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.