FAITH CHALLENGE

Isaiah and God’s Vision of Peace

May 25 – June 22, 2003

Week 5 – Service of Morning Prayer

The people prayer parts in the worship service were derived from the prayers that individuals created during the previous weeks’ lessons and recorded on index cards.

As the congregation gathered, they divided into 2 groups: the energetic group – to practice the energizer to “Joyful, Joyful”; and the contemplative group to prepare the prayer in this manner: we asked for 4 suggestions to go with each of A (adoration) C (Confession), T (Thanksgiving) and S (Supplication (Send Help). They were written on chart paper for all to see... 15 minutes for this activity.

Assign parts to congregation members. Gather for worship.

Opening Sentences

Leader: O Lord, open my lips.

People: And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Leader: The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy never cease, fresh as the morning and sure as the sunrise

Morning Hymn # 464 “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”

Worship Leaders: If you are feeling adventurous, use an upbeat CD with this hymn on it and instructions for an energizer that goes with it. It is a fun energizer and a good way to loosen up a crowd.

Scripture Reading Isaiah 65:17-25

Worshippers are invited to share a brief reading (poem or reflection of 1-2 minutes) that conveys their hope for a peaceful world. For our service, the contemplative group developed this prayer.

Canticle #601 “Song of Zechariah”

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Leader: Satisfy us with your love in the morning,

People: and we will live this day in joy and praise.

Leader: Mighty God of mercy, we thank you for the resurrection dawn bringing the glory of our risen Lord who makes every day new. Especially we thank you for the beauty of your creation . . .

People: We lift up your world to you and pray that you will help us to do our part to make it a more peaceful place.

Leader: the new creation in Christ and all gifts of healing and forgiveness . . .

People: Help us be more tolerant. Remind us that diversity allows each of us to be proud of who we are: your children. End our impulse to make war on our own brothers and sisters.

Leader: the sustaining love of family and friends . . .

People: Help us initiate peace by loving one another at home, at work, and at school and by showing our love through kindness, caring, and helping others. May all people have what they need for the well-being of their families: health and homes and food and friendship.

Leader: the fellowship of faith in your church . . .

People: Kindle in our hearts a burning desire for peace. Motivate our minds to actively pursue programs that lead to peace. Strengthen our bodies to participate in activities that spread peace among your people.

Leader: Merciful God of might, renew this weary world, heal the hurts of all your children, and bring about your peace for all in Christ Jesus, the Living Lord. Especially we pray for those who govern nations of the world . . .

People: Guide leaders of this world and the citizens of their countries as they struggle toward peace. May the power of love overcome the love of power and so bring peace to the world.

Leader: the people in countries ravaged by strife and warfare . . .

People: May the wolves and lambs of this world live together in peace. Keep us mindful that peace is both near and far, both in our hearts and in our world.

Leader: all who work for peace and international harmony . . .

People: Thank you for doves, signs of peace in the world.

Leader: the church of Jesus Christ in every land . . .

People: As we live our lives each day, encourage us through Isaiah’s promise of peace and wholeness for all.

Leader: As you cause the sun to rise, O God, bring the light of Christ to dawn in our souls and dispel all darkness. Give us grace to reflect Christ’s glory; and let his love show in our deeds, his peace shine in our words, and his healing in our touch, that all may give him praise, now and forever.

People: Amen.

Offering: a silent, meditative offering of ways we can continue to offer peace in our homes and community.

Dismissal

Leader: May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

Leader: Bless the Lord.

People: The Lord’s name be praised.

Worshippers exchange signs of peace as they disperse to enjoy refreshments and the neighborhood they’ve created.

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