prayers – Page 4 – katyandtheword

When in Doubt: Peter’s Denial #worship and #liturgy resource, including Communion

Prayers & Liturgy written by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl, all available for use with credit.

More resources for Lent available here.

John 18:12-27 and Psalm 17:1-7

Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

One: The Lord be with you.

Many: And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

O God, since speaking Creation into being,

you have spoken openly to the world.

You teach your people wherever they come together.

You do nothing in secret.

You speak aloud rightly to all who would hear,

You use the testimony of those who hear what you say.

Sometimes, we are able to testify to your love and your works.

At other times, we are not even sure we know you.

At times, belonging to you is a joyful affirmation.

At other times, belonging to you is more of an accusation.

We doubt our ability to stand with you when danger arises,

We are immobilized by our doubt.

But your faithfulness and love are not dependent on us.

You proclaim them regardless of our feelings and participation.

When our commitment is in doubt, your commitment is sure.

When we deny your claim on us, you claim us still.

You act with justice and mercy to redeem all creation.

In everlasting love, you choose your people as your own.

Hearing our cries of fear and doubt,

you deliver us from the house of bondage.

Loving us still, you make us heirs with Christ of the covenant.

Like a mother, you do not forsake your nursing child.

Like a father, you run to welcome your prodigals home.

ALL: You are faithful still.

Despite our unfaithfulness,

in spite of the moments when we deny you,

you claim us.

You sent your Son: born to among us as one of us.

He lived among us, full of grace and truth,

your servant and the servant of the people you created,

speaking and healing, leading and comforting.

He was crucified, one person dying for the people;

he rose from the dead, conquering death and evil,

and all that separates us from you and from each other.

He promised the full coming of your Kingdom,

and emboldened those he left behind to walk and witness to your way.

We praise you for your great and glorious work,

joining our voices with all who came before us—

prophets and martyrs, disciples and followers,

and with all the people belonging to you in every time and place,

who forever sing the glory of your name.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,

speaking openly so all may hear.

Hosanna in the highest.

O God, send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and cup,

that they may be for us the body and blood of your Son,

joining us to him and to you and to one another.

May your faithfulness inspire our faithfulness,

making our witness potent and powerful,

enabling us to testify to being your people,

who are called to proclaim and practice all that Christ said and did.

We pray the only way we can—

through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,

by his power, grace and mercy.

We pray in the only unity that holds:

in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

We pray to you, the only one worthy of glory and honor;

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

now and forever. Amen.

Prayer After Communion

Lord, we thank you that we belong to you even when we are not sure.

May this bread and cup be for us tangible evidence of our relationship to you,

showing us your call and claim on us individually

and as the church, your body.

May we offer bread and body, cup and service, to your people,

carrying them and their burdens as you have carried us.

Potential hymns:

Ah, Holy Jesus
Before the Cock Crew Twice

Bitter Was the Night

Christ, the Life of All the Living

Guide me Ever, Great Redeemer/Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer

Here, Lord, We Take the Broken Bread

My Song is Love Unknown

O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

O Sacred Head Surrounded/O Sacred Head Now Wounded

Psalm 31:9-16

Sharing Pascal Bread and Wine/Shadows Lengthen into Night

This is The Night. Dear Friends, The Night for Weeping

‘Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies

What Wondrous Love is This

When My Love to God Grows Weak

When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

Potential art

Jesus Before Caiaphas http://www.pitts.emory.edu/dia/bridge.cfm?ID=450

The Denial of St. Peter (Carvaggio, Baroque period)

https://honorsartatthemet.ace.fordham.edu/files/original/2425ce4528557ba00b62e31482fde4e9.jpg

Denial of St. Peter by Adam de Costner (this one may be here > once; this is better image)

https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Condemnation+of+Christ+and+the+Denial+of+Saint+Peter&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiqvrugjJrZAhVhw1kKHee9DCMQ7AkIXw&biw=1242&bih=535&safe=active&ssui=on#imgrc=6HtF3_kMJLdxHM:

The Denial of St. Peter c. 1623

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/1886/the-denial-of-st-peter-gerrit-van-honthorst

Peter Denies Jesus But Receives God’s Forgiveness

https://hopestreamradio.com/peter-denies-jesus-but-receives-gods-forgiveness/

Peter About to Be Struck in Front of the High Priest Annas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanhedrin_trial_of_Jesus#/media/File:Jes%C3%BAs_en_casa_de_An%C3%A1s_Museo_del_Prado_Jos%C3%A9_de_Madrazo.jpg

