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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24)

L: O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
P: You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely.
L: Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
P: You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
All: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 

A Prayer of Confession-- For Freedom from Bondage (Epistle lesson)
by Rev. F. Schaefer

Gracious God, we come to you with the confidence of being your beloved sons and daughters.   We thank you for your gracious work of faith within us that continuously sets us free from bondage to the flesh.

But Lord, we confess that we do not always succeed to live in the spirit.  We confess that we are weak.  We have given in to temptation, we have not heeded your call to master sin in our lives.

 We have sinned against you, our neighbor and against our own selves.  Forgive us, we pray in Christ Jesus' name.

Lord, help our unbelief!  Increase our faith and trust in your saving power.  Give us confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer.  And help us to bring your healing love and truth to those we meet.

Amen.

 

Prayer (for the Gospel lesson)
adapted from a prayer of the Augustinian Friars

Let us pray to the
Lord of the harvest who calls men
and women to serve him in love.

(Pause for silent prayer)

All glory and praise are yours,
God of truth, light of our hearts, for
you guide your people in
the ways of holiness.

Help us
and our fellow Christian brothers and sisters
to seek you through mutual love and worship
and to be servants of your Church as
examples that others may follow.

Enlighten men and women
to see the beauty of the Christian life;
strengthen them in your service
so that the work you have begun in
them may be brought to fulfillment.

Amen.

 

Closing Prayer of Devotion / Re-Dedication
by St. Augustine

Lord,
let my whole heart
be inflamed with love for you;
let nothing in me belong to me
and let me have no thought for myself;
let me burn
and be wholly consumed in you;
let me love you with my whole being
as one set on fire by you.