Prayer of Confession or Transformation – Wandering and Wondering

Prayer Creation and Expansion

One of the ways that I often “create” a prayer for a season is by choosing a prayer that someone else wrote. I use their version the first week and then adapt it each week moving forward. This way the thread runs in a way that keeps consistency, AND it offers variety.

This season I have been working with a prayer offered by Howard Thurman, “I Confess” from Meditations of the Heart. Here is the original:

Prayer of Confession:

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There is food for all — many are hungry.

There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags.

There is room enough for all — many are crowded.

There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in casting my ballot.

I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Here are the many ways I altered it. Some perhaps better than others:

Week 2 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

Some have money that stretches beyond imagination and cannot be used in a single lifetime, while others struggle to fill their needs.

Some have multiple homes while others live in only a cardboard box.

Some throw their food in the dumpsters as excess, while others scrounge the same dumpster for dinner.

All claim a hope for the future and yet we bicker and get stuck in details, often moving no plan forward.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in all of my decisions.

I have left to others a real work of blazing Jesus’ way in the world.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace in sustainable ways; and sometimes confuse peace for ignoring those who are being crushed under the foot of injustice.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 3 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

We are blessed with more than any generation before us; and yet, we focus on what we lack rather than what we have.

We have made incredible technological breakthroughs; and yet, we use our accomplishments to break people’s spirits and diminish their value.

Our lifespans are longer than ever; and yet, instead of focusing on enriching our time, we worry about age spots, grey hair, and hold each other to unrealistic youthful expectations.

In a time where transportation allows us to traverse the world, we simultaneously try to bar the world from our door.

We are made up of series of contradictions; and sometimes we fail to realize the gaps between what we believe and how we act, between what we say we want and how we live;

And so, in this moment,

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities.

I have not always been wise in my ways.

I have left others to suffer for my benefit.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have worked and acted against it.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 4 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There are houses that sit with empty bedrooms,

There are people with empty houses,

There are dorms and hotels with empty beds

and yet there are people without a place to rest their head.

There are meals left uneaten,

There are garbage heaps filled with so called out-dated food that is still good to eat,

There is food rotting in barns and storage containers,

And yet there are people without enough food to sustain them.

There are children who need families

and families who want children but too much red tape between the two for them to meet.

There are cures for illness and disease and people suffering,

but there is not the desire or inclination to make sure that all have the access they need.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities.

I have not always been wise.

I have left to others what I should do.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 5 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

Instead of true joy – people seem to act as if projecting “joy” and “happiness” is enough.

Instead of deep personal relationships – people seem satisfied with likes, shares, and follows.

Instead of looking into a person’s heart- too often people are judged by their hair, their clothes, or their car.

It seems that we have replaced reality with facade.

I confess my own share in these ills

Through the judging of others; and on trying to present ourselves, rather than just be ourselves.

I have shirked my own responsibility in creating and responding to authenticity.

I have held my own biases and prejudices without deeply challenging them.

I have have failed at being as welcoming as I could be.

I have been concerned about my own appearance, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not fully created spaces where people can be fully themselves.

I have not worked as diligently for inclusivity as I should; I want diversity, and yet there are still areas that I get caught up in societal norms and expectations.

I have dimmed my own self that I may not rock the boat and in doing so, I have not made space for others to themselves.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 6 – Adapted Version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

Where some live grand lives; others barely eek out an existence,

Where some voices are amplified; others are muted and silenced,

Where some have freedoms abounding; others are treated as objects and slaves.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities to both learn our history and speak on behalf of others who are being mistreated.

I have not been courageous enough to look glaringly into the injustices that others proclaim.

I have left to others the responsibility to teach, to speak out, and to advocate.

I have been too self-centered to concern myself with how inexpensive products are made or how coffee makes it to my table, or who is mining the precious ores from our earth.

I have not adequately concerned myself with what others are forced to do for my convenience and comfort.