The Repentant Peter (El Greco)

https://www.wga.hu/support/viewer/z.html

Peter Denying Christ (Rembrandt)

http://www.abcgallery.com/R/rembrandt/rembrandt5.html

Denial of St. Peter ( (Tournier)

https://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/t/tournier/denial.html

Condemnation of Christ and the Denial of St. Peter

Diatessaron (conflated gospels) Denial of Peter

Contemporary version Denial of Peter

Another contemporary version

Church of St. Peter/Gallicantu. Jerusalem

Contemporary Metal Sculpture at Church of St Peter/Gallicantu, Jerusalem

Contemporary clay sculpture, Church of St. Peter/Gallicantu, Jerusalem

Peter After His Denial of Christ

Denial of St. Peter (Renaissance)

St. Peter’s Repentance

Black & white contemporary line drawing

The Cock

Third Denial (Tissot)

Denial of St. Peter (Preti)

Passion of Jesus

When in Doubt: Jesus Washes Feet

John 13:1-17 and Psalm 51:7-12

Call To Worship: We come to serve Jesus, who came to serve us. Let us know the Lord. We come to be made clean, by one who will bathe us in love. Let us know the Lord. We come to be made whole, by the Holy Spirit. Let us know and worship the Lord.

Confession: Create in me a Clean heart, O Lord. Create a right spirit within me. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, sustain my spirit and give me joy and gladness.

Assurance to Pardon: We are already forgiven by the God of unconditional love. Go in peace, and know that you have been made whole.

Offering Prayer/Prayer of Dedication: Let us go forth, no longer doubting that you served us so that we might know how to serve, going into the word ready to put that love to work, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers and Liturgy by Pastor Katy Stenta who is the solo pastor at a bigger on the inside church in Albany, NY and enjoys reading fantasy, soaking up sunshine, playing with her three sons and visiting her husband at his work, the library.

Prayer Links for Advent Narrative Lectionary Dec. 24th Morning

A broad number of prayers from a variety of pastors/denominations. All variations of theology and kinds of prayers were accepted to show the vast richness of God’s work.

These prayers are meant for personal spiritual practice or for congregations who follow the narrative lectionary.

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer written by XXX) appreciated.

Dec 24th Morning 2017 Prayer Resource Created by Rev. Kate Johnson Martin

John 1:1-18 And Psalm 130:5-8

Call to Worship [adapted from John 1]

Leader: In the beginning,

People: was the Word and the Word was with God.

Leader: In the beginning,

People: was life and it was the light of all people.

Leader: In the beginning,

People: the light defeated the darkness and love was born forever.

Leader: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

People: Let us worship the Giver of Love and Life!

Advent Candle – Love (Psalm 130:5-8 NRSV)

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the Lord

more than those who watch for the morning,

more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with him is great power to redeem.

8 It is he who will redeem Israel

from all its iniquities.

Response: Sing “Love Came Down at Christmas” (stanzas 1 and 3) – Christina Georgina Rossetti

1 Love came down at Christmas,

love all lovely, Love divine;

Love was born at Christmas;

star and angels gave the sign.

3 Love shall be our token,

love be yours and love be mine;

love to God and others,

love for plea and gift and sign.

Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon

Confession:

God of love and life, we kneel before you with hearts seeking to reflect the love you bring to us with the gift of a baby, the gift of yourself in the flesh. As much as we strive to be the ongoing Body of Christ to the world, we know we have too often failed to truly love as you would love. Please forgive us for the hurt we have inflicted, the dishonor we have shown, and the failure to see and respond when your love has been needed. Help us to know in our hearts more perfectly your divine gift of love and to better be your true hands and heart in the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Words of Assurance and Pardon:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [John 3:16-17]

On this special day of anticipation, remember the gift of God’s son who was born to save us from our sins. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

Response: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

Dedication of Offering

Almighty God, we give thanks for the bounty in our lives, knowing that all comes from you. Please accept these gifts in the name of your son who you gave us as an infant and for whom we wait once again. In this special season of giving, may these offerings be particularly blessed for uses that will testify to the love and name of Jesus Christ that all may know the Messiah has come to save all peoples for all time. Amen.

Holy Communion: Great Thanksgiving and Words of Institution and Blessing

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: God of all creation and all times, you formed your world and all the universe from nothing and made it to be a place of plenty and sustenance for all creatures. You formed us into being in your image and breathed into us life. You gave us the prophets of old and Moses who delivered your law that your children might grow in love and perfection.

