Sunday, June 27, 2010

Collects and Prayers - June 27, 2010 - 5th Sunday of Pentecost

Greeting
Leader: Lord of all creation, you give us the world to love and explore;
People: yet we, your children, pursue other pleasures.
Leader: You have graciously given us your Spirit to guide our actions;
People: yet we struggle, pitting our own will against yours.
Leader: Teach us to rest, to be patient, to experience peace and joy around us.
People: Give us this day to delight in you.

Collect
God, Creator and Redeemer,
who in the midst of making the universe
took time to rest and delight in good things,
grant us a spirit of gentleness,
that we too may slow our hectic pace to delight in creation,
and re-create ourselves as reflections of the living God.
We pray this through your son, Jesus Christ,
who died that we might have abundant life,
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Collects and Prayers - June 20, 2010 - 4th Sunday of Pentecost

Greeting
Leader: The way of the Cross is a journey that passes through death.
People: Young and old, we follow it without fear.
Leader: But death is not the end; from the grave springs everlasting life.
People: We hope in the Resurrection; we shall arise at the sound of our name.

Collect
God our Savior,
look on this wounded world in pity and in power;
hold us fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
As we meditate on the mysteries of Christ's death and resurrection, and prepare to be seated at His table, let us lift up our collective needs in prayer.

We pray for all who have died, especially those persons in this community -- our friends and loved ones -- that they may be seated at God's heavenly banquet. Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We pray for all children--unborn, newborn, young, and old--that they may be ever mindful of God's promise of Resurrection. Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We pray for the imprisoned, that they may find freedom in God's love. Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We pray for all persons in need--the hungry, the sick, and the disabled--that they may be comforted by God's presence in human hands. Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We pray for our fathers, living and dead, and those who have loved us with a fathering spirit -- may they be blessed reminders of the love of God for His children. Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We pray that God may hear the petitions we hold silently in our hearts or speak aloud at this time. [Pause] Living God,
"Hear our prayer."

We ask these things through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose death on a cross showed us the path toward everlasting life. Amen.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Collects and Prayers - June 13, 2010 - 3rd Sunday of Pentecost

Greeting
Leader: Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the universe,
People: Creator of life, Provider of our daily bread.
Leader: Through Jesus, your Son, you feed us with your very self.
People: Everything we need is found at your table.
Leader: Taste and see that the Lord is good.
People:. With joy and hope, we gather at the Table of Life.

Collect
Almighty God, Creator of all life;
you cause the grass to grow and the plants to flower, bringing forth food from the earth.
Grant us the grace to worship with praise and thanksgiving for the gift of sustenance,
for the ability to work and cultivate your land, and for the beauty of creation itself.
This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who through the pouring out of his body, provides life and sustenance for all.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
Almighty God, creator, sustainer, provider: since the beginning of time, you have offered us life, food, and protection. Even when we turned away and thought we could provide these things for ourselves, you remained steadfast. For this act of unconditional love, we give you thanks, and offer prayers and petitions this morning in your name.

We give you all thanks and praise for the majesty and splendor of your creation, for the marvelous ways your glory is displayed to us, from the heights of mountain peaks to the crashing waves on the shore. Instill in us a deeper appreciation and reverence for your creation so that wherever we are, we learn to respect your creation in a way that honors you.
Loving God, Hear our Prayer.

For our daily food and drink that sustains our homes and neighborhoods, our families and friends. Help up to recognize and honor the connections of all things, even at cost to our own wants and comforts, so that we may live gently on earth and make proper use of its abundance.
Loving God, Hear our Prayer.

For farmers, manufacturers, and all those who cook and prepare food. We pray that all production of food would be done in a way that honors your creation and protects these laborers.
Loving God, Hear our Prayer.

For the church, both local and universal, that it would freely offer the bread and cup of life to all the thirsty and hungry in the world, that this food may satisfy the strongest of appetites and provide eternal life and sustenance for all.
Loving God, Hear our Prayer.

