Collects and Prayers - July 5

Liturgical color: Green (throughout Ordinary Time)
Worship focus: Why worship?
Exodus 32: 1-6; Psalm 29; Acts 17: 16-29; Matthew 4: 1-14 (Exodus is primary text.)

Invitation and Gathering
Call to Worship: Psalm 29: 1-2
Leader: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings.
Congregation: Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Leader: Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name.
Congregation: Worship the Lord in holy array.
Leader: Praise to the Lord, the almighty.
Congregation: All in God's temple, shout praise!

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

Collect
Known and all-knowing God, who shakes the wilderness and sits as King over all the earth; show us your light, that we may turn towards you in the midst of temptation in a world that draws us to worship false Gods. Through the Triune God, who commands the angels of heavens to bear us up, may we live in Your Word in this life and the life to come. Amen.

Proclamation and Response
Prayers of the People

Now let us bring our petitions to God. Please respond to each petition with "Hear our prayer."

We give you thanks, true and living God, for the ways that you reveal yourself to us. For the love of family. For the laughter of friends. For the sustinance of daily bread. For all the gifts of life and the joy that your sharing life with us offers us. Lord in your mercy.

For those unable to fully worship You due to distractions, earthly pursuits or fear of how reverent and obedient worship will look to others, challenge them to re-align their priorities and worship You and You alone. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

For those who play it safe and only live within the rules, may they be inspired by Your courage and step outside themselves to challenge limits in service to others. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

For All Saints', which continues to grow in faith and in community according to your will. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

For the holy catholic church, as it serves you by making disciples in the world. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

For those who wrestle with pain, depression and disappointment, reassure them with your gifts and blessings of abundance. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

For those who pursue status, riches, and all other false gods, instill in them a relentless pursuit of You and your kingdom. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

For those who struggle with faith in you, provide them with the certainty of your presence in the wilderness. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

Lord, for those who have not known your love, allow them to recognize your grace and resurrection. Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.

Almighty God, we offer Thanksgiving for your remarkable creation, your everlasting presence, and your abudant grace in our lives. We proclaim your praise as it is right, and a good and joyful thing to give thanks to you, always and everywhere. Amen.