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Call to Worship   (adapted from Psalm 32)

L: Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven.
P: Blessed are those in whose spirit is no deceit.
L: I said: I will confess my sins to the Lord,
P: And the Lord forgave the guilt of my sin.
L: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous!
P: Sing God's praises all you upright in heart!

Invocation

From our God who loves us with an everlasting love, who brings forth a new creation in Christ, who leads us by the Spirit in the wilderness: Grace and abundant mercy be with you all.

And also with you.

Let us pray. God of all mercy, by your power to heal and to forgive, graciously cleanse us from all sin and make us strong; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

 

Prayer of Confession
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Lord, help us examine our hearts so that we may pay proper respect to Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  Thank you for offering reconciliation to all of humankind, the forgiveness of sins through Christ, our high priest.

Almighty and ever-present God, we confess our sins to you. We are truly sorry for our wrongdoings and shortcomings, for sins of commission and sins of omission.

Forgive us, we pray, in Christ's name.

Empower us to serve you fully, to share the resources we have with those who have less, to weep with those who weep, and to laugh with those who laugh. Help us to be good stewards over the earth you have placed in our care; help us to unite in love and concern for one another, not just in our local community, but with brothers and sisters in all the world.  Amen.

 

Prayer of Hope and Promise

Father, may the eyes of our understanding be flooded with Your light that we might know the hope to which we have been called and how rich is Your glorious inheritance.

May we ever, O Lord, carry the glory of mighty hope into our common duty and into the cross-bearing of the dreary day.

Father, prepare us for the height of blessing to which You have called us. Help us to accept gratefully the arduous things necessary to fully receive Your highest good for us.

 

Prayer of Intercession

As we seek in this Lenten time to grow in our faith, let us pray for the life of the world.

That the church in every place work faithfully in its ministry of reconciliation, as ambassadors for Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That those preparing for baptism be welcomed like the prodigal, with celebration and rejoicing for the forgiveness and new life, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That the governments of the world may be just and fair, from presidents to tax collectors, from ambassadors to civil servants, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That those who are estranged might find reconciliation through Christ and that we might be generous toward them with our inheritance from God, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That God's wings of healing might hover over those who are weak and ill (especially), let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That this congregation might be like manna in the land, providing relief for those in need, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That we together with all the faithful departed (especially) might celebrate the new creation that is ours in Christ Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Grant these prayers, merciful God, and all that we need, as we eagerly await the Easter feast; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

Prayer for God's Grace
(traditional Pakistani Christian)

O Creator and mighty God,
You have promised strength for the weak,
rest for the laborers, light for the way,
grace for the trials, help from above,
unfailing sympathy, undying love.
O Creator and mighty God,
help us to continue in your promise.  Amen.

 

Closing prayer

May almighty God, who caused light to shine out of darkness, shine in our hearts, cleansing us from all our sins, and restoring us to the light of the knowledge of God's glory, in the face of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.