I have not really cared about the lives of others, but have been content with overlooking process in exchange for product.

I must acknowledge that there are ways that I have not worked for peace; but I have worked against it.

I have kept silent when I should be speaking out.

I have stood back when I should be standing up.

I have enjoyed the benefits of the world, when perhaps I should be limiting my take.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 7 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

We suffer from isolation; and we’re the first to retreat to our homes and shut the door.

We all experience heartache and pain; and we’re the first to hope some will not really respond when we say, “How are you today?”

We have experienced loss and often deal with bouts of grief; and sometimes we are the ones wondering if someone is feeling better yet.

We know the world can feel overwhelming; and sometimes in words and actions we tell others to have a stiff upper lip or ourselves hide our true feelings.

I confess that I struggle both with my own feelings and sometimes with the feelings of other – sometimes I push down my feelings, sometimes I don’t make space for others feelings, sometimes I perpetuate a world where everything seems like it should be bright and shiny.

Help me, O Lord, to be express my own feelings with truth and to make space for others.

Help me to find connection rather than executing cut off.

If I want peace and wholeness, then I have to work toward honesty and allow for others to be their whole selves and be my own full self.

I pray today that you will let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to both live in light and in shadows and to allow for the space for others too to express both the good and the challenging. I courageously pray for a kind and accepting world that aims toward love and acceptance. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 8 – Adapted Version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I see confusion.

I see discomfort.

I see struggle.

I see despair.

AND

I see hope.

I see beauty.

I see repair.

I see joy.

I confess that sometimes I magnify the trouble, and minimize the hope.

I confess my own share in the turmoil of the times.

I acknowledge that I forget to bring my troubles to you. I forget to stop and breathe. I forget to pause before I respond.

I acknowledge that sometimes it is easier to retreat; and sometimes it is easier to ignore.

I acknowledge that sometimes I forget to look for the ways that are available to me to rewrite the story or reframe what has happened.

Sometimes I get so caught up in what I am experiencing that I forget to look at my siblings in the world or the world itself.

I know that I cannot always change what has happened, but often I have more power than I know to change whatever happens next.

I want peace and wholeness, but I become paralyzed.

I silence my own voice assuming that what is is what is.

I pray this day that you might let your light burn in me so that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers. I pray that I might seek the light, reflect the light, and be the light. May I courageously stand in the tempest knowing you are with me. May I, to the best that I can, live into the world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

Life is not easy AND God never leaves us to face it alone. Emmanuel – God with us – reminds us of God’s great love and presence especially in times of trouble. Know you are loved.

Week 9 – Adapted Version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There is food for all — many are hungry.

There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags.

There is room enough for all — many are crowded.

There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in casting my ballot.

I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 10 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There is food for all — many are hungry.

There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags.

There is room enough for all — many are crowded.

There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in casting my ballot.

I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 11 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There is food for all — many are hungry.

There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags.

There is room enough for all — many are crowded.

There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in casting my ballot.

I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

Week 12 – adapted version

The concern which I lay bare before God today is:

My concern for the life of the world in these troubled times.

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.

There is food for all — many are hungry.

There are clothes enough for all — many are in rags.

There is room enough for all — many are crowded.

There are none who want war — preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times.

I have shirked my own responsibilities as a citizen.

I have not been wise in casting my ballot.

I have left to others a real interest in making a public opinion worthy of democracy.

I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others. I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.

I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire. AMEN

Assurance of Love

God calls us to confess not so that we may be paralyzed, but so that we might be free to make new choices. Receive God’s love and God’s call to abundant life.

As you can see, I began playing with it more and more, letting the words of Howard Thurman himself push me deeper and deeper into the ideas he lifted up. I almost what it might look like if I continued to play with it into the future. Alas, we will move onto another season.

Prayer of Transformation w/ Assurance of Love

Prayer of Transformation

God of love and liberation, soften my heart.
Dissolve my walls of resentment.
When time, money, or resources are short,
do not tighten my fist or make excuses for why I deserve
what is being withheld from others.

