We gather, looking back to see the paths taken, Looking forward to see our path. We honour those who have gone before us, Learning from their successes and failures. We celebrate who we are today, And welcome the possibilities and opportunities before us. We gather to worship God, the God of yesterday, […]
Read full textCome! — Christian Peacemaker Teams, Chicago USA & Toronto, Canada
Come! And trust that which brought you here. Come! Riding in on the grace of the wind Come! Floating in on the river that feeds your soul. Come! Walking on the path that unfolds in front of you. Come! And be in this moment, this place; welcoming in the love of living. Used in services […]
Read full textOpening Prayer by G Oberman — adapted by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Adapted from “Opening Prayer” by Gerardo Oberman, Argentina (adapted for use at a leader’s gathering, by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA) At this junction on our journey, we heed your call, O God. We gather as your people, looking for new life for our life. We gather, as your imperfect children, aware of our moments of selfishness […]
Read full textThe Windermere Centre Prayer — Graham Cook, UK
…God, heaven and earth cannot contain you, much less this place which our imagination has conceived and our money has built. But we come now to pray that you will use it to fulfil some part of your purposes. You are the centre,… the heart of all that exists. It is your breath which gives […]
Read full textPsalm 138, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Give thanks to God! Celebrate God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Sing of the ways of God, for God is magnificent! or select a more traditional last line: for great is the glory of God! Psalm 138 is a Common Lectionary reading on the 12th Sunday of Pentecost in Years A, and 3rd Sunday of […]
Read full textRitual of Arrival – Christian Peacemaker Team, Chicago USA & Toronto, Canada
What gives us life? What sustains us? Using water as the focus, we gather and bless one another. Set up a large bowl in the centre of the worship space, or in the centre of each table. small glasses (or communion cups) partially filled with water — at each place or on a tray at […]
Read full textPrayer of Praise & Confession, Genesis 32, Pentecost 9A — Ana Gobledale, UK
Based on Genesis 32.22-31 God, we come with praise and gratitude. Thank you for your word, for speaking to us anew today. In faith and trust, we open our ears and minds to you. We know you are with us in the rush of life. God, you see us as we truly are, with our […]
Read full textCall to Worship: A Credo for Christians — Jim Burklo, USA
May be read in unison as a Call to Worship I worship and adore God, source, essence, and aim of all things, spirit that enlivens all beings. I follow the way of Jesus, who found God in himself and shared a way for others to find God in themselves. He […]
Read full textInvocation: Drum-beat Prayer for Divine Rhythm
Might be used as an opening meditation at a confessional reflective service such as Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. Can be read by a single voice, multiple voices or responsively. Start in Silence. A drumbeat begins, getting louder than softer. The drumbeat tapers off into a soft background beat for the prayer. O Steady One, […]
Read full textTrinity of Love, prayer — Louise Gough, UK
Loving God who conceived life, originates ingenuity, embraces individuality, welcomes everyone, celebrates diversity, encourages unity, offers serenity, gifts simplicity, lavishes compassion, we worship you! Living Jesus who breathes our air, walks our streets, feels our pain, sheds tears, enjoys company, bubbles with laughter, holds our hands, we worship you! Gentle Spirit who strengthens fragile spirits, […]
Read full textPsalm 40, Gathering words — Ana Gobledale, UK
Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year A Happy are those who are patient and trust God, for God has performed wondrous deeds, too many to count. God is steadfast and faithful, the solid rock upon which we stand.
Read full textPsalm 95, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 95, verses 1-2 Reading for Third Sunday of Lent, Year A, and 25th Sunday of Pentecost, Year A Sing for joy! Shout aloud in thanksgiving for the permanence of the Eternal One. Stand firm in faith, grateful for our unshakable foundation. Give thanks with music and song.
Read full textBeautiful Diversity, responsive reading — Ben Saunders, USA
Call and Response One: Humans of God’s creation, we are diverse. Many: We are beautiful. We are unique. We judge each other’s differences, yet our diversity is an illustration of the infinite mystery of God. All: The God in me sees the God in you. One: Humans of God’s creation, we are political. Many: We […]
Read full textGod of Creation (on reading Genesis 1) — Merryl Blair, Australia
Our God, We come before you with minds, hearts and eyes open To the many ways in which you reveal yourself to us: In the colours of autumn, In the challenges and possibilities of reading your Word together, In the complexities of the very human lives From which we have travelled to this place, And […]
Read full textPsalm 16, Responsive Call to Worship, Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 16 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A 26th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B 3rd Sunday of Pentecost, Year C Come! Rejoice! For we are in the presence of the Holy One. We turn our eyes and hearts toward the Light of Love. Be glad and rest secure in the Eternal […]
Read full textPsalm 32, Call to Worship – Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 32 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C Trust in the Eternal One We come in hope. Rejoice in God’s unfailing love. We come in faith. Celebrate the forgiveness that is ours. We come to sing with gladness.
Read full textPsalm 30, Call to Worship – Ana Gobledale, UK
Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year C Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 30:4-5) 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 hope we […]
Read full textPsalm 67, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
For Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C God is gracious with blessings. God’s face shines upon us. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy! We sing for joy, for God judges the peoples with equity and guides the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise God! We praise God, for God’s […]
Read full textPsalm 148, Responsive Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 148 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C 1st Sunday of Christmas, Year C Appropriate for Blessing of Gardens & Gardeners, Earth Day, or Blessing of Animals services. The three questions, asked by Voices 1,2 and 3, might be asked by children or youth, or posed from different places in the gathered congregation. The […]
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