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Submit Your Own! March 8, 2009 By David von Schlichten Second Sunday in Lent, Year B Call to Worship Leader: Get behind us, Satan! By the power of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit People: we are setting our minds, not on human things, but divine things. Leader: With no shame we take up the cross and follow Christ, People: walking in the shadow of the Cross that has saved our lives. Prayer of Invocation God of Abraham and Sarah, of Peter and the Twelve, through Christ alone you have reckoned our faith as righteousness. Teach and encourage us to take up the way of suffering every day, not to earn glory for ourselves, but to glorify you by serving you and the neighbor. In the name of the Son of Man we pray. Amen. Prayer of Confession Covenantal God, we are sinful dust. We trust our good deeds to save us instead of your amazing grace. We water-down the significance of our baptism. We make one tiny sacrifice, call it taking up the cross, and then call it a day. We obsess over clinging to the stuff of this life instead of letting go so we can grab your outstretched hand. We doubt your faithfulness. We become satanic with our good intentions as we get in your way. For the sake of the Crucified God, forgive us. Strengthen our faith in your faithfulness. Amen. Words of Assurance Leader: You who fear the LORD, give praise! People: Even though we are dust, we shall live, kneeling before God. Leader: Through the excruciating cross God forgives us all our sins, every single one. People: The LORD keeps his promises, ever faithful to the covenant.
Prayer of Inspiration Spirit, immediately drive us out into the Word, that we may see the Promised Land in the cross and the empty tomb. Yes. Prayers of the People Our God, Our God, sometimes we think you have forsaken us, but you have been with the Church always. We praise you for the baptized, the communion of saints. Embolden us to carry the cross, confident in your compassion. Lord, (congregational response: You have acted.). Liberator, we praise you for noble leaders, including Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. We praise you for Gregory the Great. Help us to follow these examples for your glory and the freeing of all from sin and death. Lord, . . . God of Abraham and Sarah, Esther and Mordecai, we exalt you for our Jewish siblings as they celebrate Purim. Bless their festival with joy, safety, peace, and devotion to you. Lord, . . . Queen of all, King of the universe, we thank you for humanity's rainbow diversity. Bless the United States and nations all around the planet. Inspire us toward peace of the deepest and broadest kind. Lord, . . God of sun, we look forward to more daylight. As we adjust to Daylight Savings Time, compel us to be better stewards of every hour. Lord, . . . Our God, Our God, over and over have you granted us healing. Touch those in need of healing now, including [Add names]. Give us the wisdom not to forsake one another but to help each other. Lord, . . . You may add other praises or petitions here. We are not ashamed of you, Almighty. We give you these prayers, fully convinced that you have cared for us already and will continue. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Offertory Prayer We offer you these gifts in the sight of those who fear and love you. Benediction Leader: The Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, has blessed us here in the cruciform shadow, People: so now we go, ready to make sacrifices for God's glory and the care of others, thankful for those who will make sacrifices to glorify God and care for us. Amen.
David von Schlichten, poedifier March 1, 2009 By David von Schlichten First Sunday in Lent, Year B Call to Worship Leader: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; People: repent, and believe in the good news. Leader: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we follow the one who defeated the Devil in the wilderness. People: We dedicate these forty days to the one who leads us to the Promised Land. Prayer of Invocation Spirit, you give us life. Inspire us throughout Lent, that this season may be a spring cleaning of the soul as we walk in the cross-shadow. Prayer of Confession We are but dust, and to dust we shall return. We have sinned against you by our own most grievous fault. We have defied you. We wander from your paths, ignore your teachings. We think Lent is about weight-loss instead of growing in holiness out of devotion to you. We disregard your covenants. For the sake of the one who defeats evil, forgive us. Create in us clean hearts. Amen. Words of Assurance Just as Christ brought the Good News to the spirits in prison, so also does he bring the Good News to us, the baptized. Through the cross Jesus saves us from our sins. God the Mighty Fortress saves us from Satan. Because of the Beloved, the kingdom is ours forever.
