In All Seasons
Prayer
SUSTAINED TO SERVE
Communion And Offering Prayers
Yes, Lord, we do want to remember you -- not as some historical event, but to recall you into the most intimate core of our being.
Help us remain steadfast amidst change -- changing seasons of the church, nature, and personal experiences.
Some here today may sense new beginnings blossoming in our lives.
Celebrate with us.
Others feel stifling heat of conflict and discontentment.
Shower those with calming assurance that this, too, will surely pass.
Sustain us with your tender hand of mercy when we are detached, tossed about, and carried from the source of life.
We're not always ready for the snow, Lord.
When quiet coldness blankets us, wrap us in your Spirit.
Warm us with reassurance that you are the constant reality of all seasons.
Give us your peace as we partake of this bread and cup, emblems of your forever presence.
We pray in the name of the anticipated Christ Child. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Preparation
God of Advent, the excitement and anticipation of Jesus' coming once again surround us.
Greens are hung and outwardly we seem ready for his arrival.
Even as decorations have been retrieved from closets and corners, may we re-discover vital inspiration in our lives that has been put aside for mundane responsibilities.
Help us, O God, to wait patiently as we hope for things unseen, ever alert to your revealing.
Forgive us, Lord, when we hope for a king and overlook the infant.
We are reminded by the bread and cup before us of the self-giving love of Jesus.
By partaking of these emblems, we proclaim our hope in the Christ who was, is, and always will be -- the Christ who died to give us wholeness and healing. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Through Hope, Peace, Love, And Joy
Almighty and ever-powerful God, we come to your table humbly remembering your gift to us of your Son, that we might have hope eternally.
Forgive us, O God, when we get so busy with ourselves that we overlook the wonder of Christ's birth.
Bless us, Lord, as we consume these emblems. May our eyes be opened to see you more clearly and our faith renewed.
May we know your divine presence in and around us as we partake.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Anticipation
Lord of Steadfast Love, we are thankful to be yours. Forgive us when personal desire or pettiness obscures loving mercy and grace meant to be ours.
This Advent season we anticipate Christ's coming, and anticipate new beginnings. We have prepared bread and wine, symbols of your great sacrifice for us, and we remember.
Call us by name, Lord, as we partake. Remind each one of your mission for us and that new life can triumph, as shown in both Christ's birth and resurrection.
We seek you at the manger. We seek you at the table, Lord.
May we allow fresh innocence of the Christ Child to mature in us, deepening understanding and acceptance of each other and stimulating our yearning to be servants in your Realm.
We pray in the name of your Son, our Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Room To Remember?
Everlasting Parent God, who revealed yourself through the Holy Child born at Bethlehem, our hearts are filled with joy in these anniversary days of his birth.
If our lives have been crowded with other things so that we turn away as he was turned away from the inn in Bethlehem, forgive us, we pray.
Though we may not have expensive gifts to bring, we offer a life lived in his name.
As we break the bread and hold the cup in memory of our Lord Jesus Christ, bless us in our dedication to his service.
May we see others as your children and as our brothers and sisters.
At this Christmas season as we remember your great gift to us, accept our lives as gifts to you in this hour of communion.
In the name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Security For The Wild Ride
God of everything old and everything new, we praise you as we anticipate a new year, so fresh and new, like the Christmas Babe, needing our care.
Lord, we at times feel like we are on a roller coaster of hours, days, and years with everything passing so swiftly that we are unable to grasp and hold even those seconds dearest to us.
Forgive us, God, when we lose sight of you in the blur of life's ride.
As we partake of these emblems, we recall you into our most intimate selves and may we hold for a moment the comfort of your closeness.
May we not be lost ineffectively in days past, but take your hand, Lord, to move joyfully into days ahead with the security of your presence.
We thank you, God, for our lives and the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
In A Wonderland
God of Beauty and Love, we admire your handiwork as the cleansing, purifying snow covers the land. We thank you for all our senses with which to enjoy the brightness, the sounds and smells of winter, the warmth of our homes, and a friend's touch.
Forgive us, Lord, when we fail to see you in all that is around us.
At this table, we especially thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ.
