Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Justice
(Prayer of Adoration)
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love –
Holy and wonderful are You:
Your grace is without measure,
and Your purpose sure and true;
Your power is unequaled
and You are sovereign and mysterious in all Your ways.
We thank You for the gift of this today, a new day;
a day when Your mercies are fresh, untainted and new,
and Your faithfulness again clearly visible.
(Prayer of Confession)
Yet, how often we spoil new days!
We repeat old patterns rather than live free.
We hold on to old hurts rather than forgive.
We complain when we don’t our way; and
ignore the needs of others, caught up in our own desires.
We believe lies told about others
and even the ones we tell about ourselves.
We’re complacent in the face of injustice and poverty.
And in all things, we’re better at making excuses
than at repenting and changing our ways.
Forgive us. We have sinned against you in thought, word and deed,
by what we have done and what we have left undone.
Hear now our silent prayers of confession and forgive us because of
Your great love. (Silent prayers of confession)
(Assurance of Pardon)
The Lord declares, through the prophet Isaiah, that “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, and your sins like the morning mist” dissipated by the wind of my Spirit and melted into nothing by the brightness of my Son’s love.
Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You taught us to pray not
only for ourselves but for people everywhere:
so now hear us as we pray for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
We ask that You inspire Your whole church in power, unity, and peace.
Grant that all who trust you may obey your Word,
and live together in love.
As we pray for the world, we ask that You lead all nations
in the way of Your true justice and righteous goodwill.
Direct those who govern, that they may rule fairly, maintain order,
help those in need, and defend the oppressed;
so this world may know your rule and experience true peace.