Inspire my compassion.
Encourage my creativity.
Help me find mutually beneficial solutions
that do not rely on the binary: in/out, with/without, worthy/unworthy.
Remind me of the kingdom of which you dream.
Call me into its creation. Amen.

Affirmation of Love

Hear God’s call in your heart.
Jesus said, “Follow me.”
Set down your prejudices, your pre-determined ideas, your perception.
Remember: all who abide in God abide in love,
and all who abide in love abide in God.
Be love.

A Thanksgiving Thought –

Liturgy from our Thanksgiving Worship

This was not from this week but last. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the beautiful final altarscape with the vessel completely returned to wholeness. We have been putting it together throughout our journey in Exodus and now that they have crossed the Jordan, it is completed.

Call to Worship – based on Psalm 22

Pastor: There are days God feels far away from us

People: God, my god, why have you forsaken me?

Pastor: There are days we wonder if God hears the groanings of our hearts.

People: God, why does it seem you are so far from me?

Pastor: There are times we may wonder if there is a God at all.

People: O God, I cry day and by night, but you are silent and I find no rest.

Pastor: Do not fear, beloved, God is as close as your breath. God is seeking the way of good in every moment. Trust in the Lord your God.

Invocation

Creator, Sustainer, and Protector, make yourself known to us. Do not be far from us, but gather our tears and allay our fears. Let us know you in our hearts. Let us hear you cry out, “ Peace!” in our soul as Jesus did in the storm. Help us to still ourselves and take respite from the world long enough to remember that you are God. AMEN

Preparing

Prayer of Transformation

Teilhard de Chardin offered the ideas that in all our dark moments, God is present. God is in the parting of the fibers of our being and penetrating the very marrow of our substance . . .

Stop.

Listen.

Absorb in the silence the active stillness of a God seeking to work in your heart.

Moment of Stillness

AMEN

Response to Stillness –

May the movement of God within and through you not only work to heal you, but may it heal the whole of the world.

Pastoral Prayer

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, when Christians everywhere proclaim Christ is King, may we give thanks for the people in our lives:

Those who brought us to life,

Those who cared for us when we were young,

Our teachers,

Our mentors,

Our bosses,

Our partners,

Our friends.

Let us give thanks for those who make our days easier:

our mail delivery person,

the person who makes us food or coffee,

the bank tellers,

neighbors,

garage mechanics,

the grocery check out person,

and the bagger.

Let us give thanks for those who seek to make our lives healthier:

our doctors,

physical therapists,

chiropractors,

dentists,

cardiologists,

nurses,

physicians assistants,

mental health professionals,

and nutritionists.

Let us give thanks for those we forget to acknowledge who make life go smoother:

the road workers,

the tree trimmers,

the traffic directors,

the civil engineers,

water treatment staff,

electricians,

plumbers,

carpenters.

We are thankful for all the people who give of their time and talents to make this world a better place. God, may you continue to inspire them in their calling and let them know how their work is truly a ministry in the world.

We pray also this day for those who are feeling down on their luck and for whom giving thanks seems more like a joke than a possibility. May you strengthen their reserves. May you move helpers into their lives. May you make level their path. May you give them concrete and palpable hope that there are those who see them and understand their need.

We pray also for those on our minds today. Hear as we lift their names to you:

(Have people speak the names of those who are on their heart)

We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, our King of Kings, and your son, who taught us to pray saying:

& Lord’s Prayer

Prayer of Illumination –

O Lord, speak to our hearts. Let your words move beyond our ears and take root in the deepest corners of our soul so that it might grow and transform our ways. AMEN

Invitation to share –

Today, we are invited to not only put in our weekly offering, but to dedicate the pledges that have been coming in for weeks. We honor the thoughtful consideration that has gone into deciding how much to pledge to the mission and ministry of this gathered body.

