God Holds Us All

Nobuko Seki

Call to Worship

Leader:            God has been gracious to us. God has blessed us,

People:            God has made God’s face to shine upon us.

Leader:            God reveals the way to all peoples,

People:            God guides all the nations on the earth.

Leader:            God judges everyone with equity.

People:            God shows saving power everywhere.

Leader:            Let all the nations praise you, O God,

People:            Let us, your people, praise you.

—based on Psalm 67

 Call to Confession

Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

(A pause for silent reflection follows.)

 Prayer of Confession (unison)

Lord Jesus Christ, you have been the faithful sower, scattering the seeds of God’s love and grace in our lives. Yet we confess that our hearts have often been like hard soil, or shallow soil, or thorny soil, stunting the seed’s growth and failing to bear fruit. We also confess that we often have neglected our task of sowing the good news of your kingdom, and leavening the lives of others with your love. Forgive us, and renew us, so that we might grow more in our faith and bear the fruit of your mercy, of your love, of your undying life. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

—Ephesians 3:20-21

 Prayer for Illumination

O Lord our God,

Your word is a lamp to our feet

And a light to our path.

Give us grace to receive your truth in faith and love,

That we may be obedient to your will

And live always for your glory.

Through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

 Scripture Possibilities for the Sermon

• Psalm 96:3
• 1 Chronicles 16:23
• Sirach 35:12-14,16-18
• Matthew 24:14
• Mark 13:10, 16:15
• Luke 18:9-14
• Acts 1:8
• Romans 10:13-14
• 1 Timothy 4:6-16
• Revelation 14:6

Prayer of Intercession

Thank you Lord that you hear our prayers, 

That you have overcome the world, 

That you hold all of heaven and earth in your loving hands, 

And that you have given us the promise of eternity,

In our hearts forever. Amen. 

 Invitation to the Offering

Jesus said: “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” God abounds in love and mercy and welcomes our return. For in Christ, God came to us that we might have abundant life.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.

—Psalms 24:1

We praise you, God, for you are gracious. You have loved us from the beginning of time and remember us when we are in trouble.

Your mercy endures forever. Amen.

Charge and Benediction

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 

 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Alleluia!  Amen.