January 29, 2023 Liturgy (Matthew 6:5-21)

Narrative Lectionary: year 1, week 24

Call to Worship: (from Psalm 20)

Leader: We are invited to come to God in the midst of trouble and seek the protection that God offers.

People: May the Holy Spirit send us help in this sanctuary and support us every day of our lives.

Leader: In this time of worship we ask Christ to hear our prayers and have regard for our sacrifice of praise.

People: Jesus has fulfilled God’s plans and declared victory over sin and death. 

Leader: As the family of God, let us place our trust in the name of our Lord and the strength of God’s holy hand.

People: Answer us from your holy heaven, O Lord. Answer us when we call.

Call to Confession: 

Jesus invites us to place our trust in God’s provision, instead of the things of this world. He calls us to a life of faith and prayer. Even when we falter and store up for ourselves treasures on earth, we are still able to come to him and receive forgiveness for our sin. Please join me in the prayer of confession…

Prayer of Confession:

Holy Lord of heaven and earth, you have called us to follow your will and trust in the bread you provide. We thank you for the manna you offer, but acknowledge that we often put more faith in the gift than in the giver. Call our hearts back to you, and help us to hear the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Words of Assurance:

Friends, the promise of the gospel is that the Lord will answer us when we call. Through Jesus we have been offered forgiveness and new life. God has granted us victory over sin and death. Know that we are forgiven and be at peace. Amen.

Passing of the Peace:

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught his disciples that they were to forgive others as God forgave them. That is precisely why we pass the peace each and every Sunday. It is our opportunity to offer grace to each other, and to experience the reconciliation that God alone can provide. The peace of Christ be with you all.

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-21

Communion Prayer:

Holy Spirit, we praise you for making Christ present to us in this sacrament. Here we have tasted the bread that God provides. Here we have renewed the everlasting covenant found in his shed blood. As we go out from here, cause us to always trust in the daily bread we receive from you. Let your kingdom come this day, and every day. Amen.

(Permission is granted to use or adapt this liturgy with credit given to Rev. Mike Williams)