As the plates are passed, please put any final pledges in the plate. We give not out of necessity, but out of desire; not out of confidence, but out of humility; not out of what is left over, but boldly from our first fruits. We give knowing that we together with each other and with God truly can change the world.

Prayer of Dedication

God of the Ages, receive today both our offerings for the day and the promise of tomorrow. Unify us in spirit. Unify us in ministry. Unify us in mission. May you receive our pledges and our gifts. May they show honor to you, and may they go to serve all of the world in your name and to your purpose. AMEN

A Flexible Liturgy

Call to Worship – based on Psalm 19

Pastor: The law of the Lord is perfect;

People: it revives the soul.

Pastor: The decrees of the Lord are sure;

People: making the wise simple.

Pastor: The precepts of the Lord are right.

People: We rejoice in our hearts the ways of God.

Pastor: God’s ways are more precious than gold.

People: They are sweeter than honey dripping fresh from the honeycomb.

Invocation

Holy one, we seek to know you. Enlighten our eyes. Give hunger to our souls. Teach us and show us your ways. Let not just the words of your mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable to you, but let all that we do bring you honor and praise. Amen

Unison Prayer of Transformation

God of tangles and frayed edges, we lay ourselves before your seeking healing and wholeness. Patiently untangle our life. Hem our edges and mend the tears. See the beauty in our disarray and weave us even more fully into the wonder and beauty you imagined. Remind us that we are created by your hand and that your acts of creation do not end at our birth. Continue to act on us and in us. Let us become the masterpieces you imagine. AMEN

Assurance of Love

Pastor: God is always working on you, with you, and in you. You are a masterpiece in the making and you are beloved just as you are. Both are true. May you feel the love of God constantly around you, guiding you, sustaining you, and celebrating you.

Pastoral Prayer

Holy God,

Your children are crying. Hear their pain. Be attentive to their suffering. Recognize their fears. Hold them in their anxiety.

Search each person’ heart for that which they are holding onto.

Today, we hold all of humanity. We hold the young and the old and everyone in between. We hold those that live next door, those that live on the other side of the world and everyone in between. We pray for the care of all. We pray for their needs to be met. We pray for not only their survival but for their flourishing.

May warfare be quelled.

May food be plentiful.

May education be available.

May water be clean and the air fresh.

May kindness and compassion, love and care, infuse all.

We pray this for all;

And we pray specifically today for . . .

We pray all of this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together saying . . .

Lord’s Prayer

Prayer of Illumination

Holy and Gracious God,

You have gifted us with language. You gave us letters that we could combine to make words. Words that we could combine to make sentences. Sentences that we can put together to tell stories. Stories which get built up and retold to create our culture. As we hear our story today, let us hear at all levels. What did this story mean? What might it mean now? What can it mean in the future? Bless our hearing. Bless our understanding. AMEN

Prayer of Dedication

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Adonai. You have poured on us abundant blessings. We recognize that what we return is but a portion of what we received. We are so grateful for all that you have done; so receive these gifts as a token of our gratitude and a sign of our appreciation. As we give here in these plates, we give also through our lives. Accept it all with the honor with which it was given. AMEN

Blessing of the Animals Worship Liturgy . . .

Call to Worship- based on Psalm 25

Pastor: To you, Abba, I lift my soul.

People: In you, Amma, I trust.

Pastor: Let us take solace in you.

Pastor: Let us learn your ways.

People: Make straight our paths.

Pastor: Teach us truth and wisdom.

Pastor: Let us leave our troubles.

People: Revive our hopes.

Pastor: We wait for you.

Invocation

God of slow time, in our impatience we try to direct. We like to demand things in our time and in our way. In this time though, right now, encourage us to let go of the reins and listen for you. Amen

Prayer of Transformation

Holy God, You created us in your image. Help us to continue to develop and mature in that image. There is so much that draws us away from you and taints our reflection. Call us back to your dream and hope. Help us trim the waste and release the build-up on our original sacred form. Teach us to listen to your still small voice within and give us the strength to follow wherever you might lead.

