MORNING PRAYER
READING: Isaiah 65:1b-3a
I said, "Here I am, here I am,"
to a nation that did not call on my name.
I held out my hands all day long
to a rebellious people,
who walk in a way that is not good,
following their own devices;
a people who provoke me to my face continually.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
In experiencing God's mercy we learn to be merciful
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save.
Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
INTERCESSIONS
O God, this morning opens before us with
promise and opportunity. In gratitude we pray.
Creator God, you have shaped us as unique
persons:
~ Help us to accept the gentle touch of your
creative hand.
Compassionate Savior, your glace can heal
wounds:
~ Give us your eyes to look upon the world
with love.
Gracious Spirit, you have the power to
transform hearts:
~ Form and reform us in the fire of your love.
Hidden God, you come to us in the flesh of our
sisters and brothers:
~ Give us hearts opened to see and
welcome you.
Faithful God,you know our every need:
~ Help us to persevere in the commitments
we have made.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
PRAYER
Compassionate God, we give you thanks
for your great mercy. Encourage us to follow
your example that we may work to restore
compassion to the human family. Through our
words and deeds may your people know your
faithful love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen
BLESSING
Purify our hearts, O God, that we may be freed from sin. Amen.
Renew our hearts, O God, that they may burn with love for you. Amen.
Open our hearts, O God, that we may welcome all persons as our brothers and sisters. Amen.