A Prayer in Preparation for Worship on Easter Evening (Year A)

IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Lord Jesus Christ, risen Son of God,
we know that when you come again
you will be seeking faith on earth.
But for today, for now, if we are in disbelief,
it is simply due to joy at the news,
joy that the good news can be this good.
Be patient with us, therefore,
and open our joyful, tearful, disbelieving eyes,
that we may see you and know:
you are risen, indeed!

Opening Prayer for Resurrection Sunday (Year A)

OPENING PRAYER [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Risen Savior, you are Lord of all! You are the one anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power to teach peace, to perform miraculous deeds, and to heal all who are oppressed. When the world rejected you and put you to death, you willingly suffered and died for the sake of righteousness. Now you are alive again, sovereign over all. You alone hold the keys to death. You alone give us hope for the future! We praise you, Lord Jesus! We adore you!

Opening Prayer for Good Friday (Year A)

OPENING PRAYER [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
O Lord God of Israel, for generations you have both gone before your people and been our rear guard; you have provided for us and defended us; you have taught us and reminded us of your mighty and astonishing deeds. Who could have imagined, O God, that the rejection and affliction of your Son Jesus Christ could become the basis of our hope and salvation? Yet this is what the prophets foretold and the apostles have confirmed; this is what your Word and Spirit have revealed. Grant us, therefore, the wisdom of your Spirit and the power of your holy presence, that we might better understand the mystery of redemption, glorify your name, and share the revelation of your love with those whom you are calling to yourself from the fruitless ways of this dying world.

Call to Worship for Maundy Thursday (Year A)

CALL TO WORSHIP [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Remember how the Son of Man was glorified:

    He said, “Little children,

    I am with you only a little longer.”

Remember the example Jesus set for us:
    He said, “Very truly, I tell you,
    servants are not greater than their master.
    Nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.”
Remember how the Word made love the way:
    He said, “I give you a new commandment,
    that you love one another. Just as I have loved you,
    you should also love one another. By this everyone will know
    that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Maundy Thursday (D)

Deuteronomy 30:1-14
Psalm 113
John 7:53-8:11 OR Luke 22:1-38 (39-46)
Romans 2:12-29

   

CALL TO WORSHIP [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Love the LORD your God with all your heart

and with all your soul, in order that you may live.

    Let the greatest become like the youngest,

    and the leader like one who serves.

This commandment is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. 

No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.
    For who is greater, the one at the table or the one who serves?
    But our Lord is among us as one who serves!

Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high?

Yet he raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ashes.
    O LORD, raise us up and out of our need, 
    that by your grace we might eat and drink 
    at your table in your kingdom.

Elements for the Offering for Palm Sunday (Year A)

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
All things temporal wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. But the Lord works wonders and performs great marvels, even with what the world rejects. Therefore, while we have the time and the temporary custody of our earthly treasure, let us readily and humbly offer our gifts of thanks to God.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION [from LIGHTNING FROM THE EAST: LERW, YEAR A]
Holy God, your glory reaches to the highest heaven, and the name of your Son exceeds all other names. Surely, one day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus as Lord. In keeping with this inspired vision and the hope of the future glory, we offer these gifts; may they be used, as we would be used, to exalt and praise you, the one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Sixth Sunday of Lent/Palm Sunday (D)

Deuteronomy 11:1-17 OR Isaiah 43:8-15

Psalm 94 OR 35

John 8:48-59

Romans 1:8-15 (16-17) 18-32; 2:1-11 OR Galatians 6:1-18

PRAYER OF CONFESSION [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

O God our Creator, we confess we are without excuse, for though we know you in part, we often fail to honor you as God or give you thanks. We have allowed futility, senselessness, and darkness to overtake our thoughts, which are but an empty breath. Claiming wisdom, we have act foolishly, exchanging your glory for lifeless images, and the truth about you for the lies of the world. We have worshiped your creatures and our own creations rather you, our Creator, who alone are holy and blessed forever! Forgive us, O God, for our impurity and for every lapse into idolatry. Protect us, O God, against every temptation and every tempter. Rise up and contend with those who contend with your people, that we, with your help, might learn how to desire and choose the right, the good, and the true. For without you, O LORD, we have no hope of peace or prosperity; apart from you, we can do nothing.

The series thus far ...

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The Joyful Feast (Year C) coming later in 2014.