Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c
We shout your name and give you thanks, LORD;
……..we will tell everyone what you have done for us.
We sing your praises in your presence,
……..and publicise your wonderful achievements.
We put your name up in lights, your name alone;
……..our hearts burst with joy when we approach you.
It is you we want most of all, you and your strength;
……..we try to keep near to you all the time.
Like all the descendants of Abraham and Jacob,
……..and all your chosen children,
we remember all the astonishing things you have done
……..and the breath-taking wisdom of your decisions.
Your people turned up in Egypt;
……..yes, Jacob migrated to Africa.
You let them breed there like rabbits, LORD,
……..and they grew stronger than the native population.
The Egyptians grew fearful and bitter
……..and plotted to force your people into slavery.
You sent your trusty worker, Moses,
……..and his chosen right hand man, Aaron.
You are the greatest, LORD!
©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
Sing: Let Your Presence Fall
Call to Worship
Here in this place where we worship,
we stand on holy ground!Here in this place
where songs of praise are sung,
we stand on holy ground!Here in this place where prayers are said,
we stand on holy ground!Come and hear God speak to your needs.
Come and let go of the burdens you carry.
Come and expect an encounter with God.Be fully here in this sacred space.
Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16
Sing: God of Abraham Praise
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Holy God,
Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16
we approach in awe.
We come into your presence
as Moses did:
slowly, cautiously, unsure of ourselves,
unsure of what, or whom we encounter.
Holy God, may we feel welcome in your presence, may we be bold and brave as we come.
Accept our prayers of love
yet, even as we approach,
we become aware of our place, our weakness and our lives. In silence now we name our shadows…
things which lurk in the darkness,
away from your burning light.
Silence
Holy God, forgive us we pray,
accept our humble petitions
so that freed from our burdens we may worship you In this place,
this day.
Amen.
Prepare to hear today’s scripture
Readings:
Exodus 3:1-15
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Story:
*Temporary Password GUNGUCFF2020
Sing: How Great Is Our God
Reflection
Prayers for others – 30 August 2020
Compassionate God, we thank you for your great love. In a world which, for many, feels turbulent and uncertain, we call for your guidance and peace.
We pray for all who have lost their jobs or their businesses. We pray for those who are worried and anxious about their future. Guide them and grant them the hope they need.
We lift up the medical teams, heath professionals and researchers who continue to play a crucial role during the pandemic. Protect and restore them, providing new energy as they provide care and solve problems each day.
We pray for political and business decision makers in our nation and community. Grant them wisdom. May they lead with empathy, justice and compassion.
We continue to pray for greater wisdom and responsibility in our stewardship of this earth. May the world community and individuals answer your call to share resources to alleviate poverty, injustice and disease.
Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are troubled by illness and for those who care for them. Send healing and strength. We ask for your comfort and peace for those who grieve.
We pray for those who feel isolated or lonely. Send your light and love to give them the assurance and hope they need. May they find the support they need through family, friends and other services.
We pray for all who touch our lives – our family, our friends and those within the community. We pray for deepening friendships and relationships, and a greater awareness of the needs of others for support and encouragement. Help us to respond to those needs and show your love.
We lift up these prayers in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Brooke Kilah
Prayer
for what shall we pray, O God?
Source: 2020 Thom M. Shuman
where there is death,
let us offer life,
where there is brokenness,
let us be healers,
where there is loneliness,
let us offer a welcome.
for what shall we pray, O Jesus?
where there is cruelty,
let us seek justice,
where there is bitterness,
let us sow kindness,
where there is hatred,
let us offer hands of love.
for what shall we pray O Spirit?
where there is anger,
let us be the breath of hope,
where there is violence,
let us be peacemakers,
where neighbourhoods are in ruins,
let us rebuild communities.
for what shall we pray?
for more tenderness than tensions,
for more listening than lecturing,
for more forgiving than pointing fingers,
for more concern for the forgotten than the favoured,
for more humanity than hatred.
hear our prayers, God in Community, Holy in One,
hear our prayers, Amen.
Sing: I The Lord of Sea and Sky
Sending
We walk on holy ground
Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16
every day of our lives.
We take God with us from this place to bless and guide our steps
this day and always.