Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: We gather today knowing there are people in our world who are surrounded by violence and conflict on every side.
People: Our work of peace begins with prayer.
Leader: We gather today knowing there are people in our community who feel lost, alone, abandoned, and forgotten.
People: Our work of love begins with prayer.
Leader: We gather today knowing there are people in this place, this neighborhood, this world that we all share who experience overwhelming grief, despair, and sorrow.
People: Our work of hope begins with prayer.
Leader: We gather not to look away from the world but to witness the needs of our neighbors through the lens of God's love.
People: May we be a people who pray and, out of our praying, do the work of bringing peace, love, and hope to all we encounter. Amen.
Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2024.
Opening Hymn
There's a Wideness in God's Mercy UMH 121
Prayer of Confession
O God of compassion, if you kept a record of our sins, who could stand? We come before you with our brokenness and our wounds for all to see.
We bring our anger, our bitterness, our unwholesome talk, and our deceitfulness. We try to do good, but sometimes fail. We choose to do evil, and sometimes succeed.
Hear the confessions of ours hearts [Time for Silent Confession]
Keep your promise to forgive us when we confess to you completely. Without you, we have no hope.
Words of Assurance
Leader: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and will forgive us. God provides freely, in the bread of heaven, all the mercy we need for life everlasting. The good news is forgiveness in the name of Christ Jesus.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
2 Samuel 18: 5-9, 31-33
Second Reading:
Ephesians 4:25–5:2
Sermon:
The Essence of Prayer by Rev. Jim McNair
Hymn of Response
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying TFWS 2193
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Merciful God, in this time of offering, we come before you, acknowledging your steadfast grace and boundless love. As we present our gifts, may we also offer our contrite hearts, recognizing the depth of our humanity and the need for your healing touch. Grant us the courage to confront our failings and the wisdom to seek reconciliation and renewal in your divine presence. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
God Be With You Till We Meet Again UMH 672
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Psalm 22:1-5
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Tuesday
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1 Kings 19:4-8
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Wednesday
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Psalm 130
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Thursday
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Matthew 6:5-13
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Friday
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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