In you,

Through you,

And for you,

Let us develop to the fullness that you imagine. AMEN

Assurance of Pardon

May you know God is always working with us, in us, and through us. God loves you just as you are and seeks to help you grow. May the love and acceptance of God offer you the nourishment you need as you continue to heal and bloom.

Pastoral Prayer

Today, O Lord, we lift the world in prayer:

The places of strife,

The places of civil war,

The places of poverty, hunger, and pestilence.

We pray for the places, where there is what seems to be an impenetrable chasm between the rich and the poor.

We pray for those places that turn a deaf ear to the needs of the people and only line their own pockets,

We pray for those places where the rule of law is being side stepped for the enrichment and comfort of a few,

We pray for people being displaced and disappeared for those being deported, and for those living in fear that they are next.

There is so much on our mind and our heart.

Search for that which we have forgotten to say.

We pray also for the individuals known to us who are in need today. Hear now as we name them.

We pray all of this in the name of your son and our teach, Jesus, who taught us to pray together saying:

& Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to share

We are invited now to share. It is not a demand. It is not a requirement. It is not a key to heaven. It is an invitation into the reciprocity of creation. Seeds are sown. Plants grow. Fruits are harvested. Meals are made and served. We are invited to participate in a system of grace, gratitude, and giving. May you hear the invitation and respond with joyous love and appreciation.

Prayer of Dedication

God of all that was, is, and ever will be, acknowledge the gifts that we have brought forth. Like the fall harvest, you have long ago planted seeds within us. They have grown and born fruit; and so, we return a portion to honor what we received first from you. May these gifts represent our gratitude and thanksgiving for all that you have done, and may they go forward to plant and assure a crop of the future. AMEN

NOTE: Permission granted for use for religious or educational purposes with citation.

The blessing took place in lieu of our chancel steps time. The kids helped to bless the animals. Each animal was given a certificate and a cookie if it was allowed by their owner.

The sermon was based on the story of Balaam’s Donkey Numbers 22:21-33. This reading does not appear in the lectionary and is rarely shared in Sunday School stories so often is unknown to a congregation.

From our Ghana Sunday Service

Our church has a partnership with a community in Kpenoe, Ghana. This partnership has been in existence since 2008. To learn more about the partnership, visit https://www.wolfeboroucc.org/ghana.

Each year we renew our covenant with them and celebrate our friendship. This liturgy comes from that service in 2025.

This is a picture from last year’s celebration in which we centered the idea of harvest and the blessing of sustenance as embodied in the Yam.

Call to Worship Based on Psalm 33 –

Pastor: Rejoice in the Lord

People: Praise the Lord with instrument and voice.

Pastor: Sing to God a new song.

People: Play with vigor and joy.

Pastor: The Earth reverberates with the steadfast love of the Lord.

People: Let us tremble and stand in awe of God.

Pastor: Our soul shimmers in response to the creator.

People: our souls wait for God and are glad.

Invocation –

Holy and awesome God, we celebrate your presence amongst and between us. We honor all of your creation. Open our eyes to see you in all the ways you make yourself known to us. Let us learn more about you as we learn about each other. Amen

Prayer of Transformation

Lord,

I open my heart to you.

Soften it where it has hardened.

Move it toward compassion.

When I seek to protect it, keep me open and attentive to what it says.

Remind me of the courage and strength it contains so that I may support spiritual siblings.

Keep me aware of its inner yearnings.

Remind me that a heart is not divisible, but exponentially expandable.

Open my heart, O Lord.

Let me be crafted by your hand and be as you need me in this world. AMEN

Pastoral Prayer

Holy parent of all,

As we pray today, we cannot forget the wider world: not only those places that we are familiar with, but the points and places we may never see, the people who look and speak differently than us. People of different cultures, histories, and faiths. We bring before you, O God, the whole of the world and the world itself.

