I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere Lord, anytime!
—-African-American Spiritual
Preparation for worship
Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship…
Opening Sentences Acts 2: 17
Remember the promise of the Lord:
God will pour out the Spirit on all flesh.
Prayer based on a prayer of Patrick of Ireland (c. 389-461)
Lord, be with us this day--
within us to purify us;
above us to draw us up;
beneath us to sustain us;
before us to lead us;
behind us to restrain us;
around us to protect us. Amen.
Hymn of the Day
Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, and the East London Gospel Choir sing “Holy Mother,” a hymn of supplication to a nurturing God. Listen and pray.
Reading of the Day Matthew 13: 53-58
53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. 54 He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” 58 And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.
Prayers for self and others
Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for people in disadvantaged communities, who have been especially hard hit by the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God.
Benediction:
God has shown you what is good.
What does the Lord require of you?
To do justice, to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Amen.
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