Creator God, give us eyes to gape at the wonders daily about us, and the will to live in harmony with your creation and your will for our bodies. We ask all these things through your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh and the bread of heaven, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Collects and Prayers - June 6, 2010 - 2nd Sunday of Pentecost

Greeting
Leader: The gift of your healing Spirit was made manifest on the Cross.
People: Christ sacrificed himself that we may have abundant life.
Leader: God promises to be a light in the darkness,
People: shining through us to a world longing for God’s love.
Leader: The heavens declare God’s infinite mercies,
People:. and we shall praise God’s holy name all our days.

Collect
Lord, sustainer and healer,
Mend our brokenness through your Word
So that we may care for one another as you so graciously care for us.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ,
The incarnate Son, the Word made flesh, the healer of every nation,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
Let us pray together to the Lord God, friend of those in need. Jesus has untied our burdens and healed our spirits. We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for elected officials, for CEOs, and for thought leaders in the healthcare industry, that they may have wisdom and discernment so that they create policies and medicines that are life giving to all your people.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for those who work in our hospitals, especially nurses, doctors, clinicians, and volunteers, that God may continue to strengthen them so that they may be conduits of your healing power.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for the people of All Saints’ church, that they may share your healing words with families, neighbors, co-workers and one another.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for those who are sick and unable to get medical attention, that God may raise up earthly saints to help them find the care they so desperately need.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for our friends and loved ones who are suffering in mind, body, or spirit and are in need of your healing touch. Let us now offer their names, silently or aloud.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

We pray for all who have died and for those who mourn them. May the hope of the Resurrection lighten their darkness and bring them peace as they await eternal glory.
Sung Response: Jesus, heal us, Jesus; Jesus, hear us now.

Hear our prayers, that we may love you with our whole being
and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. We ask this through Christ the healer, who extends your grace to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Collects and Prayers - May 30, 2010 - Trinity Sunday

Greeting
Leader: Since the beginning of time, God has ordered creation.
People: All praise to the Father, the source of life!
Leader: With boundless love, God sent Jesus Christ to heal our brokenness.
People: All praise to the Son, the Word made flesh!
Leader: God’s presence is ever with us through the Holy Spirit.
People:. All praise to the Spirit, our most blessed inheritance!

Collect
Holy God,
You have given us grace,
By the confession of the faith of your holy church,
To acknowledge the mystery of the eternal Trinity
And, in the power of your divine majesty, to worship the Unity.
Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship,
And bring us at last to see in your eternal glory one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Canticle of the Holy Trinity
We praise you, O God. We acclaim you as Lord. All creation worships you, Father everlasting. To you, all angels, all the powers of heaven, cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of the apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world your holy church acclaims you, Father of majesty unbounded, your glorious, true and only Son, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the King of Glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became in incarnate to set us free, you humbly accepted the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the Kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come to be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance. Govern and uphold them now and always. Day by day we bless you. We praise your name forever. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Lord, show us your love and mercy for we put our trust in you. In you, Lord, is our hope: and we shall never hope in vain. Amen.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Collects and Prayers - May 23, 2010 - Pentecost Sunday

Greeting
Leader: At Pentecost, we are renewed as children of one God,
People: as members of the Body of Christ with the Holy Spirit.
Leader: The inheritance of the Spirit is a priceless treasure.
People: God has adopted us as his own through the Spirit of righteousness.
Leader: Through this welcoming Spirit, may the scales fall from our eyes
All: and our ears be opened to the presence of the living God.

Collect
Our Father, embodied in your son Jesus Christ, you have adopted us into one family through the Living Spirit, which fortifies us through every trial and tribulation. In this inheritance, we hope to share in the glory of heaven by serving as your children here on earth, bringing all peoples together under one Spirit through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Collects and Prayers - May 16, 2010 - Ascension Sunday

Greeting
Leader: The Lord goes up with a shout;
People: with cries of joy, heaven opens the gates!
Leader: The one who humbled himself to redeem mankind
People: now returns to the throne above.
Leader: Turn your gaze toward the skies!
People:. Watch and wait, for the King will come again!

