Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Freedom

Adapted from Ephesians 1:3-18

All glorious God, we give you thanks:

in your Son, Jesus Christ,

you have given us every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly realms.

You chose us, before the world was made,

to be your holy people, without fault in your sight.

You adopted us as your children in Christ.

You have set us free by his blood;

you have forgiven our sins.

You have made known to us your secret purpose,

to bring heaven and earth into unity in Christ.

You have given us your Holy Spirit,

the seal and pledge of our inheritance.

All praise and glory be yours, O God,

for the richness of your grace,

for the splendor of your gifts,

for the wonder of your love.

The Worship Sourcebook

Thank you Lord God for the opportunity of worship,

for the freedom to be amongst your family

meeting together in your house,

and in the warmth of your embrace

Thank you that in worship we can put aside,

the uncertainties of this world and rest

upon the certainties of the Kingdom,

for your promises are not changeable

as those of a politician might be,

but immovable and eternal

Thank you that we can bring to your feet

all the hurts and fears that trouble us,

and leave them there,

knowing that your strength and assurance

are all that we require

Thank you that as we draw near in worship,

we are transported

from a world of concerns and fears,

to a place where we can be at peace in your presence,

find healing, wholeness and refreshment.

Thank you Lord God for the opportunity of worship

John Birch, Faith and Worship

Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!

Darkness covers the earth and its people,

but the radiance of God’s Light

burns away its shadows,

illuminates the smallest corner,

and heralds in the start

of a new dawn,

where hearts no longer fear,

souls might be set free,

and sister shall follow brother,

nation shall follow nation,

and kings and princes bow down in awe

before the one who comes to reign.

Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come!

Alleluia!

John Birch, Faith and Worship

No Record of Wrongs, an opening prayer

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:5 NRSV

 Love keeps no record of wrongs.

We keep to-do lists so we don’t forget

We check them twice

We carry them in our pockets

Holding on to the pain

The disappointment

The failure

Re-viewing the wrong

Point by point by point

Plotting revenge on ourselves and others

We carry them

They keep us cross

Wounded and bleeding

Divided and dying

You take our lists

Crossing out

Crossing off

Nailing them to your tree

Burying them in a blaze of love

So we may rise free

You keep no record of wrong

Instead, you write our names on your palm

A life list on your lifeline

A love list by your scar

Hallelujah

Time of silent prayer

No Record of Wrongs © 2014 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com