Ana Gobledale | Worship Words - Part 20

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Human Rights Day offers us the opportunity to lift prayers worldwide for governments and the people they serve.

Psalm 146 Praise — Duncan Wilson, UK

A contemporary rendition of Psalm 146, Common Lectionary reading — Advent 3, Year A Happy are those whose hope is in the goodness of our God, maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that they contain, who keeps faith with us for ever and brings justice to those who are oppressed. God it […]

Prayer for human rights — Joint Liturgical Group, UK

As the nations mark Human Rights Day on 10 December, we pray that governments worldwide will ensure their people have adequate health care, proper provision of food, clothing, housing and social welfare. We pray that all will be provided with the security of a basic income, the opportunity of a free education, and the guarantee […]

From darkness to light: the Advent procession –Salisbury Cathedral, UK

This annual service, ‘From Darkness to Light’, held in Salisbury Cathedral starts in complete darkness. A single candle is lit, and the light spreads throughout the cathedral until hundreds of lights burn brightly illuminating the vastness. These words from the programme set the scene: “The darkness is at one and the same time a comforting […]

Psalm 72 Praise — Duncan Wilson, UK

A contemporary rendition of Psalm 72. 1-8, 18,19 Teach your rulers, dear God, to know what is right and share with them what you consider just so that they rule fairly, especially in favour of people who are oppressed. May our lands also enjoy prosperity and also be awake to your righteousness. As long as […]

Advent vestry prayer — UK

Bless us this advent Sunday. Thank you for the joy we find spending time with one another as the excitement of Jesus’s birth becomes infectious. Bless us and those taking part in the service and give them courage, peace and strength to overcome any nerves. Let us celebrate this special Sunday together as the family […]

World AIDS Day Prayer — Joint Liturgical Group, UK

As churches and world health organizations mark World AIDS Day, we pray for a continuing awareness of the AIDS pandemic. We remember the millions of men, women and children worldwide living with HIV. We pray for all who care for HIV sufferers and those involved in research to control and eradicate the virus. The JLG […]

Psalm 122, contemporary versions — Zambia & UK

The first three contemporary versions of Psalm 122, variations on a theme, were written collaboratively by groups of theology and ministry students at the United Church of Zambia University, Mindolo. The fourth version arises from the United Kingdom. Psalm 122 is a reading for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A. Psalm 122 — arising […]

Reign of Christ Sunday Intercessory Prayer — Tod Gobledale, UK

As we enter into this intercessory time—thinking and praying for others—let us first seek to still our spirits’ restlessness. I invite you to close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. Inhale, filling your lungs…. Exhale, emptying your lungs…. Inhale, fill your lungs…. Exhale, empty them…. Inhale… Exhale. Pray with me. Jesus, they hanged you […]

Gathering Prayer — Ana Gobledale, Zambia

God, we gather in this place Home for our souls. Here we sense our true selves Renewed in wholeness; Scattered, now gathered in. Fragments re-united, re-connected Standing on solid ground Upheld by faith Renewed by love We open ourselves to you.

Choir vows — United Church of Zambia

I promise that, I will stay in the house of the LORD, congregating with my fellow Choir / Praise & drama members, learning the Word of God together through music. I promise that, I will continue to renew my life to my God and my membership to my Congregation each year through rededication. I promise […]

Independence Prayer – Zambia

The Zambian Independence Prayer was written alongside the celebration of independence on 24 October 1964. Contemporary version Almighty and Eternal God, Creator and Protector of all people, into your hands we commend our land of Zambia. Draw into closer unity the people of all races who dwell here. Send out your light and your […]

Induction Questions & Charge — Lusaka Presbytery, Zambia

From a service for the induction of a Minister into a new congregation in the United Church of Zambia, Lusaka Presbytery. Questions asked of the Minister being inducted: Do you believe in your heart that you are truly called by God to the pastoral charge of this Congregation / these Congregations? I do so […]

God of Truth, an Opening Prayer — Zambia

God of truth! You are worthy of higher praise than we can offer, and of purer worship than we can imagine. By your Holy Spirit, assist us in our prayers and draw us to yourself, so that what is lacking in our thoughts and actions and our words and music may be supplied by your […]

