Liturgy: Prayers
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty and Holy God, our thoughts and motives cannot be hidden from your sight. Our ultimate love for things other than you, our deceptions, our lack of faith, and our self-indulgence are exposed before you. We have been arrogant and have put ourselves over others. We have even worshipped the blessings you give us in place of you. Most merciful Lord, forgive all our sins for Christ's sake. Keep us from trusting in anything except your grace. Pour out upon us your mercy, and grant that we may be strengthened each day by your Holy Spirit, and empowered to walk in the way that is pleasing to you, and to serve you in the joy of the new freedom of Christ. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Psalter Response: Psalm 62
Epistle Reading: I Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Holy God, we praise you. Let the heavens be joyful, and the earth be glad. We bless you for creating the whole world, for your promise to your people Israel, and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells. Born of Mary he shares our life. Eating with sinners, he welcomes us. Guiding his people, he leads us. Visiting the sick, he heals us. Dying on the cross, he saves us. Risen from the dead, he gives new life. Seated at your right hand he rules over us. May your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, and one with each other, and one in the ministry to the world, until Christ comes in final victory. We praise you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh, in the holy and life-giving Spirit. Amen.