Warm our hearts with receptiveness for all your children as we partake of these symbols of your absolute acceptance of us.
By recalling Jesus into the centers of our beings, may we be shown insights into personal problems and strengthened to serve you more eagerly.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Crown Or Cradle
Source of Strength and Salvation, may we recognize you in all things and may we be ready to receive you, whether you come in a kingly fashion or as a crying baby.
Lord, we offer these gifts as symbols of that readiness and pray for the guidance of your Great Spirit in the ways they are used.
In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
After They All Go Home
Gracious Provider of all good things, we are beginning to relax a bit after the intensity of preparation.
Gifts have been opened, empty boxes and crumpled wrapping paper are in trash containers, and lingering strains of Christmas carols hesitantly drift past as if wondering whether they should be here.
Images of the season color our days -- faces joyful upon reunion; fragrance of simmering coffee, turkey, and sweet potatoes; conversations and laughter; tears of departure.
For some, these days have been a stinging reminder that a loved one who celebrated last year's season is not here. Others rejoice in the embrace of one who was not expected to be with us now, but is.
Lord God, we have given and we have received.
Our prayer is that preparation for others has instilled in us that preparation for you is ongoing.
We thank you, God, for sending your Son and ask your blessing upon the offerings before us.
We pray in the name of the Christmas Babe, the Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
In Days Fulfilled
Eternal, ageless God, you give us days to live.
We aimlessly turn calendar pages, mistakenly assuming that our lives are complete if written entries cram each space.
You faithfully turn insignificant tasks into life's blessings. We often miss those blessings as we clamor to work through lists of chores.
Lord, make us aware of moments provided.
May we cling to each blessing and be inspired to share all you have given, even ourselves.
Bless the offerings, O God, and those who have given them. We pray in the name of Christ, who gave all for us. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Through Riches Provided
Divine Source of the good we enjoy, you have handed us a Christmas gift and watched as we unwrapped it to discover the newborn Savior.
We cherish your gift and the fact that you gave it.
Now, we wish to highlight the beauty of this treasure received and tell its story to others.
May our offerings today implement such display and sharing.
We pray in the name of the One given to us all. Amen.
Help us remain steadfast amidst change -- changing seasons of the church, nature, and personal experiences.
Some here today may sense new beginnings blossoming in our lives.
Celebrate with us.
Others feel stifling heat of conflict and discontentment.
Shower those with calming assurance that this, too, will surely pass.
Sustain us with your tender hand of mercy when we are detached, tossed about, and carried from the source of life.
We're not always ready for the snow, Lord.
When quiet coldness blankets us, wrap us in your Spirit.
Warm us with reassurance that you are the constant reality of all seasons.
Give us your peace as we partake of this bread and cup, emblems of your forever presence.
We pray in the name of the anticipated Christ Child. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Preparation
God of Advent, the excitement and anticipation of Jesus' coming once again surround us.
Greens are hung and outwardly we seem ready for his arrival.
Even as decorations have been retrieved from closets and corners, may we re-discover vital inspiration in our lives that has been put aside for mundane responsibilities.
Help us, O God, to wait patiently as we hope for things unseen, ever alert to your revealing.
Forgive us, Lord, when we hope for a king and overlook the infant.
We are reminded by the bread and cup before us of the self-giving love of Jesus.
By partaking of these emblems, we proclaim our hope in the Christ who was, is, and always will be -- the Christ who died to give us wholeness and healing. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Through Hope, Peace, Love, And Joy
Almighty and ever-powerful God, we come to your table humbly remembering your gift to us of your Son, that we might have hope eternally.
Forgive us, O God, when we get so busy with ourselves that we overlook the wonder of Christ's birth.
Bless us, Lord, as we consume these emblems. May our eyes be opened to see you more clearly and our faith renewed.
May we know your divine presence in and around us as we partake.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Anticipation
Lord of Steadfast Love, we are thankful to be yours. Forgive us when personal desire or pettiness obscures loving mercy and grace meant to be ours.
This Advent season we anticipate Christ's coming, and anticipate new beginnings. We have prepared bread and wine, symbols of your great sacrifice for us, and we remember.