Forgive & renew us, a prayer of confession — Lusaka Presbytery, Zambia

To be read responsively, the congregation reading the bold type. Gracious God, when we do not listen for your word in the words of others, Forgive and renew us. When we do not use the gifts you have bestowed on us, Forgive and renew us. When we do not love one another as sisters and […]

Liturgy for the blessing of a house — Zambia

This liturgy might be used for the blessing of a new home being lived in for the first time, or an older home into which a family has recently moved. It easily involves the whole family, all ages. Materials needed Hymnbooks or printed songsheets oil for blessing (In Zambia special ‘blessed’ oil is available from […]

Call to Worship — Thomas Bwalya, Zambia

Call to worship Be exalted O God above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. All: Come, let us worship our God. I invite you all dear, parents, brothers and sisters to stand with me and sing hymn number _____ as we open our service. Thomas Bwalya is a ministry student United […]

Opening prayer of praise and confession — Ian Kapembwa, Zambia

Almighty and everlasting creator, redeemer and sustainer of our lives, the true and only wise God, we thank you for the marvellous works of your hand. Indeed, they signify how great you are. The morphological design of earth describes the splendour of your beauty. Gracious and merciful God, despite your goodness toward humanity we have […]

Opening words, Psalm 128:1-2 — Ian Kapembwa, Zambia

‘Blessed is everyone who fears God, who walks in God’s ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands. You shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.’ Used for Chapel Devotions, Tuesday 27 August, at United Church of Zambia University, by Ministerial Student, Ian Kapembwa.

Blessing of a home — Zambia

Scripture sentences Psalm 127:1 Proverbs 18:10 Word of Blessing God, creator of the universe and giver of all possession, we thank you for the privilege given to this family [insert names]. We dedicate this house to you and declare that your light shines in this house. Our prayer is that nothing evil will […]

Blessing of a building site — Zambia

Creating fresh liturgies for Zambia’ today The city of Lusaka is often called a ‘construction site’ by its residents due to the constant building and expansion of the city. This liturgy for blessing a new office block site has been written cooperatively by a group of Bachelor of Theology students at the United Church of […]

Opening Prayers of adoration, thanksgiving & confession – Zambia

A contemporary service in a United Church of Zambia congregation will usually include a ‘Prayer of Adoration, thanksgiving and confession’ following either the Call to Worship or the first hymn. The prayers included on this post are written by students of ministry and theology at the United Church of Zambia University in Mindolo, Kitwe. They […]

Prayers for Illumination — Zambia

These prayers for illumination, variations on a theme, were shared by students of theology and ministry preaching at morning devotions at the United Church of Zambia University, Mindolo. By Thomas Bwalya God, our father and mother, we open our hearts to you this morning. Speak to us as we interact with the text read. By […]

Open our eyes — Heather Pencavel

An Opening Prayer (might be used as the basis of a vestry prayer) Open our eyes, ever-present God, To see you here and now in this place and in one another. Open our ears, Word of Life, To hear you speaking in the words we hear and say and sing and in the silence. Open […]

Rainbow of God’s design — Wellingtone Bawalya, Zambia

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 4:3-6 (Eighth Sunday after Epiphany, Year A) This prayer arises from a homily given at Morning Chapel, United Church of Zambia University. Wellingtone’s words have been adapted as a prayer by Ana Gobledale. My parents, sisters and brothers in Christ, join me in prayer. Creator God, how wonderful it is that […]

Luke 23:33-43 drama, the crucifixion — Ana Gobledale, UK

Luke 23:33-43 – Jesus and the two criminals Told from the perspective of three Roman soldiers present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Appropriate for Good Friday or the 24th Sunday of Pentecost, Year C. Ready-to-print scripts: Luke 23, 33-43 drama PDF Luke 23, 33-43 drama Storyteller: Today’s Gospel reading, from Luke’s account, reminds us how […]

