Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Ministry
(Prayer of Adoration)
Lord—you’re sufficient in everything.
You can create without us;
save without our assistance;
bring good out of evil, hope from despair
and restore what we mess up.
You’re sovereign and we’re not.
Yet, and this boggles my mind –
You invite us to join with You as partners in Your work!
You first make us joint heirs with Jesus
and then co-laborers in Your kingdom.
Imagine that – we’re privileged to make a difference
in Your world, in your church
and in the lives of people you love so much
you gave your Son for them.
It can’t get much better than that! …
(Prayer of Confession)
But, Father – we confess we’re not satisfied.
You invite us to serve you and to serve with you –
and we want to be served by you and others.
You honor us as your children – calling us by name in love;
and we use your name flippantly and loosely.
You empower us to be your followers –
but we use power for ourselves, pushing You aside.
You give us your wisdom in Scripture and by Your Spirit –
and we think we know better
how to run our lives and your world.
Forgive us!
(Assurance of Pardon)
As the apostle announced – The mystery of godliness is great:
The Son of God appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels, preached among the nations,
believed on in the world and taken up into glory—
all for our salvation.
For this is a trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance:
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,
like you and me.
Dear Friends – because that’s true:
by His grace active through your faith
in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
I declare with confidence you’re forgiven
and free of all your sins. Alleluia! Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast built thy church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; we pray thee to inspire the church universal with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord. And grant that all who confess thy holy name may abide in thy truth, and live in unity and godly love.
O Lord, our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; we commend this and all nations to thy merciful care, that being guided by thy providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to all in authority wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear.
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Christian ministers, that they may, both by their life and teaching, set forth thy true and living word, and rightly administer thy holy sacraments. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present, that with meek heart and due reverence they may hear and receive thy holy word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.
And we beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and save all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness , or any other adversity. And we bless thy holy name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Book of Worship for Free Churches, The Board of Home Missions of the Congregational and Christian Churches, 1948.
Almighty and everlasting God, who has built his church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; we ask you to inspire the church universal with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord. And grant that all who confess your holy name may abide in your truth, and live in unity and godly love.
O Lord, our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; we commend this and all nations to your merciful care, that being guided by your providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to all in authority wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear.
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Christian ministers, that they may, both by their life and teaching, set forth your true and living word, and rightly administer your holy sacraments. And to all your people give your heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present, that with meek heart and due reverence they may hear and receive your holy word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.
And we ask you for your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and save all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we bless your holy name for all your servants departed this life in your faith and fear; asking you to give us grace to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Book of Worship for Free Churches, The Board of Home Missions of the Congregational and Christian Churches, 1948. Modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.