Call us by name, Lord, as we partake. Remind each one of your mission for us and that new life can triumph, as shown in both Christ's birth and resurrection.
We seek you at the manger. We seek you at the table, Lord.
May we allow fresh innocence of the Christ Child to mature in us, deepening understanding and acceptance of each other and stimulating our yearning to be servants in your Realm.
We pray in the name of your Son, our Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Room To Remember?
Everlasting Parent God, who revealed yourself through the Holy Child born at Bethlehem, our hearts are filled with joy in these anniversary days of his birth.
If our lives have been crowded with other things so that we turn away as he was turned away from the inn in Bethlehem, forgive us, we pray.
Though we may not have expensive gifts to bring, we offer a life lived in his name.
As we break the bread and hold the cup in memory of our Lord Jesus Christ, bless us in our dedication to his service.
May we see others as your children and as our brothers and sisters.
At this Christmas season as we remember your great gift to us, accept our lives as gifts to you in this hour of communion.
In the name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Security For The Wild Ride
God of everything old and everything new, we praise you as we anticipate a new year, so fresh and new, like the Christmas Babe, needing our care.
Lord, we at times feel like we are on a roller coaster of hours, days, and years with everything passing so swiftly that we are unable to grasp and hold even those seconds dearest to us.
Forgive us, God, when we lose sight of you in the blur of life's ride.
As we partake of these emblems, we recall you into our most intimate selves and may we hold for a moment the comfort of your closeness.
May we not be lost ineffectively in days past, but take your hand, Lord, to move joyfully into days ahead with the security of your presence.
We thank you, God, for our lives and the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
In A Wonderland
God of Beauty and Love, we admire your handiwork as the cleansing, purifying snow covers the land. We thank you for all our senses with which to enjoy the brightness, the sounds and smells of winter, the warmth of our homes, and a friend's touch.
Forgive us, Lord, when we fail to see you in all that is around us.
At this table, we especially thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ.
Warm our hearts with receptiveness for all your children as we partake of these symbols of your absolute acceptance of us.
By recalling Jesus into the centers of our beings, may we be shown insights into personal problems and strengthened to serve you more eagerly.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Crown Or Cradle
Source of Strength and Salvation, may we recognize you in all things and may we be ready to receive you, whether you come in a kingly fashion or as a crying baby.
Lord, we offer these gifts as symbols of that readiness and pray for the guidance of your Great Spirit in the ways they are used.
In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
After They All Go Home
Gracious Provider of all good things, we are beginning to relax a bit after the intensity of preparation.
Gifts have been opened, empty boxes and crumpled wrapping paper are in trash containers, and lingering strains of Christmas carols hesitantly drift past as if wondering whether they should be here.
Images of the season color our days -- faces joyful upon reunion; fragrance of simmering coffee, turkey, and sweet potatoes; conversations and laughter; tears of departure.
For some, these days have been a stinging reminder that a loved one who celebrated last year's season is not here. Others rejoice in the embrace of one who was not expected to be with us now, but is.
Lord God, we have given and we have received.
Our prayer is that preparation for others has instilled in us that preparation for you is ongoing.
We thank you, God, for sending your Son and ask your blessing upon the offerings before us.
We pray in the name of the Christmas Babe, the Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
In Days Fulfilled
Eternal, ageless God, you give us days to live.
We aimlessly turn calendar pages, mistakenly assuming that our lives are complete if written entries cram each space.
You faithfully turn insignificant tasks into life's blessings. We often miss those blessings as we clamor to work through lists of chores.
Lord, make us aware of moments provided.
May we cling to each blessing and be inspired to share all you have given, even ourselves.
Bless the offerings, O God, and those who have given them. We pray in the name of Christ, who gave all for us. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Through Riches Provided
Divine Source of the good we enjoy, you have handed us a Christmas gift and watched as we unwrapped it to discover the newborn Savior.
We cherish your gift and the fact that you gave it.
Now, we wish to highlight the beauty of this treasure received and tell its story to others.
May our offerings today implement such display and sharing.
We pray in the name of the One given to us all. Amen.