We pray for the planet

and for the people of every nation who inhabit it.

We pray for the soil under our feet, the air in the sky, the water that flows through the land and sits in aquifers underground.

We pray for the swallow and the orca, for the spider and the sea cucumber.

We pray for the iris and the prairie grass,

for peat moss and the giant sequoia,

for all that lives and breathes.

We pray for the interaction and the interchange that each has with the other.

Let us all remember that each is connected to you and a reflection of you.

We also pray for those specifically known to us that need your love and care this day . . . (Lift up your arms and let the congregation fill it with the names of their loved ones in need)

And all those we don’t know to name or don’t know how to name.

We pray this all in the name of Jesus. Our brother, your son. Who taught us to pray together saying:

Lord’s Prayer . . .

To be mindful of the reciprocity of this relationship – this will be our words to invite giving:

Invitation to share

Generosity is a very important concept in Ghana. One of their precepts is that we share because we are blessed with things to share. Unlike our tendency to assure that we have “enough” first, people in Ghana say, “Because I have something. I need to share.” So let us with joy consider what we have and therefore, what we need to share. As you decide what that is, whether dollars or actions; talents or treasurers; may you dance up your gift. Letting the joy of gift carry you into the act of giving.

We will also be interspersing the idea of hand washing within the worship to remind us that it is not only us doing the giving and they the receiving, but that we both learn and grow by through our relationship. At multiple times during the worship will will enact a symbolic hand washing, remembering that one hand washes the other. And thus our Prayer of Dedication following the collection of the offering will be:

Prayer of Dedication

Holy One, you have given and we have received. We are blessed and so we pass on that blessing. We send out our blessings into the world so that others too may be blessed. Let us continue the washing of one another’s hands as we celebrate the many gifts that you have poured upon us all. AMEN

Here is the link to last year’s Ghana Sunday worship: https://youtu.be/UYfCHU4yU68?si=DtF65pIp8ANU7bUE

Liturgy for ONA Sunday

Opening Centering Chant –

I am precious in God’s sight.

You are precious in God’s sight.

All are precious in God’s sight.

Call to Worship

Pastor: Within each of us lies a holy seed.

People: Let us tend it. Let us nurture it.

Pastor: Let us not fear it as it presses its way to the surface.

People: God wants each of us to grow and thrive.

Pastor: The world needs each of us to grow and thrive.

People: Let us be as God designed.

Invocation

Holy One, pour your spirit upon us. Shine within us. Weed out that which chokes life and feed what brings it. Let us grow toward you; ever seeking, ever reaching to be all that you have created us to be. May our time today encourage us to continue to grow. AMEN

Prayer of Transformation

Liberation God,

Help me to peel off the facades that I have built up.

Take off the masks that I have created to protect myself and be what others thought I could or should be.

Remind me of my divine origin and inspire us each to nurture the divine flame within and encourage us to feed that flame in others.

Free us from expectations and revisions that society places on us and work with us to shed the ideas of shouldn’t, can’t, or that is not for you. Clear out our ears so that we might hear you whispering, “Beloved, you got this. Keep going.” Let us listen closely to our heart and with your support, bravely and honestly show who you made us to be. AMEN

Assurance of Pardon

God is our originator, our creator,

In us is the divine fingerprint.

Let us always seek to reveal that wonder within being fully who God created us to be.

Prayer of Illumination

Holy Spirit flow into our heart.

Open our ears and let us hear this spoken word.

May each phrase set upon us and enlighten our understanding of God’s kin-dom and dream. AMEN

Invitation to share

As one body, we do care for one another. This is what God asks of us.

Thus, like the earliest Christians, we gather our gifts together to help all of humanity and the ways of God.

Let us respond to the wonders of God and all of God’s gifts by opening our hands and our hearts.