Collect
Everliving God,
your eternal Christ once dwelt on earth,
confined by time and space.
Give us faith to discern in every time and place
the presence among us of Him who is King over all the earth,
that we may also in heart and mind
ascend to where he is,
and dwell with him forever;
We pray through Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
Let us offer prayers to God through Jesus Christ, who was taken up to heaven and intercedes for us at the right hand of God.

For all who seek to discern the will of God - in their career, in their family life, in facing moral dilemmas and daily choices - may God's voice be heard above the chaos, and may God's will be done. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For our bishop, Al Gwinn, our pastor, Greg Moore, and all church leaders who minister in the name of Christ and carry out his royal priesthood on earth, may they be faithful shepherds, helping their flock to discern God's will. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those members of our church community who are not with us this morning, may Christ dwell with them wherever they are. We pray that they and we may be strengthened by His presence at all times and in all places. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For all who feel abandoned - the orphaned, the lost, the alien - may they be comforted as Christ comforted his apostles - with Christ's everlasting presence through the Spirit. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the sick, the suffering, and the dying - may they know the promise of the eternal kingdom, when Christ will return and reign forever. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who exalted Christ into glory and granted all believers to share in his royal priesthood. Hear our prayers for all your creation and welcome us to the table of your eternal banquet; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Collects and Prayers - May 9, 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

Greeting
Leader: Lift up your heads, O ye gates!
People: That the King of Glory may enter in.
Leader: Marvel at God’s splendor; rejoice in God’s power!
People: Let us pray without ceasing and worship at all times.
Leader: In unexpected ways and through unusual people, God finds us.
People: Stop, watch, and listen for God's presence.

Collect
God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and revealed your splendor and might throughout all the earth. Grant that we would be captivated again by your or life-changing power, so that we would live with our eyes always open for signs of your grace. We ask this through your son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Collects and Prayers - May 2, 2010 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

Greeting
Leader: Come to the Gospel feast, the banquet of heaven.
People: Let every soul be Jesus’ guest,
Leader: for the table is open and there is plenty of room,
People: room for all to have their fill.
Leader: Taste and see that the Lord is good.
People: With joy, we gather at the table of life.

Collect
God, who offers us boundless love and everlasting life,
we offer you ourselves this day.
Grant that we may learn from your Word and be nourished at your table,
so that we might leave this place with open minds, hearts, and hands.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
who dared to eat with sinners
and yet reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
We come together on this Fifth Sunday of Easter to celebrate God's welcoming spirit and overflowing grace. Let us now pray that we will be open to the Lord and to each other.

We pray for our church community, that as we grow and prepare ourselves to be a permanent presence in Brier Creek, we will welcome all to the Lord's table. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our youth and their leaders, that as they prepare to embark on mission work, they will continue to welcome those in need of love and friendship into their fold. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for Christians everywhere, that they will heed your new commandment to love one another. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the unloved, the outcast, the deviant, the hopeless, and especially the marginalized persons in our community of Brier Creek, that they too will taste God's goodness. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who hate, who dismiss the unwanted, and who succumb to prejudice, that they will seek God's forgiveness and join us at the Gospel feast. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who have died, especially Becky Childs, laid to rest yesterday, that they may sit with God at the table of everlasting life. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We ask for these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who breaks bread with the least among us, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Collects and Prayers - April 25, 2010 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

Greeting
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed! And we are risen with him.
Leader: Christ calls the dead to get up.
People: We arise and follow the Good Shepherd.
Leader: God renews every creature; even the stones sing out.
People: All of creation responds with joy.

Collect
To the Living God, we give you thanks and praise for the unending love for us you demonstrated on the cross, a love that can change even death to life. You have offered us transformation through the resurrection; may we turn daily to your Light and Truth as our means of conversion. Mark us as your children, so that we may be truly yours and filled with eternal life. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Collects and Prayers - April 18, 2010 - Third Sunday of Easter

Greeting
Leader: Like Saul on the road to Damascus, our eyes are opened to new life.
People: Turn our gaze to the living God.
Leader: Like Simon Peter, the fisherman, our arms are opened to God's bounty.
People: Turn our hands into instruments of the risen Christ.
Leader: Like the child plunged into the waters of baptism, we await new birth.
People: Turn us anew into children of God.

