Collect and Prayers - July 26

Greeting
Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song!
People: We sing and bless His holy name.
Leader: For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
People: His glories are sung among all nations.
Leader: Tune your voice, lift up your hearts.
People: Let us join all creation and sing!


Collect
Creating God, you formed our lips to proclaim your glory and our tongues to sing your praise.
Compose in our hearts a new song, that we may boldly join with your church on earth, the communion of saints, and the angelic chorus in making the music of creation.
Through Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Prayers of the People:
Let us pray to God, in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, who so richly dwells with us through the presence of his Holy Spirit.
Following each petition, I will say, "In your mercy,"
Your response is, "Hear us, O Lord."

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.

Almighty and ever-reigning God, we give you thanks and praise for the beauty of music, for the gift of raising our voices together in harmony, and for the places in our lives where we notice your great melody that echoes throughout all of creation. We join with creation now in a new song, proclaiming your glory and splendor among all the nations. We ask that you would instill in us a grateful and worshipful heart, always remembering that you and you alone are the giver of all good things.
In your mercy, Hear us, O Lord.

For we who fall too easily to the temptations of this world, causing us to turn away from you and pursue other gods. Just like the Israelites, our hearts too quickly forget how you have provided for us and brought us into the land of milk and honey. Turn our hearts and desires back to you, so that we would worship and follow only you.
In your mercy, Hear us, O Lord

We ask for your strength and peace in times when we feel like we are lost in the desert. When we are weak in body, mind or spirit, or when our hearts are heavy with grief, help us sense your calming presence around us, and allow your spirit to compose a new song of peace, hope and joy in our hearts.
In your mercy, Hear us, O Lord

We pray for the church, both the Church temporal that worships you and sings your praises all across the world this day, and for the Church triumphant that encompasses those souls we have loved and lost. Help us live our lives in preparation for the joyful reunion with all the saints so that we like them may live to praise you eternally.
In your mercy, Hear us, O Lord.

We lift up all those who lead, especially we pray this day for our bishop, our district superintendent, and our pastor. Grant them courage, patience, and abundant wisdom for their overwhelming responsibilities. Inspire each of us to carry our part of the responsibility so that together we may each be supported in our calling.
In your mercy, Hear us, O Lord.

In a world where dissonance has become unrelenting noise and confusion, teach us to listen for every opportunity to resolve our discord into harmony. In all places near and far where clashing of conflicts is experienced, bring your healing grace and peace. And give us the courage to admit when we are wrong and to forgive when we have been wronged.
In your mercy, Hear us , O Lord.