When your children failed to keep your covenants, you did not give up on us. You became flesh so that we truly could know you, Emmanuel, God with us. You came as a baby to grow as we must grow, to endure life as we endure it, and to suffer and die as we must suffer and die. You raised him from the dead so that we might understand your perfect love for us and also rise one day. Through your son, Jesus Christ, we came to know the magnitude of your divine love, healing from our brokenness, and the promise of eternal life.

Before his death and resurrection, Jesus dined with his disciples one final time and gave them the gifts that continue to bless us even today.

He took the bread, gave thanks to you, broke it and said, “Take, eat. This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Following the meal, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, broke it and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. As often as you drink this, remember me.”

We give you thanks for Jesus the Christ, Love Incarnate, as we offer ourselves to you as a living and holy sacrifice in union with Christ and as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

People: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Pour out your love on this bread and fruit of the vine that we will know them as the body and blood of Christ. Make us one with Christ and one with the world for the transformation of your kingdom on earth until the day it is one with the kingdom of heaven and we are united with you for eternity.

Dec. 3rd by Rev. Johanna Rehbaum

Dec. 10th by Rev. Mike Williams

Dec. 17th by Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks

Dec 24th Christmas Eve by Rev. Lee Ann Higgins

Prayer Links for Advent Narrative Lectionary Dec. 17th

A broad number of prayers from a variety of pastors/denominations. All variations of theology and kinds of prayers were accepted to show the vast richness of God’s work.

These prayers are meant for personal spiritual practice or for congregations who follow the narrative lectionary.

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer written by XXX) appreciated.

Dec 17^th, 2017 Prayer Resource Created by Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks

Isaiah 55:1-13 and John 4:13-14

Call to Worship from Psalm 126

One Voice: Beloved, as we gather on this third Sunday of Advent, let us recall with gladness the God who has kept us thus far.

ALL: We gather with mouths filled with laughter, and we lift our voices with shouts of joy. Even through our tears and our struggles in these times, we rejoice for we know that we are never alone. Today, we can boldly declare in all circumstances that the Lord has done great things for us. Our joyful praise belongs to God. Alleluia and amen.

Call to Confession

Too often we lose sight of what is important and what is good for our souls—our bodies even! We spend our resources, our time and our energy on things that are not life-affirming or joy-inspiring—and sometimes we even fill up on things that cause harm to us, others and our planet.

Let us take a moment and reflect on the things we need to let go of? those places in our lives we need God to restore? Let us confess our sins, not out of guilt but with a desire to have our joy made complete in God. Let us pray in silence…

(Moment of Silent Prayer)

Prayer of Assurance

Sisters, brothers, siblings—God desires to be in right relationship with each and every one of us. Just as God forgave David and promised God’s steadfast love to him—so it is for us. Let us with joyful hearts turn back to God and as the prophet Isaiah declares “be led back in peace.” Having claimed this peace for ourselves, let us now share the sign of peace with one another.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

One Voice: Today we light the 3^rd Advent Candle—the candle which represents joy.

ALL: In the lighting of this candle—we invoke God’s joy into this holy season, which can be painful and lonely for so many. We declare God’s joy in these times when the world is filled with hardness and hate. We believe that God’s promise of joy is everlasting and burns boldly within each and every one of us. Like the light of this flame, today we let our joy shine for all the world to see! Amen.

Dec 3rd by Rev. Johanna Rehbaum

Dec 10th by Rev. Mike Williams

Dec. 24th Christmas Morning by Rev. Kate Johnson Martin

Dec 24th Christmas Eve by Rev. Lee Ann Higgins

Prayer Links for Advent Narrative Lectionary Dec. 3rd

Prayer Resource for Narrative Lectionary in Advent, written by diverse pastors

A broad number of prayers from a variety of pastors/denominations. All variations of theology and kinds of prayers were accepted to show the vast richness of God’s work.

These prayers are meant for personal spiritual practice or for congregations who follow the narrative lectionary.

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer written by XXX) appreciated.

Dec 3rd 2017 Prayer Resource Created by Rev. Johanna Rehbaum

Daniel 3:1, 8-30 and John 18:36-37

CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
Happy are those who make the Lord their trust,
who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods.

