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Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: Merciful God, your will for us is to know the abundance of life, yet this world's suffering continues.
C: We have no answers, and we confess to you the failure of our self-reliance and the anger that is born of our despair. Speak to our questions. Speak to our confusion. Speak to our tears.

Silence for reflection

P: O God who sets all things right, your children seek your guidance. Make them wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Clinging to you in all things, may their endurance serve as the channel of your righteous love.

Forgive them their sins and by the power of your Spirit fill them with your life. Grant them a holy hope, that the great harvest to come is in your mighty and gracious hands. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Before you begin the prayers, invite the gathered assembly to take out their wallets and take off their watches and place them in the pew. Give them a time of silence where they can again reflect on the things they cling to so tightly.

After each petition:
L: Lord, in your mercy:
C: Let your peace come upon us.

Sending
P: Father of all mercies,
your creation groans for redemption.
C: The harvest is plentiful
but the laborers are few;
send us out Lord.
P: Jesus our Savior,
you draw all people to yourself in love.
C: The harvest is plentiful
but the laborers are few;
send us out Lord.
P: Spirit of the Living God,
breathe into your people,
grant them healing,
grant them hope,
grant them direction.
C: The harvest is plentiful
but the laborers are few;
send us out Lord. Amen.

Hymns And Songs
With God As Our Friend -- LBW 371
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us -- LBW 481 (alt. tune: BEACH SPRING); UMH 381; PH 387; MBW 731
Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus -- LBW 487
Through The Night Of Doubt And Sorrow -- LBW 355
Come, O Holy Spirit, Come -- WOV 681
Like The Murmur Of The Dove's Song -- WOV 685; UMH 544; PH 314
Listen, God Is Calling -- WOV 712
I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky -- WOV 752; UMH 593; PH 525; G&P 542
On Eagle's Wings -- WOV 779; UMH 143; G&P 598
God Forgave My Sins In Jesus' Name -- TFF 187

Psalm Settings
All People That On Earth Do Dwell -- LBW 245; UMH 75; PH 220/221; MBW 539; G&P 535
Psalm 100: We Are God's People -- GATHER 87

Choral Music
"An Apostle's Prayer" -- David Schweobel (Hinshaw Music)
"Psalm 100; Processional Hymn" -- Robert Hutmacher (GIA)
"Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us" -- William Bradbury, arr. Curtis Hansen (Neil A. Kjos Music)

Prayer For Graduates
June is often a month for graduations. This prayer can be used on any week near such an event. The pastor or assisting minister can speak the repeated line ("Beloved ...") and then individual members of the congregation, especially parents and grandparents, can speak the other lines. Call the graduates to the front of the chancel and then surround them, placing your hands on their shoulders and/or heads for this prayer. Then, continue to surround them as you sing the hymn "On Eagle's Wings."

Beloved, may you go forth on this day
as instruments of mercy,
as friends of sinners,
as children of the living God.

Beloved, may you go forth on this day
with the power of a mighty stream,
with the laughter of heaven,
with the vision of new dreams.

Beloved, may you go forth on this day
walking a labyrinth (path) of love,
knowing that the source of your life
is the one who gave his life for the world.
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.