Collect
God of things made utterly new, as we gather here in the name of the risen Christ, uplift us with his continuing Easter joy. Extend our worship beyond habit, higher than loving duty, and deeper into that universe of the spirit where delight and praise and new life flow more freely than the air we breathe. To the glory of your name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Collects and Prayers - April 11, 2010 - Second Sunday of Easter

Greeting
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!
Leader: When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.
People: May we also see and believe and be glad.
Leader: To Christ, who loves and liberates us by his blood,
People: Be glory and dominion forever!

Collect
God of the living, immerse us in the resurrection life. Give us the desire to be patient as you have been patient with us, to be merciful with doubters as you are merciful, to encourage and enable those who waver, even as you have encouraged us. Through Christ Jesus our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Sisters and brothers in Christ,
God invites us to bring our doubts and fears,
our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise,
and offer them on behalf of the church and the world.

Let us now lay our cares at the feet of Him who bought our eternal salvation.

For the Church universal, that the throngs of Easter worshippers will find reason to return to the Table of the Lord, casting aside past reservations. May the Church welcome and celebrate faith renewed and regained. Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

For this community of believers and Christians everywhere who seek to be the face of Christ to a doubting world, may we recall the words of St. Teresa of Avila: "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours." Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

For the new members we received this church last Sunday. May they be filled with the Easter joy and find a path of passionate service to God and this community through ministries that use their spiritual gifts to the fullest. Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who doubt the presence of Christ in their lives, because of personal loss, hardship, or a crisis of faith. May they find his real presence in the compassion of others. Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who have died, especially our loved ones, may Christ raise them to eternal glory with Him. Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

For the earth and all its creatures, may we wisely and gently care for its bounty, entrusted to us by the Author of Creation, and be filled with the wonder of new life in this season of rebirth. Let us pray ... Risen Lord, hear our prayer.

Receive these prayers, O God,
and transform us through them,
that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand
not only what you do on our behalf,
but what you call us to do in your name
so that the Kingdom may come.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Collects and Prayers - April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday

Greeting
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: Christ is risen, indeed!
Leader: Stones roll away, tombs are open, new possibilities are born, women sing for joy and men race to share the good news.
People: Light emerges from darkness; new life springs from the shadow of death.
Leader: He is not to be found among the dead, but here among the living.
People: Let us come to worship the living God. Alleluia!

Collect
Almighty God,
Through your son Jesus Christ, you overcame death
And opened to us the gate of everlasting life.
Grant that we,
Who celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection,
May, by the renewing of your Spirit
Arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Collects and Prayers - March 28, 2010 - Palm Sunday

Collect
Holy and Gracious God, you humbled yourself for a season, taking flesh through the Incarnation. You emptied yourself through the suffering and death of your son Jesus, the Paschal Lamb. You surrender yourself again and again out of deep love for a sinful and fickle people—who shout hosannas one moment and condemnations the next. As we share in Christ’s Paschal journey— to Jerusalem, to Gethsemane, to the cross, and to a cold, dark tomb—mercifully grant that we too may share in the burden of his suffering and the joy of his resurrection. Through your son Jesus Christ, who was obedient unto death, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Collects and Prayers - March 21, 2010 - The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Greeting
Leader: Beloved, we gather together, bound by God's love.
People: As members of his body, we are one.
Leader: Beloved, we join together to build a church.
People: With faith, hope, and love we lay each stone.
Leader: Beloved, let us commit our lives to Jesus, the cornerstone,
People: to build a house where all can dwell in love.

Prayers of the People
Gracious God,
You taught us that without love, even our best efforts are like a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. Therefore, may our prayers this day be rooted solely in your love - love that has the power to move mountains and heal even the hardest of hearts.