PRAYER AND CONFESSION

We wait in hope for a God who enters the fiery furnace of the unstable places of our world, who enters the world’s darkness, who enters into our sin. Let us prepare to meet God, but entering into a time of prayer and confession…

Silence for reflection: when has your trust in God faltered this week? When have you put your trust in false promises?

God of the Fiery Furnace, Have mercy on us. We confess that when our feet are to the flames of life’s demands, our response is too often to turn our attention away from you and away from our neighbor. We put our trust in other gods, other idols, that offer false promises of relief. We seek consolation from quick fixes, and not from a relationship with you. Forgive us, God, for the times we have turned inward instead of toward you, and help us to trust in you and walk in your will and ways.

Assurance of Pardon:

Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God. God is with us in the fiery furnaces of life.

In ☩ Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven

and all things are made new.

Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE WREATH

Despite the shadows of this world, we dare to hope. As we light this candle, we gave thanks to God that even when we are overcome with sin and doubt, God’s light promises to scatter the darkness.

Light Advent wreath.

Let us pray… Come, Lord Jesus,

Come and upset our carefully guarded routine, our carefully ordered structure.

Come crashing in , making yourself heard in the cacophony.

Come tiptoeing in , making us sit up and take notice.

Surprise us with all the ways you are present for us.

Bring calm and reassurance  that your love never falters  and that your spirit never leaves us.

Come, Lord Jesus,  be known in our imperfect lives today and by your presence, cleanse and renew us  with your unpredictable spirit today.  Amen.

(adapted from Spill the Beans)

OPENING SONG: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Branch of Jesse, free

Your own from Satan’s tyranny;

From depths of hell your people save,

And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer;

O Sun of justice, now draw near

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of fiery flames,

Even the most raging fire could not destroy your servants when they called upon you in faith. Give us faith to withstand anything that rages to deter us from following you.

Amen

(by Kimberly Leetch)

Dec. 10th written by Rev. Mike Williams

Dec. 17th by Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks

Dec. 24th Christmas Morning by Rev. Kate Johnson Martin

Dec 24th Christmas Eve by Rev. Lee Ann Higgins

Maundy Thursday/Last Supper Lenten Links of Prayer for Narrative Lectionary

Links of Prayer for Last Supper

Image info (originally found in another language)

Invitation to Serve by Rev Amy Fetterman

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer/prayers written by Rev Amy Fetterman) appreciated.

Luke 22:1-27 and Psalm 34:8-10 or Psalm 34:8

Call to Worship

The One who serves has set the table,

And eagerly desires that we join him here.

As we seek and find the Lord in this joyful feast,

We shall taste and see that the Lord is good.

Prayer of Confession

As Jesus prepares a feast for us, let us prepare our hearts to receive his word. Let us offer our confession to God and before one another. Let us pray:

God of bread and vine, you redeem us from all sin. Yet, we forget that in you we find our refuge. We live into our fear rather than our faith. We strive to be great rather than follow in your servant steps. In our words, our actions, and our thoughts, we betray you. Deliver us from our fears, strengthen our hearts, and hear our cries, we pray… (silent confession followed by singing a Kyrie of your choice)

Assurance of Pardon

Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy, we pray.

Though we may turn our faces away from God, God never turns away from us. The One who prepares a place for us at the table is the same One who forgives us our sins. Friends, believe the good news: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God. Amen.

Communion Prayer

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Look to the Lord, We seek the Lord with our whole hearts.

Let us bless the Lord as we come to the table, Our souls praise God!

Our souls praise you, O God, for you created the heavens and the earth, all that is seen and unseen. You coaxed forth light and life where before there was only dark and nothingness. You are the source of the living water we seek. We rejoice that we have been made in your image, that the very breath we breathe comes from your Holy Spirit.

You tell us that those who seek you shall lack no good thing. When we turn away from you and towards the forces of hunger and want, you do not give up on us. You call out to us through the voices of the prophets and the poets. You come to us through the person of the Son. Humbled by your great love for us, we join our voices with the saints across the ages, ever singing:

Holy, Holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is Jesus the Christ, the one who came to us as a vulnerable child.

Blessed is Jesus the Christ, who taught and healed us, who laughed and wept with us, who fed us and gave us living water.

Blessed is Jesus the Christ, who gathered with his disciples, including the one who would deny him and the one who would betray him, to celebrate the Passover feast.

Blessed is Jesus the Christ, who broke the bread and shared the cup, who gave us this meal as a lasting remembrance and joyful celebration.

