Sometimes writing liturgy is like staring in the pantry and wondering what the heck you can make without going to the store. I resisted the temptation to go find some really great prayers written by others. (That would be the store in this metaphor.) I am trying to keep with this practice of writing prayers myself — but I’m not thrilled with the outcome this week. Not so much.
Now, I know, that there are plenty of people that think that worship should be perfect. It should be amazing and transformative. I would not say that they are wrong but that’s not always possible in a part-time ministry. Sometimes other things have to take a priority and you have to rummage around the pantry for inspiration. I’m not sure I found it but I hope that you can add some spice to these words and make them sing with all of the hope that we imagine in our praise of God.
Here are the ingredients that I pulled from my kitchen.
*Call to Worship (Responsive)
Inspired by Hebrews 12:18-29
One: We have not come to something that can be touched — a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest,
All: We cannot hear the sound of a trumpet, and a voice that makes us beg that not another word be spoken.
One: But we have come here, together, to worship and praise God on this sabbath.
All: We come to practice being angels and holy inhabitants of the world yet to come.
One:We come to touch the kingdom of God today.
All: Let the trumpets blast!
Prayer for Confession (Unison)
O God, we hope that you will guide us continually. We hope that you will never give up on us, but we confess we have given up on each other. We have refused the one who is speaking. We have ignored the cries of the sick and the hungry. Forgive us for the excuses we make to ourselves and to you. Forgive us for every time that we do not hear their cry as your cry. Forgive us for not caring enough. O God, on this sabbath, set us free from our selfishness and pride. Free us to see our kingdom.
Affirmation of God’s Grace (Responsive)
One: Among all of the other voices we might hear, let us focus on the one who gives us life. Let us hear the Lord of Life calling us to give and receive grace. Let us hear God say:
All: In Christ we are forgiven. Alleluia! Amen.
Check back for more Ingredients for Worship next Tuesday and don’t forget to share what you’ve cooked up in the comments below! I’m particularly curious this week what you do when you’re not inspired. What is in your worship planning pantry?
Cooking with Elsa 