We pray that your love would abound in our church...
That in our liturgy, our worship, our Sunday School lessons, committee meetings and times of fellowship we would work together in love, and serve one another with the same kind of selfless love your son so perfectly modeled for us.
Loving God, Hear our prayer.

We pray that your love would abound in our community....
That through the work of your saints, others may know the depth of your love and be welcomed into this community of faith with open hearts and loving arms.
Loving God, Hear our prayer.

We pray that your love would abound through our commitments...
That through each commitment made this day, you would strengthen and encourage us to give all of ourselves - our gifts, time, talents and resources - for the building of your kingdom and for your glory.
Loving God, Hear our prayer.

We pray that your love would abound through the building of our church...
That through our dedication, sacrifice, generosity, gratitude, and love, your spirit will guide us as we build a physical space in Brier Creek where all those who enter the doors of All Saints' may experience the depth and wonder of your love.
Loving God, Hear our prayer.

We ask all these things through your son Jesus Christ, and give thanks to the one who first loved us. Whose love was perfectly displayed for us on the cross. Through His sacrifice, may we all come to know true love and everlasting life. Amen.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Collects and Prayers - March 14, 2010 - The Fourth Sunday of Lent

Greeting
Leader: Let us come before the Lord with grateful hearts.
People: Let us enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Leader: God is the sower, the planter, the tender, and the reaper of the good harvest.
People: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!

Prayers of the People
Heavenly Father,
We come to you today inspired by the response of the leper whom you healed. We pray you will instill in us the practice of being thankful during Lent so that we may lead our lives with a grateful spirit filled with your love. Hear now the prayers of thanksgiving we offer to you.

We pray with gratitude for your presence through All Saints' here in the Brier Creek community.

For the dedicated ministers, staff, volunteers and parishoners of our church.

For the commitment of the youth and the youth leaders at All Saints'.

For the opportunity to purchase land and build a structure to house our holy work in this community.

For the work of the catholic and universal church to build your Kingdom on earth.

For the response of generous people to support those who are suffering and in need.

For the healing you offer to a broken world, offering us the peace of your grace and love.

For the many blessings in each of our lives, which we now remember silently.

God of all goodness,
We praise you and give you glory
For the wonderful things you do for us;
For life and health,
for friends and family,
for the opportunity each day to grow closer to you.

We pray that you accept our gratitude through your son Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Collects and Prayers - March 7, 2010 - The Third Sunday of Lent

Greeting
Leader: Come, let us find what we long for in the arms of a generous God,
People: Who pours out his love in word and wine, bread and blessing.
Leader: Come, let us return to the Lord all that is given,
People: As we are but stewards of God's bounty.
Leader: Come, let us find new life in generosity,
People: Giving of oursevles to God and each other.

Prayers of the People
Lord God,
Your servant Zaccheus was a sinner, but hearing the call of your son Jesus, his heart was changed and he gave of himself to others. This Lent, we pray that you will change our hearts so that we, like Zaccheus, may find the joy of carrying a generous spirit. Hear now the prayers we lay before you, open our hearts to your call, and fill us with the love of your son, Jesus.

O God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Save the community of your people from cowardly surrender to the world, from rendering unto Caesar what belongs to you, and from forgetting the eternal Gospel amid the temporal pressures of our troubled days. We pray that you would grace us with generous spirits, turning back our temptation to hoard that which belongs to you. Open us to the joy of self-giving, turning our possessions into fuel for the Kingdom of God. [Short pause] Merciful God...
Hear our prayer.

O God, we give you praise and thanks for those persons in our lives who have been examples of generous living, giving freely of their time, talent, and treasures for our benefit. For parents, teachers, pastors, benefactors, kind friends, and and all those who embody a generous spirit, may their presence in our lives bring us to a deeper understanding of Christ's bountiful and tireless loving care. [Short pause] Merciful God ...
Hear our prayer.