Prayer of Inspiration Breath of God, through the Word revive us against Satan. Prayers of the People Merciful God, we are grateful for the Church, for the gift of baptism. You have been with us throughout the centuries, faithful to your covenant. We remember with reverent gratitude reformers such as John Wesley, hymnists such as George Herbert, and martyrs such as Perpetua and Felicity. You have strangely warmed our hearts with your Spirit. Lord, (congregational response: hear us.). Merciful Lord, you have given us a great nation and an even greater planet. Bless people of every color, ethnicity, nationality, and religion. Bring the soldiers safely home. Unite us. Give us the courage and discipline to end violence, poverty, and discrimination. Lord, . . . Merciful Maker, we look forward to spring. Winter can be hard on us fragile humans. We thank you for the coming of new life. Help us to be spring for each other. Lord, . . . Merciful Healer, you have cared for our bodies, minds, and souls. Heal those in need, especially [Add names]. Give us the faith to be your hands of healing for each other. Lord, . . . You may add other praises or petitions here. Our prayers ascend to you like incense, God of Multivalent Mercy, knowing that your mercy will descend upon us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the one with whom you are well pleased. Offertory Prayer Looking to your colorful bow, we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, grateful for your covenant of compassion that saves us from sin and Satan, thanks be to Christ. Benediction Leader: God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, lead you in the cruciform shadow. People: May we increase in holy commitment with hearts full of repentance and trust in Christ's victory over Satan. The kingdom is indeed ours forever. David von Schlichten, poedifier February 22, 2009 By David von Schlichten Transfiguration Sunday, Year B Call to Worship Leader: Alleluia! The mighty light of God transfigures us. People: Alleluia for the holy metamorphosis! Leader: We glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. People: Through Christ, the Lord has numbered us among the beloved. Leader: Alleluia; People: Alleluia! Prayer of Invocation Theo-luminiscent Lord, we cannot thank you enough for the Effulgent Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, whose light has scattered the obtuse darkness. We praise you for the stunning illumination of that light, which graces our worship service and lives for your glory. Amen. Prayer of Confession Revealer, we have sinned against you. We turn a blind eye to your light. We put money in the plate, but we fail to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. We promise you the sun and the moon, but then we offer you only a candle. We refuse discipline and throw your words behind our backs. We make friends with the wrong crowd. We drool nastiness, claiming that we have to because we are helpless victims. For the sake of the Radiant Savior, forgive us. Reignite our devotion to you. Amen. Words of Assurance Leader: Alleluia! The Messiah of Elijah and Moses has forgiven us by his blood. People: We receive a double share of the blazing Spirit. Leader: Our sins lasted the night, but the Morning has ended them. People: We offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Alleluia! Prayer of Inspiration Spirit of Moses and Elijah, unveil the Good News to us. Help us to marvel on the mountaintop and then descend to serve the world. Prayers of the People Source of Fire and River, you have filled the Church with blessings. You have given us baptism and holy communion. You have opened our eyes with Scripture. You have led us with admirable martyrs such as Polycarp and deaconesses such as Elizabeth Fedde. You have supplied us with apostles such as Matthias. Without ceasing, you have filled us with light. (congregational response: Praise you, O Lord.). Supreme Wisdom, we praise you for the United States of America and every nation, the entire rainbow of humanity. You have led and taught us through astute, caring leaders such as George Washington. It is easy for us to get discouraged today, but you teach us without ceasing to march away from darkness. You have filled us with light . . . Every soldier is one of your precious children, and we care for them as part of honoring you who have filled us with light. . . . We look forward to the beginning of Lent, that sacred spring-cleaning of the soul, when we increase our attention to Christ's suffering and death, the shadows which fill us with light . . . We have faith in your healing power. We are confident that you care for people with special needs, including those we mention now [Add names]. Even in the valley of the shadow of death you fill us with light . . . You may add other praises or petitions here. Leader: Alleluia, for God has heard our prayers and will transform them into blessings. People: Alleluia! Offertory Prayer Before your altar we offer these gifts as part of our sacrifice of thanksgiving. Benediction Leader: Alleluia; People: Alleluia! Leader: God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bids us leave the mount; People: the Trinity goes with us to the plain. Leader: Alleluia - People: Alleluia! David von Schlichten, poedifier February 15, 2009 By David von Schlichten Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B Call to Worship Leader: O LORD our God, we cry to you for help, People: and you heal us. Leader: We worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, People: thankful for the joy that shines this morning. Leader: Full of compassion, you have made us clean. People: We respond by proclaiming the Good News freely. Prayer of Invocation Abba, through Christ you have yanked us from Sheol. You have granted us a lifetime of favor. Cleanse us to reach with greater compassion to outcasts. In the name of the Compassionate Healer we pray. Amen. Prayer of Confession God of Naaman, we have sinned against you. We have been stubborn against your healing power because of our childish