Once again we gather to worship the God who created us, sustains us, and redeems us. God alone is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving, for He alone make our lives not only possible but also indescribably bountiful. When we feel far from Him, He seeks us out, and draws us closer to Him once again. He is the eternal Love who never lets us go, and thus to Him we express our gratitude. Therefore let us, with confidence, worship God.
Pastoral Prayer
We praise Thee, O God, for all Thy blessings toward us, blessings which are too numerous for us even to grasp, and blessings which never fail, no matter how difficult and tenuous our lives may become. When we feel bereft and forlorn, Thou art there. When life seems good, and our spirits are buoyant, Thou art there. In good times and bad, in pleasure and in pain, in all the vicissitudes of human existence, Thou art there. We thank Thee for Thy presence with us, O God, especially when we question that presence, or do not overtly feel it.
We ask Thee to forgive us for the ways in which we have failed to follow Thy laws: by being unkind; by ignoring people in need; by putting ourselves first too much of the time and others first too little of the time; by being untruthful when that seemed to be an easier course of action; and by supposing it is too constraining for us continually to seek to do Thy will. In being forgiven, may we also be renewed, so that once again we strive in all things to follow Thy laws.
We pray for people who recently have received bad news about their health, and whose lives will be cut short by serious illness. We remember those who face spiritual crises, and whose faith is being sorely tested by circumstances over which they have no control. Uphold them in the inner vacuum they feel. Be with all those for whom physical pain is a constant factor in their lives, and who are being depleted by its relentless assault on their inner equilibrium. Grant peace to the grieving, hope to those faced with despair, and love to those who believe they are completely cut off from all relationships. Make us agents of Thy healing to all who feel great need. These prayers we make in Jesus’ name. Now we join together in prayer as he instructed his followers, saying, Our Father….