Journey of Steadfast Love
Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Lent
March 16, 2014

Call to Worship

Leader: 	We are met in the presence of God
People: 	And we do not meet alone.

 		With the angels in the highest heaven
 		We gather to worship the Lord.

			With Abraham and Sarah
We gather to worship the Lord.

 		With the saints of every age
We gather to worship the Lord.

 	We embark on our own journey of faith
 		God’s Holy name be praised.

 	God makes of us a great people
God’s Holy name be praised.

 		In the desert and in the den, in barrio and basilica
 	God’s Holy name be praised.

We journey in the presence of God.
ALL: 		And we do not journey alone.

Opening Prayer

Generous God, 
you gave us our voices, no two the same. 
As you did with Abraham and Sarah, 
you take and touch our lives and they can become extraordinary.  
And in your Church you have gathered us, 
in your community of common folk and complainers, 
prophets and puzzled people, 
you have called us and made a place for us. 
So let what we say and do here, 
what we ponder and decide here, 
be real for us and honest to you, 
as you prepare us for the life of the world in which you are praised. Amen.

Call to Confession and Prayer of Confession

Together in worship, we face what we might not face alone:
Lord, you know we love you, and we know what you ask us to do….
but for those times when we have been too busy, 
when we have been hard-hearted, 
when we have been reluctant and lukewarm, 
we say sorry and ask  for your forgiving love.

Silence

May God forgive you, 
Christ surround you, 
and the Spirit enable you to grow in love.
Thanks be to God!

Offertory Sentences

May the gifts we share now be given out of the deep knowledge 
that we are loved and blessed by God, 
equipped by God’s still brooding spirit to be a blessing to the world.

God, for your love for us, mercifully steadfast, 
calling us to you, raising us up, 
we give you thanks with these gifts 
and the way we intend to live our lives. Amen

Benediction

The love of the faithful Creator, 
the peace of the wounded Healer, 
the joy of the challenging Spirit, 
the hope of  the Three in One surround and encourage you 
today, tonight and forever. Amen.

Journey of Steadfast Love: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Lent was written by the Rev. Daniel B. Randall, Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church, U.C.C., in Bristol, RI and a USAF Chaplain (Reserves).

Copyright 2014 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.