From Tears To Victory
Prayer
SUSTAINED TO SERVE
Communion And Offering Prayers
Ever-present, living, loving God, we adore you. We lay before you on this table experiences of the week just past.
We have been blessed by a peaceful, renewing holiday with loved ones, we have been inspired by words of your global ministry; and united, we cry for loss of youth and grieve the passing of aged wisdom.
We recall now, Lord, that Jesus first broke bread and poured wine to help prepare friends for his premature death, then triumphed victoriously over that death with resurrection and life.
Restore to us, now, the joy of our salvation, so vividly depicted in these emblems of bread and wine.
Enrich us with your grace, instill us with desire, that we may be compelled to bring about good.
You have shown us the way, O God. We now remember the teacher, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Colored With Closeness
Master Painter, Designer, we praise you and rejoice in the beauty with which you surround us.
You provide us with landscapes from which we eagerly grasp vivid fall colors and apprehensively anticipate a winter that now only peeks at us before retreating.
You provide us, too, O God, with the portrait of one who triumphed over death's cold darkness.
As we partake of the bread and cup, representing the broken body and blood of Jesus Christ, we ask that you replace our doubt with touches of courage and shining hope.
And, if a winter of desolation should catch us unaware or linger longer than expected, Lord, may we be sustained by the bright assurance of your constant closeness.
We pray in the name of the risen Savior. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Giving In Return
Loving and giving God, there are so many pleasurable things surrounding us this fall season and we thank you.
Lord, help our senses peak to where we notice and experience each sight, sound, and sensation every day.
Our offerings symbolize the need and desire to share ourselves in return for your immeasurable gifts to us. Help us to be more aware of sharing not only our money, but our time, talents, and love for all your children.
May we in some way extend your peace and comfort by our giving. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
A Shopping God
Almighty Giver of Good, we would feel humbled imagining your going to the mall to find the perfect gift for us.
Yet, that's what you've done when we, seeking, open the Bible to find perfect words of encouragement.
That is what you've done when color has faded from our lives and a fluttering autumn leaf reminds us that we need not feel dormant, but vivid.
You have shopped for us, Lord, when an inspired friend confronts us with new images of you.
And, we find our name on the perfect gift when, feeling like life's lights have been extinguished, we are illumined by a myriad of lingering stars in the air of a crisp autumn dawn.
May we hold your precious gifts dear, O God, and may we share offerings brought today with the same undemanding love as that with which you have blessed us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your most sacrificial gift. Amen.
We have been blessed by a peaceful, renewing holiday with loved ones, we have been inspired by words of your global ministry; and united, we cry for loss of youth and grieve the passing of aged wisdom.
We recall now, Lord, that Jesus first broke bread and poured wine to help prepare friends for his premature death, then triumphed victoriously over that death with resurrection and life.
Restore to us, now, the joy of our salvation, so vividly depicted in these emblems of bread and wine.
Enrich us with your grace, instill us with desire, that we may be compelled to bring about good.
You have shown us the way, O God. We now remember the teacher, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Colored With Closeness
Master Painter, Designer, we praise you and rejoice in the beauty with which you surround us.
You provide us with landscapes from which we eagerly grasp vivid fall colors and apprehensively anticipate a winter that now only peeks at us before retreating.
You provide us, too, O God, with the portrait of one who triumphed over death's cold darkness.
As we partake of the bread and cup, representing the broken body and blood of Jesus Christ, we ask that you replace our doubt with touches of courage and shining hope.
And, if a winter of desolation should catch us unaware or linger longer than expected, Lord, may we be sustained by the bright assurance of your constant closeness.
We pray in the name of the risen Savior. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Giving In Return
Loving and giving God, there are so many pleasurable things surrounding us this fall season and we thank you.
Lord, help our senses peak to where we notice and experience each sight, sound, and sensation every day.
Our offerings symbolize the need and desire to share ourselves in return for your immeasurable gifts to us. Help us to be more aware of sharing not only our money, but our time, talents, and love for all your children.
May we in some way extend your peace and comfort by our giving. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
A Shopping God
Almighty Giver of Good, we would feel humbled imagining your going to the mall to find the perfect gift for us.
Yet, that's what you've done when we, seeking, open the Bible to find perfect words of encouragement.
That is what you've done when color has faded from our lives and a fluttering autumn leaf reminds us that we need not feel dormant, but vivid.
You have shopped for us, Lord, when an inspired friend confronts us with new images of you.
And, we find our name on the perfect gift when, feeling like life's lights have been extinguished, we are illumined by a myriad of lingering stars in the air of a crisp autumn dawn.
May we hold your precious gifts dear, O God, and may we share offerings brought today with the same undemanding love as that with which you have blessed us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your most sacrificial gift. Amen.
