Liturgy Bits for NL322 – Sermon at Nazareth

For more resources for this Sunday, please visit lectionary.wiki.

Prayer of the Day

Our Classic service will be using the prayer of the day as provided by Working Preacher.

God of the nations, show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make do with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation.
Amen.

Our Modern service will be using the prayer of the day as provided by Clergy Stuff in 2020-21, lightly adapted .

Powerful God, you stir up your people with challenging words. Open our ears to hear truly the truth which you bring, and may it shake up our lives so that we can be your faithful witnesses in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ our salvation.
Amen.

Prayers of the Church (used at our Classic service)

Ascension will be using prayers provided by Clergy Stuff in 2020-21, along with a special petition for wildfires provided by the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2015

Filled and covered with your Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence

Sometimes we think we know you and your scriptures so well that there is nothing new to be learned. Keep us humble, open and receptive to the continual renewal of your Spirit among us. God of truth,
hear our prayer.

As we honor the memory of your servant Martin Luther King, Jr. and the prophetic life he lived, inspire us to continue his work for justice and champion his dream that all persons would be regarded as equals. In times of political upheaval and changes in leadership, infuse us all with your justice and turn our eyes to you, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. God of truth,
hear our prayer.

You are our refuge and our strength in times of trouble and crisis. We ask that your continued guidance, direction, and mercy be upon the people, the first responders, and those who have died from the devastating fires that continue to rage across southern California. Have mercy on the lands and the people where fires have destroyed the lives, lifestyles, and livelihoods of those in the eye of this storm. Protect those who have evacuated their homes and offer them your peace which surpasses all understanding. God of truth,
hear our prayer.

Be with those who feel estranged from familiar people and places in their lives. Reunite estranged people and mend broken relationships. 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 truth,
hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers and shed light on our path as we seek to walk in your ways and bring glory to you through your son Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.

Prayers of the People (used at our Modern service)
These prayers are influenced by the Prayers of the Church above.

Surrounded by the Holy Spirit, we gather in prayer for the church, the world, and all of God’s creation.

All-knowing God, too often we act like a bunch of know-it-alls when it comes to your Word. Reminds us that there is always much more to learn, that there are new perspectives to see and new interpretations to explore.

God of all, your servant Martin Luther King, Jr., tirelessly pursued liberty and justice for all. In these times of political gamesmanship and conflict and changes in leadership at all levels of government, instill in all our leaders and in all your people that same desire for justice and the pursuit of equality.

God our protector, you are our refuge and strength in times of trouble. We ask that your neverending guidance and mercy accompany all those who are affected by the wildfires in southern California. Have mercy on the people and the lands that have been radically altered by this disaster, and surround them with your peace even as the world around them seems anything but peaceful.

God our sustainer, be with those who struggle in body, mind, and spirit. We give thanks for the tireless work of their caregivers. Grant your compassion, that your people may feel and know your presence in the darkest times of their lives. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: Ruth Corbin and Larry Wusk. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?

Receive our prayers and shed light on our path as we seek to walk in your ways and bring glory to you through your son Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.