Blessed is Jesus the Christ, who gave himself to us and for us and invites us to live into the great mystery of faith:

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and vine, we pray, O God. As we eat this bread may we remember your great love for all. As we drink from this cup may we be strengthened in our covenant with you. So nourished and so nurtured, may we go forth from this table with servant hearts and hands. By your Spirit, may we be made one, the body of Christ for the world.

We offer all of these prayers in the name of the Bread of Life, our Savior, who taught us to pray, saying: Our Father.

Offering Prayer/Prayer of Dedication

Holy God, you have shown us that to be great is to serve. We offer our tithes and offerings, the gifts of our hearts and hands, as our commitment to join with you in service. May all we do and say further the good work of your Kingdom until you come again. Amen.

More Narrative Lectionary Lenten Themed Prayers

Lament Over Jerusalem: Narrative Lectionary Lent Links of Prayer

Image

Invitation to Gather by Rev. Courtney D. Arntzen

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer/prayers written by Rev Courtney D. Arntzen) appreciated.

Luke 9:1-9, 31-35 and Psalm 122 or Psalm 122:1

Call to Worship

Voice 1: Come

Voice 2: Come stay

Voice 1: Come stay near

Voice 2: Come stay near me

Voice 1: My wings

Voice 2: My wings are broad

Voice 1: My wings are broad enough to keep you

Voice 2: Gather here.

Voice 1: Gather and hear.

Voice 2: There is room for you.

Voice 1: Just as you are

Voice 2: Gather and hear.

Voice 1: Gather here.

Call to Confession
The Pharisees come warning Jesus, “Get out of here! Herod wants to kill you.”
Jesus responds, “Not today! Today I have lives to heal and people to release. Today I will tell people again that I am the lifesaver.” Let us pray:

Prayer of Confession

Faithful God, You presented the law to release us from slavery,

and we turn it into a rulebook dictating who is in and who is out.

You provide the prophets with messages of life for all

and we mock their words, abusing their message for our benefit.

Through Jesus you fulfill the release from capture and we choose enslavement. Through Jesus you fulfill the message of life for all and we abuse the message. Over and over we ignore the call to pay attention.(Wake us up!) Over and over again you call us to yourself, longing to gather us, protect us, and save us by your life. (Wake us up!) You call us to life, and we wander aimlessly in the path of death. (Wake us up!) Hear us now as we confess our wandering ways (Silent Confession)…Amen

Assurance of Pardon

Jesus says, unless you turn to me, you will die. He then describes himself as a sacrificial hen that longs to protect her chicks from the sly fox.

This is the good news: Jesus wings are always spread

There is room, enough room

For you.

For you all.

Turn toward Jesus, nestle under the wings of Jesus, receive the grace and peace that comes alone from him. In the safety of Jesus’ embrace, let us be sent out to share the news that there is room enough for all.

Offertory Prayer/Prayer of Dedication

Receive these offerings as an expression of our desire to place our lives again in your hands. Multiply these gifts for the expansion of your life saving message to be shared through this community faith, both here and far beyond. In Jesus name and in expectation of his return, we pray. Amen

Communion Prayer

Gracious God, we praise you for your handiwork in creation, the wonders of the mighty mountains and the stillness of the silent snowfall. We praise you for wooing us into your fold through the life-work and life-saving ministry of Jesus. We are reminded that a mother hen may extend her wings to hold and protect her young. On the cross we remember Jesus’ arms extended, that we might come to him as we come to this table and receive all that is offered. You held nothing back on our behalf, may we hold nothing back as we come. Let us bring our full selves to the table where we receive once again your fullness.

Prayer Station by Rev. Shea Zellweger

Psalm 122

1 I was glad because they said to me,
“We will go to the Lord’s temple.”
2 Our feet are standing
inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem – built as a city bound firmly together.
4 The tribes go up there,
the tribes of the Lord,
where it is required that Israel
give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 Indeed, the leaders sit there on thrones and make legal decisions,
on the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love her prosper!
7 May there be peace inside your defenses,
and prosperity inside your fortresses!
8 For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors
I will say, “May there be peace in you!”
9 For the sake of the temple of the Lord our God
I will pray for you to prosper.

Guide:

Read the psalm once, and ponder it for a moment.

Pick up several sticks (at least 3) and hold them.

Read the psalm a second time, this time paying special attention to verse 3.

