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Hymns
Hymn GTG #761, “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”
Hymn GTG #326, “For All the Saints”
Call to Worship (based on 1 Kings 19:11-13)
Leader: Where can God be found?
People: In a strong wind? In a mighty earthquake? In a blazing fire?
Leader: We look for God in demonstrations of power and feats of strength,
People: But God comes to us in gentle whispers, in still small voices, in sheer silence.
Leader: Listen carefully - God is calling us even now. Can you hear?
People: We hear! We respond! Let us worship the Lord!
Call to Confession (based on 1 Kings 19:11)
Leader: As we gather before the Lord in this holy place, we trust that God will move in and among us here. Let us take this opportunity to humbly confess our sins in God’s presence.
Prayer of Confession (based on 1 Kings 19:10, 14)
You are invited to speak a word or short phrase that describes a personal or
collective sin of which you repent and seek forgiveness.
When the gathered community is finished sharing, we pray together:
People: God of Justice and Mercy, we have been passionate in our judgement of others for your name’s sake. Our zeal is such that we see ourselves as islands of righteousness in a sea of apostasy. But in our condemnation of “the enemy”, we forget that they are your beloved children, too. Forgive us, O Lord. Help us find a sacred balance between unequivocal denunciation and unconditional love - the same balance expressed perfectly in Jesus’ life and teachings. Remind us that justice and mercy must go hand in hand for your people, and in that same justice and mercy, hear our prayers…
(Silent prayers of personal confession)
Declaration of Forgiveness (based on 1 Kings 19:5-7)
Leader: God always provides exactly what our spirits need to continue the work of the kindom, often without our even asking. May your spirit receive this gift from God with abundant joy: in Christ’s name, we are all forgiven!
People: Thanks be to God!
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