Luke 24:36-38 (a version for today) While the disciples discuss the resurrection news, Jesus stands among them and says, ‘Peace be with you.’ Startled and terrified, they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus asks, ‘Why are you frightened and, why do doubts arise in your hearts?’ We join fearful Peter now to listen to […]
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Vigil Against Gun Violence, Good Friday
Prepared by Washington Park United Church of Christ, Denver, Colorado Background “The Good Friday Vigil Against Gun Violence emerged out of what Denver experienced as the Summer of Violence in 1993, when there was a high incidence of gun deaths in the metro region. The staff of Washington Park United Church of Christ thought it […]
Read full textLenten feast & fast — Jim Burklo, USA
For Lent: Feast on simple pleasures, and fast from all that gets our bodies and souls out of balance. Feast on kindness, and fast from sarcasm. Feast on compassion, and fast from holding grudges. Feast on patience, and fast from anxiety. Feast on peace, and fast from stirring up needless conflict. Feast on acceptance, and […]
Read full textBlack History Month
What words do we use to lift up the history of oppression, current struggles and future hopes? How is our language in worship shaped by race? What colours do we see as we speak the words of our faith? Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. -Psalm […]
Read full textRacial Justice Sunday
Racial Justice Sunday UK is observed on the second Sunday of February. What is God’s dream? What is our dream today? What is God’s hope? What is our hope? What are we willing to change in our lives to make these dreams and hopes come true? How hard are we willing to persist and push […]
Read full textLGBT+ worship resources
In honour of LGBT+ History Month… The resources listed below have been written specifically for worshipping communities intentionally created to provide safe and meaningful worship for the LGBT+ community and friends. Editor’s Note: A primary purpose behind Worship Words is to provide worship resources usable by all people, providing inclusive language and religious imagery. My […]
Read full textHolocaust Memorial Day, Yom HaShoah — 27 January
…lest we forget Observances around the World Different countries observe Holocaust Memorial Day on different days. Many countries have adopted 27 January, the date designated by the United Nations as International Holocaust Memorial Day. Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and death camp, was liberated by Soviet troops on 27 January in 1945. The UK has adopted this date, […]
Read full textBreaking down barriers, prayer — Martin Johnstone, Scotland
God, who in Jesus, broke down all barriers, between people of different races rich and poor, male and female, Jew and Gentile, between heaven and earth, we worship you. God, at this time of heavy responsibility, as decisions about future relationships with our neighbouring nations are being taken, we pray for our leaders: that they […]
Read full textConfession, you know us — Cara Heafey, UK
Confession and assurance God of love, you know us inside and out. With you there is no point in hiding or pretending. You invite us into your presence, and we come as we are. We confess that we often forget to listen for your voice. That moments of stillness are few. We hurry about with […]
Read full textMay I be a bridge…Daily Prayer–Shantideva, India
Daily Prayer, by Shantideva, Buddhist sage 700 A.D., India Prayer performed each morning by His Holiness the Dalai Lama May I be a guard for those who need protection A guide for those on the path A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood May I be a lamp […]
Read full textEpiphany Evening Conversations — Maren Tirabassi, USA
Epiphany Evening When Mary was really cold, she gave an angry kick to the frankincense jar (flashy gift, but ultimately useless) and then she saw it – ‘Look what the magi really left us! I can start this fire with what fell behind the caravan’s two-toed feet. ‘Something ordinary is the only way to warm […]
Read full textMysterious Paradoxes, a Christmas reflection — Lauren Mallaby, Australia
Mysterious paradoxes collide in this story. A story of a baby, Born into nothing, Yet born into everything. Born in a shed, But born in love, And is love And brings love. The paradox of a young woman, Not yet wedded, Blessed to bring life, Into this world that needs life Needs hope Requires love. […]
Read full textWinter Prayer: God’s Timing — Ted Loder
God of all seasons and senses, grant us the sense of your timing to submit gracefully and rejoice quietly in the turn of the seasons. In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold, teach us the lessons of endings; children growing, friends leaving, loved ones dying, grieving over, […]
Read full textStars of Christmas, poem — Bob Hill, USA
A poem for Christmas and Epiphany This night we steer our paths By lights in holy skies. Like eyes of old, we stare Aloft at certain stars. Pressed hard by cruel tones And ugly, unseemly times, We linger at a star of beauty, A gleaming, affirming fire. To homes and naves we go With children […]
Read full textA Very British Nativity – Joint Public Issues Team, UK
Refugees seeking safety for their families… Mary and Joseph, portrayed by children, seek refuge in the UK. Visitors from the East find it difficult to bring gifts to the family. This thoughtful video might be used in worship to highlight the difficulties refugees face, as did Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt. Created by […]
Read full textGod of Covenant (on reading Deuteronomy) –Merryl Blair, Australia
God, you have become known to us, Not in abstract theologies, But in action – Specifically, the action of salvation. We cried, you heard – And our cries caused such an upheaval in you that they could not be borne in silence and inaction. You then became known to us In the gift of torah: […]
Read full textThanksgiving prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
Great Spirit, For the beauty of the earth we give thanks. For the streaks of morning sun we give thanks. For the warmth of family and friends we give thanks. Power of Love, Link us together in love. Shower our day with hope and joy. Create in us a commitment to extend your welcome to all, […]
Read full textPrayer for religious tolerance – Cara Heafey, UK
Who shall we say that you are? Quiet God, Who comes in silence Vulnerable God, Who comes in frailty Elusive God, Wrapped in mystery Who shall we say that you are? We speak of you with many names, Knowing that none will hold you. Remind us, when we need reminding, that our words, creeds and […]