Using a piece of twine, tie your sticks so that they are “bound firmly together” Place your bound sticks upright in the sand. Remember that God has called the church to be bound together, and that we are the temple of the Lord

Read the psalm a third time as a prayer of thanksgiving.

More Narrative Lectionary Lenten Themed Prayers

Links of Prayer: Narrative Lectionary for Lent

Links of Prayer Resources for Lent.

A broad number of prayers from a variety of pastors/denominations. All variations of theology and kinds of prayers were accepted to show the vast richness of God’s work.

These prayers are meant for personal spiritual practice or for congregations who follow the narrative lectionary.

They include a Call to Worship/Opening Prayer, Prayer of Confession, Assurance of Pardon, Communion Prayer, Prayer of Dedication/Offering and Some are Paired Psalm-Prayer Station Guide by Rev. Shea Zellweger

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer written by XXX) appreciated.

March 1st Ash Wednesday by Rev. Mary Austin

March 5th The Good Samaritan by Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis

March 12th The Lament Over Jerusalem by Rev. Courtney D. Arntzen

March 19th Lost Coin, Lost Sheep, Lost Son by Rev. Mike Williams

March 26th Rich Man and Lazarus by Rev. Tracy Spencer-Brown

Apr 2nd Zacchaeus by Rev. Katy Stenta

Apr 11th Triumphal Entry/Palm Sunday by Rev. Jeanne Gay

Apr 13th Last Supper by Rev. Amy Fetterman

Apr 14th Crucifixion by Rev Lee Ann Higgins

Good Friday Liturgy of the Nails http://wp.me/p2rhxZ-25W

Apr 16th Resurrection/Easter by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl

The Good Samaritan: Narrative Lectionary Lent Prayers

Image

Invitation to Community by Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer/prayers written by Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis) appreciated.

Luke 10:25-42 and Psalm 15 or Psalm 15:1

Call to Worship

Good and merciful God, you call us to gather along the road we know as community,

With our neighbors all around, speak to us in these complicated times.

We are people of the covenant, called to care for one another without exception.

Within and beyond our walls, our neighbors are struggling. Within and beyond these walls, we may be the one who is struggling.

Just as Jesus lived a commitment of coming near, abide in with and through us. Send us. Encourage us to come near in your name.

We are ready to open our hearts to receive new strength and to open our lives to new understanding. Gather us near.

Invocation

Holy God, as we come together in this house of prayer, we open ourselves to your spirit. Who is our neighbor and who was this Samaritan called good? Bring fresh understanding to why he alone drew near to danger, unafraid, giving compassion, and bringing hope. Guide us in being open to helping the stranger, the outcast, and the one without community. Amen.

Call to Confession

God calls us to relationships of trust and hope. As your children we are drawn to the good and the holy. We come now to confess that we sometimes have too narrow a view of what is good, missing the holy even when we are in its midst.

Prayer of Confession

God we pray, inspire courage and compassion and open us beyond the usual boundaries that come with fear and privilege. We name that we have failed to see our neighbors unless it is convenient and scheduled. We know that the Good Samaritan comes near as one who knows the Kin(g)dom is near. And the Kin(g)dom of God comes near when we do the same. But Creator God, coming near is not easy. It’s easier to withdraw and to hide in our homes. The division that plagues our nation will require a new kind of coming together in understanding and love. Forgive our hesitation and make bold our faith. Make bold our witness. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Be at peace as the people of God who daily find strength in hope. Be at peace knowing that God draws near; that God is omnipresent and walking with us in our struggle to follow boldly. May we be bold ambassadors of courage and Christ.

Communion Prayer

From these simple gifts of grape and grain, you have consecrated us as your children, called and sent to share your extravagant love with others. Open our eyes that we might see you near. Open our lives that we might be agents of hope and love for our world. When we forget our holy calling, speak anew to our hearts and draw us back. This is our prayer in the name of all that is holy. Amen.

Offering Prayer/Prayer of Dedication Gathered we have given in your name– blessed to be a blessing. Generous God, bless and consecrate these gifts and use them to bring hope and healing to our community and beyond. Enliven us to share even ourselves with the world you love. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

God of love, give us a deep love for you, so that we can see the world as you see it, feel the compassion you feel, and be a people whose lives mediate your love to others. God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

Open our eyes that we might see what the Good Samaritan saw. Grant us the insight to see the need in others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it. God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

We pray for all those people, who in many and various ways, have been stripped, beaten and left for dead. We pray for children who are growing up in the most awful of circumstances, especially for those starved of love or food, shelter or security. May they receive the future you have planned for them. God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

We pray for those we might cross the road to avoid, those who have been excluded socially because of their race, financial status, or history. May the dignity that is theirs be restored to them. God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

God give us a deep love for you, that we might see your love at work in this world, and that we might go and do likewise. God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

Prayer Station by Rev. Shea Zellweger

Psalm 15

1 Lord, who may be a guest in your home?

Who may live on your holy hill?

