Opening prayer
You speak to us in many ways:
in the quiet of our worship,
the singing of our hymns,
the reading of your word,
the fellowship we share.
Open our ears and hearts
that we might hear your gentle voice
and, hearing, respond.
Adoration
You know us
and yet call us,
imperfect though we are,
to be your light in this world,
to bring wholeness and release,
heal the sick,
support the weak.
You know us, and yet call us
to be vessels of your grace.
That you should trust us with
this mission
is too difficult to grasp,
and the task,
in our strength,
is impossible.
You know us,
call us,
use us,
but more importantly
by your Spirit
empower us.
Confession
Sometimes, Lord,
we forget that you have
welcomed us
into your kingdom,
and prefer to walk within a
world
that daily tempts us.
Sometimes, Lord,
we forget the freedom given us
in your kingdom,
and prefer the shackles that we
knew
before you called us.
Remind us, Lord,
of the price you paid so we can
enter
into your kingdom.
Forgive, and accept our
gratitude
for such grace shown to us.
Thanksgiving
Leader: We give thanks for
your call
All: And we will follow
Leader: To be your witnesses
and bring the light of Christ
into this world.
Leader: We give thanks for
your call
All: And we will follow
Leader: To where you lead us,
for you will keep us safe
within your arms.
Leader: We give thanks for
your call
All: And we will follow
Leader: To be a powerful voice
where there is injustice
and suffering.
Leader: We give thanks for
your call
All: And we will follow
Leader: To show your love and
grace
in our lives as our
thanks-living offering.
From The Act of Prayer: Praying through the lectionary,
by John Birch (BRF, £11.99 (CT Bookshop £10.79);
978-1-84101-619-1).