Go into this new week, renewed to serve and to love and to learn. May God bless your thoughts, your words and your deeds that by your living others may recognize God in you and in the world. And may God nourish your faith that you may know God’s peace through God’s eternal grace. Amen.
