Prayer of Praise: –

(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p209, An Australian Prayer Book p249, Opening Prayers p97, Moira Laidlaw Liturgies On-Line Year A Pentecost 11) 

  Almighty God, we gather here as your people, the flock that you have dedicated yourself,

to protect and nourish.  We give you praise for the life you have given to us; for the way that the darkness of being lost and alone has been replaced with the light of your acceptance and grace.  We rejoice in the knowledge of your limitless love and mercy, and celebrate together because of our shared experience of your forgiveness.

  For you are a redeeming God who seeks to bring back those who have wandered away.  In your eyes no-one is deemed worthless or a lost cause.  In your eyes no race nor language, no status nor background nor way of life precludes anyone from receiving your love.  Your greatest desire is for all to open their eyes to see their need to come back to you.  And you welcome us with an embrace that casts away all fears.  We give you the honour and glory that you deserve.

  God, our Lord, we put our trust in you to lead us.  Your Word to us provides the wisdom and values to guide us in our daily life.  Your walk beside us and lead us away from temptation.  You steer us away from all that would draw us away from your company and companionship.  You strengthen us to live boldly through the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live our lives in gratitude and praise for your presence with us, and all your gracious gifts to us.  For this we offer you our heartfelt thanks, now and always.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession 

(from Uniting in Worship Book One, p580 & 581, numbers 3 & 4) 

Gracious and loving God, we come before you as contrite and broken people.  You love us unconditionally, but we place conditions on how much and how far we are willing to love you.

Have mercy on us we pray.

You call to us in clear concise words, but we refuse to listen to you.  You have shown us how to love by example and deed, but we walk away from neighbours in need, wrapped up in our own concerns. 

Have mercy on us we pray.

We declare our desire for justice, yet we go along with prejudice and greed. 

Have mercy on us we pray.

We claim the name of Jesus Christ, yet we have not departed from sin.  We prefer to stumble in the darkness rather than to walk securely in the light. 

Have mercy on us we pray.

Our lives have brought you disappointment and grief as we turn away from your directions and your advice, and turn towards what is foolish and senseless.

Have mercy on us we pray.

We cast aside what is worthwhile and strive for what is worthless.  We value self-centredness and avoid what you value and hold dear.

Have mercy on us we pray, help us to face up to ourselves.

We repent of our wilful ways and turn to you. 

Forgive our sins and cleanse us, so that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

(from Romans 10: 10) 

The Apostle Paul states, “For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.”  And so, having confessed our sins and trusting in the grace and mercy of God, we can be confident in declaring that our sins have been forgiven, and our lives cleansed in the sight of God.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

Almighty God, knowing of your love for all of Humanity, especially of your compassion for the needy, we come to you with our cares and our concerns.

We bring to you our prayers for the World around us and for people individually.

We pray for all who exercise authority, whether in religion, business, education, or government,

that they may recognize you as the source of all authority and use their power for promoting justice and the common good.

We pray for a deep appreciation of the beauty and dignity of life,

that your wisdom and knowledge may open our minds and hearts to honour and respect life, especially in the aged, the disabled, and the mentally ill.

We pray for all who are searching for the keys to new life,

that you will help those who feel bound by addiction or destructive habits to recognize Christ as the key that will liberate them.

We pray for all who are recovering from disasters, the people of Hawaii, of Canada, of east Asia, and of many parts of Europe,

that you will relieve their pain, give them strength of spirit, and speed the assistance that they need.

We pray for a greater stewardship of the Earth,

that our hearts may be moved as we behold your wondrous works in nature, and that we may care for it so that future generations may share of its bounty as we do.

We pray for healing in our cities and neighbourhoods,

that you will guide leaders in addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and injustice in our communities, turn hearts from violence, and open pathways that will lead to reconciliation.

We pray for all who have been rejected by their family,

that they may experience your loving acceptance and find a place of welcome and nurture in a faith community.

We pray for all who are in abusive situations,

that you will guide them to freedom and wholeness where they can be healed and renewed.

We pray for the Church,

that we may boldly profess in word and deed that Jesus is Lord and help others to come to know and follow him

We pray for all who follow Jesus,

that Christ will unite us in witnessing to the Gospel, in a better understanding of each other, and in working together in helping those who are suffering.

Copyright © 2023. Joe Milner. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.  https://liturgy.slu.edu/21OrdA082723/ideas_other.html 

Lord God, we bring these prayers to you, trusting in your lovingkindness.  To your glory we pray.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

Now and forever.  Amen.