A BRIEF WORSHIP SERVICE FOR MARCH 29, 2020
As a candle is lit ...
We light a light in the name of God who creates life.
In the name of the Saviour who loves life.
In the name of the Spirit who is the fire of life.
Opening Prayer:
Holy One, we gather before You with hearts open.
We gather before You with hearts afraid.
We gather before You with hearts of compassion for one another.
We gather before You with hearts that ache.
We gather before You with hearts of gratitude.
Holy One, we gather before You, for You have already gathered us to Yourself.
Hymn: VU # 381 'Spirit of Life’ (sung twice)
Spirit of Life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close, wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 22:1-5 A Psalm of Lament
Romans 8:31-39 God’s love in Jesus Christ
John 11:1-45 The death of Lazarus
Take a moment to reflect on these lessons.
How do they speak to you?
Where do you hear words of comfort within them?
What pictures do you have in your mind as you read?
May Wisdom and Grace fall upon us as we listen to the Word of God. Amen.
Prayer: The following is adapted from a prayer offered by the United Church Moderator Richard Bott.
In this time of COVID-19 we pray:
When we aren’t sure, God, help us be calm
when information comes from al sides, correct and not, help us to discern.
when fear makes it hard to breathe, and anxiety seems to be the order of the day, slow us down Lord.
Help us to reach out with our hearts, when we can’t touch with our hands. Help us stay connected when we have to be physically distant.
For all those working tirelessly to confront this pandemic, we pray.
For those who are affected by this virus, we pray.
We pray for safety, for health, for wholeness, and for the wisdom to act responsibly.
Help us O God, that we might help each other.
May we do all that we are able.
In the love of the Creator,
In the name of the Healer,
In the life of the Holy Spirit
that is in all and with all, we pray.
May it be so. Amen
Hymn: VU # 400.
‘Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying’
(sung twice)
Lord, listen to Your children praying.
Lord, send Your Spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to Your children praying.
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
