Sunday, July 30, 2023

In this sacred time with you, with grateful hearts, we remember how you are with us, care for us, and save us. We worship you and only you. We sing together, “Here I raise my Ebenezer. Here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure.” (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Robert Robinson, 1758).

LORD God Almighty, thank you that in your mighty power, you are slow to anger. You love all of your creation, not just those who follow you. You long for a relationship with us. You are our shelter and safe place for us to receive your love. Thank you for caring for us. You are so good. We love you.

Great are you, LORD, you are gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Our ancestors and previous generations tell us of your mighty acts. We meditate on your wonderful works, and we proclaim your handy-work. We love you, LORD.

Be our help and comfort, now and always. We experience your goodness today and are glad. We pray your mercies in our lives will be signs to others that your joy can be their strength.

We gather in assemblies and at your Beautiful Gate. We greet and are received by many who are also journeying. We are refugees, wanderers, and outcasts; we are established and blessed when we are in your sacred prayer space. We bear witness to your presence as our everlasting God.

We gather in your abundant fields and vineyards. We rejoice as we harvest together. Your word to us is clear–to share our abundance with others. We desire to respond to your call with all our being. The Intruder tells us to withhold from those who we would consider our enemies and to lash out in vengeance. But you tell us to extend patience and love.