Read full textPrayer for Peace in a world starved for love — James McReynolds, USA
God, you who are ultimately in control, the fury and pain and death of this world are before us this day. We weep over the hunger, war, conflict, and hate cursing the landscape of the earth, wasting lives that barely had a chance, lives that fell victim to forces greater than peaceful, preventive measures could […]
Read full textNine Night
What words do we share at a Nine Night service? Who writes them? Who says them? Who hears them? Nine Night, evolving from a Caribbean wake tradition, is a celebration held before the funeral. In my experience as a minister in southeast London, Nine Night festivities usually include an open house with a party-celebration atmosphere, at […]
Read full textSt Francis Day – 4 Oct
Words from St Francis Words about St Francis Words about our responsibility for all creatures Words about justice for creation Resources for worship on St Francis Day: Blessing the Animal services St Francis Day is often celebrated with a service of blessing of the animals. These resources for Blessing of the Animal services include a […]
Read full textPeace Sunday
Peace Sunday is usually observed on the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of October, in the midst of the Week of Prayer for World Peace. ‘The Week of Prayer for World Peace was started as a Christian initiative in 1974. It soon became an interfaith activity, and now welcomes everyone, of all faith traditions or none. Dr […]
Read full textCall to Worship
Welcome! Come! Gather! What words do we use to call people together for worship? What words do we choose to invite people into worship space and time? Newest ‘Call to Worship’ posts . . . (images link to posts) Click on the link to go directly to: Call to Worship resources written for young readers Calls […]
Read full textHarvest images
A picture says a thousand words. Thanks to all the photographers and artists for sharing these inspiring images. Items posted here may be used for worship and devotional purposes. Please acknowledge the photographer/artist. (If no photographer is noted, it is usually myself, Ana Gobledale.) Click on the image to see the full enlarged image.
Read full textSeptember Words
Worship Words resources for September:
Read full textSeason of Creation (Creation Time)
This annual observance, stretching from 1 September to 4 October (Day of St Francis of Assisi), aims to raise awareness in the global Christian family about the urgency to care for creation as a response to the ecological crisis. Click on the link to access the numerous Season of Creation resources posted on Worship Words […]
Read full textGo break down walls, benediction – WCC
Blessed are you, who trust in the Almighty and put your hope in God. You are like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots to the river. When heat comes, you do not fear, your leaves remain green. You do not grieve the year of drought nor cease to bear fruit. Blessed […]
Read full textWords Matter
God speaks the universe into creation. Words of kindness create goodness; words of cruelty create hurt. Our words matter. Liturgy and Language resources: Jump to… Creative and Refreshing liturgy for today’s church Liberated Liturgy Academic reflections – thoughts on liturgy Liturgical Studies at Notre Dame University, Indiana USA Joseph Ratzinger’s (Pope Benedict XVI) Consideration of inclusive […]
Read full textCommunion for an outside setting — Maren Tirabassi, USA
Reading: one of the 7 biblical accounts of the ‘feeding of the multitude’ from either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Invitation Christ’s invitation is simple — sit down where you are. You don’t need to run off somewhere else — not a nearby village market or a familiar sanctuary, communion is where you are — […]
Read full textEarth Prayer — Manitoba Buddhist Temple, Canada
We gently caress you, the Earth, our planet and our home. Our vision has brought us closer to you, making us aware of the harm we have done to the life-network upon which we ourselves depend. We are reminded that we have poisoned your waters, your lands, your air. We have filled you with the […]
Read full textThe Power of Words
God speaks the universe into creation. Words of kindness create goodness; words of cruelty create hurt. Our words matter. What words are we using in worship?
Read full textJustice Words
With words we cry out for justice in our lives and our world. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9 Explore these worship resources to discover ‘Justice Words’ relevant to […]
Read full textWe call to mind, Litany — Simon Cross, UK
Intercessions arising from Psalm 51: 10 Silence: a diamond symbol (♦) indicates a short pause. One: God we call to mind the places where we live. All: May your people dwell in harmony. ♦ One: We call to mind the concerns of our neighbours. All: May your people dwell in harmony. ♦ One: We call […]
Read full textResponsive Call to Worship for outdoor service — Susan Brecht, USA
Written for a service in nature (outside) Ready-to-print WORD doc: Call to worship for a service in nature – Susan Brecht, USA Leader: Creating Spirit, we gather this morning enveloped in the beauty of your creation. We come to release the stress, the anxiety, the burdens, the worries, the struggles of our lives. We come […]
Read full textIsaiah 26.9, Walk God’s way — Simon Cross, UK
Isaiah 26:9, New Living Translation One: In the night I search for you; All: in the morning I earnestly seek you. One: Holy God at the start of this new day we look again at the works of your hands: may our vision be renewed and our minds refreshed. The stone that was rejected is […]
Read full textOur hope is in you — Simon Cross, UK
A Litany One: Because of the rising of the sun in the morning of each new day All: Our hope is in you, God One: Because of the setting of that same sun in the evening All: Our hope is in you, God One: Because of the stars that extend towards infinity All: Our hope […]
Read full textDrawn Up — David Long-Higgins, USA
Loving God, Draw everything of me Into the mystery of You Bending the barrenness Of winter’s weary wait Toward Your leading light Hinting at things to come. Let everything of me Be swayed toward You Resisting every wind Of the world’s uprooting Often blowing within Daring to break my resolve To follow Your Christ-love Wherever […]
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