Known by God
SEEKERS CHURCH
A Christian Community
In the Tradition of the Church of the Saviour
Recommitment 2004
Known by God
Reflection
Sometimes we have looked at the sins of this fellowship and wondered what makes us different from groups which do not know Christ as Lord, and the answer is always, "Commitment," a commitment which makes us willing to live in the tension of unresolved relationships. However long it takes, however much it costs, we are committed to bridging any gulf which divides us from another.
Elizabeth O'Conner, Call to Commitment, page 181.
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
INVOCATION
Leader: Answer us as we call, O God.
Voice 1: Be gracious to us, and hear our prayers.
Voice 2: We know you hear us when we call.
Voice 1: We put our trust in you.
Voice 2: Let the light of your face shine on us.
All: Remind us of the gladness you put in our hearts.
Let us sit down in peace.
Gather us in safety.
HYMN
WORD FOR THE CHILDREN
SILENCE
CHANT
You search me, O God,
you know my heart.
Lead me in the way.
SILENCE
PRAYERS
CONFESSION
Leader: Year after year,
we have promised to be faithful,
to witness to God's presence among us.
People: Day after day,
we forget our promises,
and place our own comfort above our commitments.
Leader: Year after year,
we have promised to foster justice,
to care for creation, to work for the ending of war.
People: Day after day,
we harbor angry thoughts,
and place our self-interest above our love.
Leader: Minute by minute,
our commitments call us to be better than we are.
All: Forgive us, Holy One.
Help us to bridge the great divides
that keep us from compassion.
INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE
Leader: God answers those who call,
and is with us in time of trouble.
Our refuge and our strength
are with God, in whom we trust.
All: Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY
JESUS PRAYER
All: Eternal Spirit, Father and Mother of us all,
Holy is your name.
Let justice and mercy fill all Creation
and let us recognize
that every thought and thing belongs to you.
Feed us with the bread we need for today.
Forgive our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Stand with us in trial and temptation.
Free us from the grip of all that is evil.
For you alone are creating our universe,
now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON
SILENCE
GOSPEL
SERMON
SILENT REFLECTION
OFFERING
SHARED REFLECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN
BENEDICTION
Leader: Go into the world in peace;
have courage;
hold on to what is good;
return to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the suffering;
love and serve God,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Worship resources:
Call to Worship based on Psalm 4.
Chant based on Psalm 139.
Confession based on Seekers commitment statement.
Assurance based on Psalm 91.
