Opening Prayer
Loving God, you have so made us that we cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from your mouth. Give us a hunger for your Word, and in that food satisfy our daily need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer of Confession
Yet once more, we come to you with our prayers, Holy God. Our crippling spirits keep us from following you. Our grudges weigh us down until we cannot walk straight in your way. Our anger becomes a fire that scorches our friends and loved ones. Our fears blind us to the goodness in those we believe to be different. Continue to teach us better ways of living and doing, God of grace. We confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins. You redeem us from our mistakes. Your compassion, so warm and tender, is gifted to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Hear us as we silently confess our sinfulness.
Readings
- Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 1: 4-10
- Gospel Lesson: Luke 13: 10-17
Hymns
- No. 274 – O God of Earth and Space
- No. 452 – O Day of God, Draw Nigh
- No. 420 – God of Grace and God of Glory
Solo performances by Evelyn Munley, mezzo-soprano
Sermon
“The One Who Knows” – Rev. Dr. Martha Jordan