O God, in this season of Lent, give us the strength to discipline ourselves. Teach us temperance and self-control, that we may live in the Spirit and be mindful of all that Jesus endured and sacrificed for our sakes, and how your love was made perfect through his suffering. Help us to keep the fast that you have chosen, that we may loosen the bonds of greed and wickedness. Undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free. Lead us to new life through sacrifice and self-giving. [Short pause] Merciful God ...
Hear our prayer.

O God, teach us to be generous;
teach us to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that we do your will.

We ask this through your son Jesus, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Collects and Prayers - February 28, 2010 - The Second Sunday of Lent

Greeting
Leader: In an act of sharing, God gave us life.
People: Let us respond with grateful, giving hearts.
Leader: God made the ultimate loving sacrifice, sending God's only Son.
People: This Lent, may we allow ourselves space to meditate on this sacrifice, the precious Lamb of God.
Leader: Here in this space, God graces us with his very presence;
People: we humbly bow before this sacrificial gift of love.

Prayers of the People
Merciful God, you challenge us daily to mirror the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. We cry out in need, knowing that we can do better, love deeper, and live more fully in accordance with your will. Hear now the prayers we lay before you. Please respond to each petition with, "Open our hearts, O Lord."

God of our world; we confess that we are often hesitant to sacrifice for those who seem far away and unfamiliar. We pray for those who suffer, whose names are unknown to us. Help us to embrace the human family as Christ does, reaching out to those in need. We pray ...
People: "Open our hearts, O Lord."

God of our nation, we confess a desire to hold on to what we have, rejecting new life out of habit or fear. Break us of these desires; point us to examples of lives lived well through sacrifice, to those who have given even their very lives for a higher cause. We pray ...
People: "Open our hearts, O Lord."

God of our community, we confess that we often neglect the gift of great abundance that you have bestowed on us, and we are slow to recognize our potential. Help us to see our true worth as grounded in You, and give us the strength to let go of things that are important for the sake of what is even more important. We pray ...
People: "Open our hearts, O Lord."

God of our families, we confess a failure to use our imaginations in seeing opportunities to sacrifice to You and to our neighbors. We yearn for a life full of deep meaning, and yet we limit ourselves, living timidly instead of sacrificially. Teach us to use our head, heart, and hands to do your work each and every day. We pray ...
People: "Open our hearts, O Lord."

Almighty and Everlasting God,
You have given Christ to us as a model of humble sacrifice.
He fulfilled Your will by living among us and giving His life on the cross.
Help us to bear witness to You by following His example,
And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Collects and Prayers - February 21, 2010 - The First Sunday of Lent

Greeting
Leader: In the wilderness, we feel helpless and hopeless.
People: But even there, God provides all we need.
Leader: In the wilderness, we are drawn by false gods.
People: But even there, the true God is revealed.
Leader: In the wilderness, we put God to the test.
People: But even there, we dedicate our lives to God.

Prayers of the People
O God our deliverer, you led your people of old through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide now the people of your church, that, following our Savior, we may dedicate ourselves to you. As we walk through the lonesome valley, we lift our needs to you, O God. Please respond, "Lord, hear our prayer."

That the people of All Saints' will dedicate their lives to God with the generous giving of their time, talents, and treasures, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That a church for All Saints' will be built from the stones of commitment, love, and compassion, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That by building a church, All Saints' will build up the Kingdom of God, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That trust in God's mercy and love will remain in our hearts and direct our wills, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That Christ's universal church will persevere through this Lenten season with the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

O God, your glory is always to have mercy.
Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways,
and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith
to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word.
We ask these things through Jesus Christ your Son,
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Collects and Prayers - February 14, 2010 - Transfiguration Sunday

Greeting
Leader: God of Adam and Eve,
People: Teach us to love obediently.
Leader: God of Valentine and all the holy martyrs,
People: Teach us to love passionately.
Leader: God, the lover of every soul,
People: Teach us to receive love graciously.

