Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Servanthood

O Merciful God, who came in Jesus Christ with saving power to a world that walked in darkness and in the shadow of death, we praise and bless you for all those your servants who helped prepare the way for his appearing, and for those who received him and grave to him the worship of their hearts and lives. For prophets who in the face of tyranny declared your truth and your righteousness, for psalmists who in days of gloom still believed in your great goodness and sang praises unto your name, and for innumerable regular saints who waited in patience and unfailing hope for the manifestation of your glory, we raise to you our grateful praise. Grant, we ask you, that we in this time may show forth your salvation.

Help us to put away all untruthfulness and all selfishness and greed, all malice and prejudice and cowardice. Let your Holy Spirit cleanse us from all our sins, and teach us to love one another even as you dost love us, that we may make manifest in our lives what you can do for your faithful people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Ernest Fremont Tittle, Language modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.

Opening Prayer based on 1 Corinthians 12

Holy One, Giver of every good and perfect gift

It is your great grace that offers us salvation

It is grace upon grace that gives us the chance to join you in your saving work

You trust us that much

You empower us that far

Reveal our spiritual gifts

Reveal our calling in this time and place

so we may fulfill it together

so we may fulfill it for the common good

so we may honor you and one another

Holy One, convince us of our value and purpose,

Assure us of our place in your Body and our place in your plan

Use us for your glory, now and forever. Amen.

Opening Prayer based on 1 Corinthians 12 © 2022 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com