For Whom Shall We Pray?

Link to Sermon

                 Order of Worship

      Summer Series on Prayer: Petition

  Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.

The Community Gathers:  Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.

      You are welcome here…come and worship!

Gathering Music: Hands ( by Jewel)           -Jen Comeau & Friends

Welcome:      Rev. Paula Norbert

Today we continue our intentional encounter with the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples discovering how we are formed by asking for what we need, like our daily bread. Jesus offers us assurance that asking God to act in our lives and in the world is a practice of trust and belief that we are not alone in our need. Our prayer for sustenance is both physical and spiritual. The meeting of needs with the power of prayer helps eases suffering. “Petition” is our focus about prayer today. How can intercessory prayer help us become mindful of the needs of the world and remember that God is the Source of All Gifts?

Opening Hymn: When Peace Like A River   #840   vs. 1 & 4

Opening Prayer:

We arrive fully into this moment, Holy One.

Help us to be open to sense your presence among us.

We hear you say, “Seek and you will find.”

We need you, Jesus, to help us. We come to you as

your first disciples did. We hear you say, “Seek and you

will find.” Spirit of Divine Love, come to us with

your healing  waters. We hear you say, “Seek and

you will find.”  Amen.

Awakening:  The Prayer (by Carole Bayer Sager/David Foster)

Leader: I invite us to a few moments of silence. Feel your rhythms slow a bit. Begin to notice what petitions rise to the surface, held tenderly by God. What do you ask of God this morning?

                             Silence

Leader: Take a deep breath. You are not alone in your need. God meets us here with more love, more sustenance, more nourishment than we can ask or imagine.  Let us worship God, follow Christ, and revel in the Spirit of Openness in this place as we pray together in the words of Jesus…

Lord’s Prayer

Anthem:  Lord Listen to Your Children Praying

LYRICS

Lord, listen to your children praying

Lord, send your spirit in this place

Lord, listen to your children praying

Send us love, send us power, send us grace

Readings: James 5:13-16,   Luke 5:15-16               -Karen Stanley

Sermon: For Whom Shall We Pray?          Rev. Paula Norbert

Quiet Reflection                                   

Music:  Meditative Instrumental ~ Michelle Currie

Musical call to Prayer:  (two times)  Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.                               Michelle Currie

                          Prayers of the People                                 

           Silent Prayers               Pastoral Prayer

Offertory:  The Power Is here Now  

LYRICS

The poere of love is here now

The powere of love is here now

The powere of you and meis here to create magic on Earth

Let the water wash away your tears

Let the fire burn away your fears

Let the wind blow into your life such faith and trust,

Oh, … let the Earth hold you, take care of you, and nurture you

Oooooooh, oooooooh

oooooooh. oooooooh

                                              –

Doxology:  Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

                             Prayer of Dedication:

Closing Hymn:  Be Thou My Vision   #450    vs. 1-3

Blessing: 

Postlude:  Go In Peace

With thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director.

Many thanks to our Reader and Deacons today.

Worship Resources: Worship Design Studios