Collect
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Source of all life, all love, and all passion,
You gave us the great example of Saint Valentine,
who loved you so deeply, even to the point of giving his life to witness to your holy name.
Grant that we may have the courage to love with such conviction,
to be strong witnesses of your truth to our spouses, our friends, and to the whole world.
For some loves are fleeting, but that which is built on you will never fail.
Send your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now with joyful hearts;
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Collects and Prayers - February 7, 2010 - The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Greeting
Leader: Friends, we gather together, united in Christ.
People: As members of his body, we are one.
Leader: We come together to build a community of love;
People: We strive to befriend our neighbors according to Christ's example.
Leader: Let us use our heads, hearts, and hands to build God's Kingdom
People: So others may know the depth of God's love.

Collect
Almighty God, you graciously gave us your only Son in a perfect act of love. Through his sacrifice, you have extended your arms in relationship to people of all colors and creeds. Help us model your Son's example, offering love, peace, and friendship to all those around us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayers of the People
God graciously gave us his only son, Jesus Christ,
the perfect friend and loving companion to all.
He opens his arms without discrimination, offering warmth to all those seeking comfort.
Therefore, let us pray in his name for all friends, known and unknown in our church, neighborhoods, and world.

I will end each petition by saying "Loving God,"
Please respond by saying "Hear our Prayer."

For our friends in the church...
Help us walk hand in hand, united together as the body of Christ, directed by the Holy Spirit, modeling Jesus Christ's example of unconditional love, forgiveness and grace with all those we worship with here at All Saints' and beyond. Unite us, we pray, so that through our relationship with you and friendships with each other, the church can be a place where true friendship is found.
Loving God,
Hear our Prayer.

For our friends in our neighborhoods...
Forgive us for neglecting the needs of those so close to us, for hiding inside the comforts of our homes, instead of stepping outside our comfort zones to serve our neighbors. We pray for our neighbors - that friendships would blossom, and bonds strengthen, all so you are glorified and our neighbors experience the depth of your love through our hands.
Loving God,
Hear our Prayer.

For our friends at work and school....
We pray for all those we come in contact with in the course of our daily lives. Help us love them with grace and compassion, and use every interaction with them as an opportunity to share your love. Help us respect everyone in our workplace - our friends, bosses, colleagues, peers, teachers - and even those whom we find difficult to love. Strengthen our relationships, help us be loving friends, so that all may taste Christian friendship through us.

Loving God,
Hear our Prayer.

For our friends in the world...
We pray for all our brothers and sisters around the world, that your love is known to them all. We pray especially for our friends in Haiti. Even those whose names are unknown to us are known by God. We pray that you would continue to rebuild their lives and restore their hope in the midst of devastation.
Loving God,
Hear our Prayer.

Loving God, we thank you for hearing these prayers for our friends. We place all these petitions in the hands of your son Jesus Christ - the great friend and perfect comforter to all.
Amen.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Collects and Prayers - January 24, 2010 - The Third Sunday After Epiphany

Greeting
Leader: In the House of the Lord, there is neither Greek nor Jew,
People: nor slave nor free;
Leader: neither woman nor man,
People: but all children of the same God,
Leader: one Church, one Body
People: with Christ Jesus as the head.

Collect
Glorious God,
Source of all joy and righteousness,
Who anoints the lowly and exalts the poor,
Who sends good news to the captives and the oppressed,
Grant that we may find your Spirit within us,
That we may boldly profess of your Kingdom,
Unafraid and in unity with our Christian brothers and sisters,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever. Amen

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Collects and Prayers - January 17, 2010 - The Second Sunday After Epiphany

Greeting
Leader: We come with awe before God
People: as One Body with many members.
Leader: We bring so many diverse gifts,
People: activated by the one and same Spirit.
Leader: United and uniting—this is our charge.
People: Without fear or doubt, we offer our praise.

Collect
O God, our hearts ache with Haiti
For lives lost
Suddenly
For families swallowed
By rubble and earth
For home and hearth gone
And memories forever changed
In an instant.

O God, our eyes look to you
For healing
For comfort
For hope
For direction.