Prayer of Dedication

God, Receive these gifts as a symbol of our deeper commitment to work together for the coming of your kin-dom of heaven on earth. AMEN

Prayer of Transformation

As I planned for Lent this year, I came by this beautiful prayer by Rabbi Jack Riemer, the Likrat Shabbat. I was so taken by the idea that all we have we need, we just have to choose to participate and use what we’ve been given, so for each week of Lent I altered the original slightly to reflect different aspects of where this might be true and used it throughout Lent, excluding Palm Sunday.

NOTE: I find this slight alteration of poems and prayers to be a very effective way to maintain the strand or a theme throughout a liturgical season without becoming too boring. I encourage you to try it and I thank Worship Design Studio creator, Marcia McFee, for teaching it to me.

This is the original by Rabbi Jack Riemer:

We cannot merely pray to you, O God,
to end war;
For we know that You have made the world
in a way
That man must find his own path to peace.
Within himself and with his neighbor.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end starvation;
For You have already given us the
resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end despair,
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds
With which to search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.

Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination and will power,
To do instead of just pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.”

Here are the alterations that I added for the subsequent weeks:

Week 2

We cannot merely pray to you, O God,

to mend relationships that we have torn;

You have taught us forgiveness and you encouraged us to ask for forgiveness.

From there, we must work together.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to end violence;

We must choose to turn away and set down our weapons.

We must open our ears and our hearts

seeking a different path in difficult moments.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for equality and equity;

We have to be willing to make space

for equality and equity to exist.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for open hearts,

We too have to be willing to be transformed

and to listen as much as we talk.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for the restoration of the earth;

We too have to be willing to change our ways,

to take only what we need, to seek new and better ways,

and perhaps to limit our desires.

Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,

For ingenuity, creativity and willingness,

To do instead of just pray,

To become instead of merely to wish.”

AMEN

Week 3

We cannot merely pray to you, O God,

to end strife;

for we know that You have made the world

in a way

that man must put down their weapons

and turn their spears into pruning hooks

and their swords into plowshares.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to end violence;

for You have already taught us the way of peace.

You have shown us the path of nonviolence

and forgiveness and yet we refuse to follow it consistently.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to extinguish hatred;

for You have already shown us that we are all siblings,

created in your holy and sacred hand.

You have led us on the path to righteousness,

even if we often veer and stray from the path

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to end disunity,

for You have called out that we should all be one.

You have encouraged our relationships

and even sent your son so that we might see what is possible.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to end poverty;

for You have already shown that poverty is a creation of mankind

and not of you.

Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,

for wisdom, clarity, and generous spirits

to do instead of just pray,

to become instead of merely to wish.”

AMEN

Week 4

We cannot merely pray to you, O God,

for all to be well;

For we know that You have invited us into co-creation

so that together we might work for peace.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for children to have safe housing and full bellies;

For we know that you have already given us the

resources

with which to make this real

if we might only open our hands and our hearts.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to create a just world;

for you have sent your son to show us the way

and yet too often we ignore the path or wander off.

Help us to find the way to fulfill your hope.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for the end of want,

for You have already given us the power

to create a more equitable society.

Inspire us to be more diligent in the work before us .

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

to bring an end to suffering;

for we must be willing to do the work necessary to help,

we must be willing to step in and offer help,

we have to be willing to stand up and against wherever the suffering originates.

Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,

For compassion, hope and courage,

To do instead of just pray,

To become instead of merely to wish.”

Week 5

We cannot merely pray to you, O God,

for peace on earth;

We must be willing to work with you hand in hand.

We must be willing to decenter ourselves

and to work toward a common good.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for the care of our siblings;

we must open our hearts to hear their pain

and be willing to step in and step up on their behalf.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for kindness to prevail;

We each must take steps each day to make it so.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for love,

we need to practice love,

we need to grow in love,

and we need to learn to receive love.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God,

for health;

we must participate in creating a healthy world,

in caring for one another,

and participate in our health and supporting the health of others .

Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,

For open minds, open hearts and a willingness to follow,

To do instead of just pray,

To become instead of merely to wish.”