2 Whoever lives a blameless life,

does what is right,

and speaks honestly.

3 They do not slander,

or do harm to others,

or insult their neighbor.

4 They despise a reprobate,

but honor the Lord’s loyal followers.

They make firm commitments and do not renege on their promise.

5 They do not charge interest when they lends their money.

They do not take bribes to testify against the innocent.

The one who lives like this will never be upended.

Guide:

Read the psalm once, and ponder it for a moment.

Using one of the tools in the sandbox, or your own hands, create a shape in the sand which signifies the Lord’s home.

Read the psalm a second time, this time looking for a single phrase which speaks especially to you.

Select a rock. Allow the rock to represent you. Hold it in your hand as you contemplate the phrase you found.

Place the rock inside the Lord’s home. God has welcomed you home.

Read the psalm a third time as a prayer of thanksgiving.

More Narrative Lectionary Lenten Themed Prayers

Narrative Lectionary: Ash Wednesday Links of Prayer

Ash Wednesday

“Invitation to Lent” Author Rev. Mary Austin

Feel free to use/edit. Credit to the original author (i.e. based on prayer/prayers written by Rev Mary Austin) appreciated.

Luke 9:51-62 and Psalm 5:7-8 or Psalm 5:8

Call to Worship

We are dust and ashes,

bone and breath,

full of frailty and limitation.

Lent calls us into reflection and repentance,

drawing closer to God.

Lent calls us to see ourselves as dust and ash,

alive only with God’s breath.

Lent invites us to be pilgrims,

moving with Jesus toward the truth.

In Lent, we travel with Jesus,

moving toward an end and a beginning.

Let us worship the God of glory,

with all that is within us.

Call to Confession

Keeping up appearances is exhausting. Pretending to be something we are not takes a toll on our spirits. The illusion of perfection makes us weary. Lent invites us into a place of freedom. Let us speak the truth about ourselves, and know the truth about God.Trusting in God’s abundant, living mercy, let us pray. (time for silent reflection)…Amen

Prayer of Confession

God who breathes life into dust,

and fills ash with glory,

we come to you knowing that we are broken,

not by your doing,

but by our own.

Forgive us for chasing shiny gods,

instead of turning to you.

Forgive us for trusting our own abilities

more than your goodness.

Forgive us for seeing other people as stepping stones,

instead of as your beloved ones.

Breathe life into our dust again, we pray,

and claim us once more as your own.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Assurance of Grace/Pardon

Who are we, that God is mindful of us? God’s fingers have shaped us, and God’s breath gives us life. God’s abundant mercy follows us with each step. In the life of Jesus Christ, we see a new way to live. In following him, our lives are redeemed. Through Jesus Christ, we are all forgiven. Be at peace in God’s grace.

Invitation to Communion

My friends, dust and ash we are, and also God’s beloved people. Jesus, who knows both death and resurrection, invites us now to the table. Here, even on this day, we see a glimpse of God’s table. At the table of God, there is hunger is no more, and all of God’s people feast together. There death is no more, and we see our beloved ones and God’s people of all the ages. There tears are no more, and we rejoice in the presence of God’s living grace.

In the name of Jesus our host, Jesus whom we follow into Lent, Jesus who gives us living bread, we are all invited to come and share in the feast.

Prayer after Communion

Holy God,

with the taste of ash still in our mouths,

you have fed us with the bread of heaven

and the cup of new beginnings.

Lead us now, we pray,

into a Lent of somber reflection

and committed service,

spreading the taste of your love to all people.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Offering Prayer / Prayer of Dedication

Merciful God,

our gifts are as limited as our lives,

but we offer them to you with gratitude,

knowing that they really are your gifts,

loaned to us.

We offer them with praise,

that you invite us to share in your work.

We offer them with hope,

knowing that you can transform them

into instruments of love and justice.

In Jesus name, Amen.

More Narrative Lectionary Lenten Themed Prayers

A Short Good Shepherd Ash Weds Service