O God,
Our arms reach out
To do all that we can
In whatever ways that we can
For as long as is needed

For neighbors and friends
and for all who work with you today to restore life and hope,
we pray.

Take our worship this morning, and may it glorify you, and restore life within us, that we might be your agents for healing and hope in this world.

Amen.

Prayers of the People:
God of Abraham, and Isaac and Ishmael, today we pray for peace. We pray with thanksgiving for all the ways that you are bringing about peace and love on earth through peoples of faith. For all who work with you to bring down walls that divide, and build friendships that unite…
Lord, we pray for peace,
Hear our prayer.

Today, we pray for peace. We pray for the relationship between Christians and Muslims around the world. May Christians cling to your ways, Lord Jesus. May we be more concerned with being good than being right, and loving all than being loved. And may Muslims be blessed with a continued call to work with you for peace, which their faith beckons them to do.
Lord, among Muslims and Christians, we pray for peace,
Hear our prayer.

Today, we pray for peace, especially for the people of Haiti. Weave out of these terrible happenings wonders of goodness and grace. Surround those who have been affected by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may you find them and be their comfort. Guide us as a church to find ways of providing assistance that heal wounds and provide hope. Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers we all suffer;
Lord, for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, we pray for peace,
Hear our prayer.

Today, we pray for peace, especially to be among those who stand shoulder to shoulder to offer relief and hope to all who suffer. Especially today as people of all faiths and no faith work to restore order and offer life in Haiti, we pray that you would pour your Spirit upon them that they might be agents of your healing on earth, even as it is in heaven.
Lord, for relief workers who dig through rubble, and those they seek to find, and those who wait for loved ones to be found, we pray for peace,
Hear our prayer.

Today, we pray for peace. With gratitude that the mission team from Horne Memorial United Methodist Church in Clayton who were in Port-Au-Prince at the time of the earthquake are well. We also pray with thanksgiving for The Reverend Sam Dixon, the national chair of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, who was found in the rubble after 55 hours of entrapment with only minor injuries.
For those who recover from injuries, and those who treat them, Lord we pray for peace.
Hear our prayer.

Today, we pray for peace to be upon all those whom we name aloud before you and one another.
Lord, we pray for peace,
Hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing these and all our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Collects and Prayers - January 10, 2010 - Baptism of Our Lord

Greeting
Leader: The waters of the Red Sea were parted before the Israelites.
All: Let us rejoice that water has saved us!
Leader: The waters of baptism wash away our sins.
All: Let us rejoice that water cleanses us!
Leader: As one family, we wade in the waters of God.
All: Let us rejoice that water unites us!

Collect
Father in Heaven,
at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
you proclaimed him your beloved Son
and anointed him with the Holy Spirit.
Grant that all who are baptized into his name
may keep the covenant they have made,
and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior,
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
One God, in glory everlasting. Amen

Prayers of the People
Sisters and brothers,
our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy
on behalf of those in need.
We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

That all who are baptized will hear and live out God's covenantal call, we pray...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That all who are unbaptized will seek God and the healing power of Christ, we pray ...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That the waters of baptism will serve as a reminder to all Christians that Christ has but one Body, the Church, we pray ...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That the parents and families of recently baptized children will be models of love and charity, and that All Saints' will be a supportive community of believers, we pray ...
Lord, hear our prayer.

That our pastor, Greg Moore, will continue to offer the waters of baptism to all who earnestly seek reconciliation with God, we pray ...
Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord God,
you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan
and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit
to proclaim good news to all people.
Sanctify us by the same Spirit,
that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel
by acts of love in your name. Amen.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Collects and Prayers - January 3, 2010 - Epiphany of the Lord Sunday

Greeting
Leader: God, you revealed your Son to the nations
People: by the light of a star.
Leader: As we spread the good news far and wide, guide our steps
People: by the light of faith.
Leader: Lead us to your glory in heaven
People: by the light of hope.

Collect
Almighty and ever-reigning God, by the leading of a star, you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth. Lead us, who know you now by faith, to that great light, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

No Prayers of the People due to a Baptism.