Prayer for illumination– Valerie Noble, UK

This prayer might be used preceding or following a scripture reading, or as a segway into the sermon. Dear Forgiving One, It is so easy to listen to your words and yet sometimes so hard to truly hear them. Teach us to truly listen to your teaching not only with our ears but with our […]

Our Father, Our Mother: Parallel versions — Orchard Ridge, Wisconsin USA

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin USA, provides a comprehensive selection of modern versions of the Lord’s Prayer, the Prayer of Jesus. Orchard Ridge describes itself as “spiritually alive, joyfully inclusive, committed to justice.” Our Father, Our Mother: Parallel versions Ready-to-print copies: Our Father – Our Mother PDF Our Father – […]

Experimenting with the Jesus Prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK

My family and I have experimented with the Jesus Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. By removing gender-orientation and limiting phrases and inserting words that ring with meaning and truth for today, this prayer has remained a pillar of my faith practice. In the 1980’s saying nightly prayers with my children, we replaced “Our Father” with “Almighty God.” Today, with […]

Abba Prayer – Rex A E Hunt, Australia

You are invited to pray in the spirit of the Lord’s Prayer, and in your original language, as that is appropriate. All Gracious Spirit, Who loves us like a mother, Whose realm is blooming among us now. And within. We pray that your compassion guide us in every action. Give us what we need for […]

Earth-maker: A contemporary ‘Lord’s Prayer’ – Jim Cotter, UK

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain Bearer, Life-Giver, Source of all that is and that shall be. Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by […]

Reformation Day – 31 Oct

What words reconcile the schisms and divisions in the church? Reformation Day confesses and ‘celebrates’ a major severing within the Christian church. When we start looking closely at Martin Luther, we find him displaying characteristics far from noble and heroic. What words blend the joy of liberation with the admission — confession — of responsibility […]

All Saints Day, Children’s Message — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Children’s Message for All Saints Day – recognizing God’s workers Images of saints, past and present, are used to help children identify and appreciate people who are ‘saints’, who use their life to make the world a better place. The iconography of Robert Lenz provides numerous portraits of what he calls “marginalized heroes” –both traditional […]

Ritual of Blessing & Litany of Commitment – Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

This ritual draws together a faith community in a renewal and affirmation of gifts and talents. It includes readings, a litany and the laying on of hands. Romans 12:4-8, First Peter 4:8-11, Matthew 20:25-28 Opening words Jesus came among us as a servant and calls us to faith and a life of loving service to […]

Psalm 121 & Luke 18.1-8. Prayers for the world, — Ana Gobledale, UK

Written for nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C Psalm 121 & Luke 18:1-8 (the widow and the unjust judge) Where whence comes our help? Our help comes from God, the Eternal One, who made heaven and earth. Join me in our prayers of intercession. Pray with me. God, you are, indeed, our help in times […]

Prayer of confession & affirmation — Gloria Brown, UK

God, forgive us for the many times that we rely on our short-lived strength. Help us see that all good gifts come from you, and that you are the never-failing source of our strength, hope, and joy. When we draw near to you, our minds are refreshed and our strength is renewed.

Psalm 30, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK

Inspired by Psalm 30:4-5 Originally written for the third Sunday of Easter, Year C A responsive reading Sing praises to the Eternal One. Today we praise the sacred with enthusiasm. Rejoice in the morning light. We rejoice in the never-ending love of God. Sadness and anger have darkened our paths. Yet in the light of […]

Speak to us — Fiona Crowther, UK

Eternal One, we give thanks for the people who gather here to worship this morning. From the youngest to the oldest, let our ears be open to hear your word and our eyes be opened to see what needs to be done. Speak to us that we might find insight, forgiveness and freedom and help […]

Group Prayer for our world (intercessions) – Lewisham, UK

Thank you for meeting us on this day to worship and praise you. We pray for families and those affected by recent natural disasters [insert relevant references from current news]. We pray for the leaders of government relief agencies that will be involved in aiding the communities. We pray also for the weak and vulnerable […]

Thank you for this day — Sharon Paul, UK

We thank you for this day to live, another day to love and one more day to forgive. Make us a light and blessing to one another as we acknowledge you.

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