Liturgy Bits for NL312 – God Promises Us a New Covenant

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Prayer of the Day

At our Classic (traditional) worship service, Ascension will be using the prayer of the day provided by Working Preacher in 2024.

God, whose fondness for humanity knows no limit, write your word upon our hearts, so that we need no scroll, no book, no script to know that you love us. Show us the power of your covenant, that you will be faithful to us, even when we fail to remain faithful to you. For the beauty of your word inscribed upon us, we pray, in the name of the one whose body and blood became your new covenant with us, Jesus Christ, our redeemer.
Amen.

At our Modern (contemporary) worship service, Ascension will be using the prayer of the day provided by Freed From, Freed For in 2016.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts, that your church may proclaim your forgiveness and love. Show us the power of your covenant that you will be faithful to us, even when we fail to remain faithful to you. We pray in the name of the one whose body and blood became your new covenant with us, Jesus Christ our redeemer and Lord.
Amen.

Prayers of the Church (traditional)

Ascension is using the prayers from a Working Preacher summer sermon series on Jeremiah in 2021.

Living in the hope of a new covenant, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence.

You reveal yourself to us in the reading of scripture. Fulfill your word through the faithful witness of your church. Send us out to bring your liberating good news to all people. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Build up the body of Christ in this place. Bless the variety of ministries in this congregation. Empower us to freely welcome and deeply value each person who enters into worship and ministry among us. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

All creation proclaims your handiwork. Teach us to love the intricate and beautiful bodies that you have created. Bless tiny insects, enormous whales, and every creature in between. Sustain species at risk of extinction. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

You desire that there be no dissension among us. Where we are divided in our society, nation, or world, come quickly to reunite us into one body. Ease conflict, dispel violence, and bring an end to war. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Anoint with your Spirit all who seek your favor. Grant provision and justice for people living in poverty, people living with disability, those living with pain, or those living under oppression. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care:**insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?
God of grace,
hear our prayer.

In thanksgiving we lift before you the saints for whom the promise of salvation has now been fulfilled. Tend to those who mourn. Bring us together in your everlasting glory. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Since we have such great hope in your promises, O God, we lift these and all of our prayers to you in confidence and faith; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.

Prayers of the People (contemporary)

Edited and adapted from an AI rewrite of the Prayers of the Church above.

Let us pray.

Living in the hope of your new covenant, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

God our teacher, you reveal yourself to us through your Word. Help your church to be faithful in sharing your message of love and freedom. Send us out to carry the good news of your kingdom throughout the world.

God our creator, all creation gives witness to your goodness. Teach us to honor and care for the wonderful world you have made. Bless every creature, from the tiniest insects to the largest whales. Protect all species and habitats at risk of disappearing.

God our peacemaker, you call us to be one. Where there is division in our world, bring us back together as your people. Heal conflicts, end violence, and bring peace to our hearts and to the world.

God our healer, pour out your Spirit on all who are in need. Provide for those who are poor, those living with disabilities, those who are suffering, or those who are oppressed. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?

With confidence in your promises, O God, we offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.