pride. We have sustained our anger for years, our favor for seconds. We have lacked self-discipline. We have allowed both body and soul to become flabby. We have shunned society's lepers. We have resisted your cleansing power. For the sake of the Greatest Physician, make us clean, new. Wash us, forgive us. Amen. Words of Assurance Leader: God's anger is but for a moment; People: the Lord's favor is for a lifetime. Leader: Moved with pity, Christ has touched us with forgiveness. People: Through forgiving us, Jesus has turned our mourning into dancing. Alleluia! Prayer of Inspiration Coaching Spirit, through the Word strengthen the muscles of our souls. Prayers of the People You have filled us with humble joy over your heartfelt pity for us. We praise you for all the ways you heal body, soul, heart, and mind. Stretch out your hand and touch with healing those we mention now: [Add names]. Hear, O LORD, (congregational response: and be gracious to us.). We are grateful, God, for the Church. We extol you for Martin Luther as we recall his death. Fill us with the courage to reform the Church in accord with your will. Help us to take a stand for compassionate, inclusive justice. Hear, O LORD, . . . Ruler, you have blessed the United States with many wise and dedicated Presidents. We offer special thanks for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Bless President Obama as he grapples with enormous problems. Lead him to do your work, and lead us, the citizens, to support and respect him. Hear, O LORD, . . . Supreme Singer, we are repeatedly grateful for music. Lead us to use this magnificent gift for your glory and the benefit of others. Hear, O LORD, . . . You stretch to us to give us life. Bring comfort to those who mourn. Grant extra comfort to those who grieve now [Add names]. Hear, O LORD, . . . You may add other praises or petitions here. All these prayers we stretch toward you, knowing that, with you, weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. In the name of the Risen Son we pray. Amen. Offertory Prayer We lift these gifts to you as part of giving you thanks forever. Benediction Leader: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, the cleansed, People: leave here to proclaim the Good News freely and to spread the word. Leader: As the saved, we run the race to win the prize of sharing Christ with as many as possible. People: Alleluia!
David von Schlichten, poedifier February 8, 2009 By David von Schlichten Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B Call to Worship Leader: Have you not known? Have you not heard? People: The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. Leader: Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength. People: By the power of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we shall run and not be weary; we shall walk and not be faint. Prayer of Invocation Jesus Christ, take us by the hand and lift us up. Fill us with your healing power. Strengthen our wisdom so that we do all things for the sake of the gospel. Amen. Prayer of Confession Lord, you take pleasure in those who fear you, in those who hope in your steadfast love, so we come to you with our sins, our hearts bowed. We have sinned against you in words, thoughts, and actions. We have been reluctant to serve others for the sake of the gospel. We allow our habits and prejudices to hamper our work as your servants. We doubt your supremacy, your power, your sovereignty. Heal our sin-sick souls with forgiveness. In the name of the One with Authority we pray. Amen. Words of Assurance Leader: Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God, People: for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. Leader: By Christ, God forgives us of every single one of our sins. People: God sets us free with respect to all. Leader: Praise the LORD! People: Praise the LORD! Prayer of Inspiration Spirit of God, lead us with the Word, so that we may proclaim the message to neighboring towns and beyond. Prayers of the People Omni-Creator, we offer continual gratitude for the Church, for the entire baptized communion of saints. We praise you for your many devoted servants, including Cyril and Methodius. God who makes us whole, (congregational response: we thank you for touching us.). Agapic Adonai, we exalt you for the gift of love, especially the perfect love which casts out fear. We give thanks for St. Valentine and for this time of celebrating love. Strengthen our hearts' capacities for loving family, friends, strangers, even enemies. Help us to show extra care for the lonely and heartbroken. God who makes us whole, . . . Creator of Order and Power, we thank you for the United States and every nation. Bless leaders and citizens all around the world, including President Obama. Heal our economy, and hasten the day of peace of Iraq and Afghanistan. Lead each of us to take one another by the hand and lift each other up. God who makes us whole, . . . You have filled us with healing of body, soul and mind over and over. We praise you for your compassion. Bring healing again, especially to those we mention now [Add names]. God who makes us whole, . . . Lord, we do not understand why sometimes we do not receive the healing we ask for. Help us as we struggle with unanswered questions, that we may continue to trust you even when we are angry with you. God who makes us whole, . . . You may add other praises or petitions here. We hold these prayers out to you, praising you for answering our prayers, not according to our foolishness, but according to your wisdom. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Offertory Prayer Just as you know the name of every star, you show compassion for every person. Use our offering to the benefit of people in need. Benediction Leader: Alleluia! People: Alleluia! Leader: God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, renews our strength so we can mount up with wings like eagles. People: We shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint. Alleluia!
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