CALL TO WORSHIP P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. C: Amen. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Let us approach God with confidence, trusting in God’s grace as we humbly confess our sins. Silence for Reflection P: Gracious God, C: you know us better than we know ourselves. You know our sins even before we confess. Your knowledge is wonderful, but also challenging. We’d much rather avoid painful truths and deny our role in wrongdoing. Help us face our failings so we can move forward in truth. Amen. P: As psalm 103 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.” Trust in the promises of God and know that you are loved and forgiven + and be at peace. C: Amen. HYMN “Dearest Jesus, at Your Word” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. Hebrew Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 SERMON HYMN “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: As we celebrate Christ embodied in human form, we pray for God’s blessing on the church, the world, and all of creation. P: Encourage the ministry and mission of the church, God of truth. Let the leaders of your church be trustworthy and accountable stewards, that all its resources and outreach bring hope and healing to communities. God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Heal areas of the creation harmed by human greed. Restore places recovering from natural disaster. Protect our forests and waterways and all the creatures that live in them. God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Call the leaders of every neighborhood and nation to serve faithfully, God of wisdom. Give them visions of justice and unity. Lead them to action that promotes equitable partnership and uplifts those on the margins of society. God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Hold in your care any who suffer and struggle, God of compassion. You who know our inner hearts, be present with any who are oppressed, victims of racism or cultural bias, and all who long for rest or restoration. God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Give this congregation the anticipation and excitement of Samuel, so inspired and empowered to do your work in the world, God of unity. Make us faithful as we build communities of inclusion and mutual care. God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Trusting God who raised Jesus and will also raise us in spirit and truth, we remember all who have died and are at peace among the saints (especially the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose faithful advocacy for peace and justice continues to embolden the church). God of grace, C: receive our prayer. P: Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: Bless in every way, O Lord, the gifts of the people given here, today. Enrich the ministries of your church and make us grateful to be able to let go of the things we do not, finally, own. C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER Spoken in Tamil BENEDICTION P: May the grace, hope, peace and love of the God the Creator, Redeemer + and Sustainer be with us now and always. C: Amen. HYMN “Will You Come and Follow Me” CHARGE P: Go And...Rest! So that you can better love and serve God and your neighbor. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495
1 Comment
Nancy Hinrichs
1/29/2024 05:08:43 pm
Lovely message. Very well put, thought provoking. Thank you Lori.
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AuthorRev. Lori E.L. Kitzing Archives
April 2024
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