Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
We love because he first loved us.
—from 1 John 4:7-19
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, you sent your Son among us to show us the depth of your love. In words and actions, signs and wonders, he revealed your truth. May our worship this day renew within us the knowledge of your redemptive power, for without you, we can do nothing. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O Eternal One, we thank you for the word of truth, by which you have defended our lives against all the powers of death. You have answered our fear of your holiness with your boundless mercy. You have countered our despair with your hope. And so we praise you in your unfathomable mystery, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and throughout our lives.
You, O God, are our only refuge. And so in full confidence that you hear our cries, we pray for all who suffer: For the poor and the unemployed, for the persecuted and oppressed, for the lonely and the sick, the desperate and the dying. Visit them with your healing power and your uplifting presence; encourage the downtrodden, strengthen the powerless, and save the lost.
Because you are our only refuge, we pray with confidence for those in positions of power: business leaders, politicians, scientists, those in the legal system, in media, and in education. Grant them wisdom and strength of conscience, that they may act justly toward the powerless, and act with integrity toward those they serve.
Because you are our only refuge, we pray with confidence for all who testify to your truth: May they not grow weary or lose courage when threatened, and that they remain humble when they meet with success. Grant them clarity of speech, strength to act, the will to pray, and patience in suffering.
Eternal God, you are our only hope. Our souls are restless until they find rest in you. Unimaginable is your power and inexhaustible your love. Help us to see our future in your Kingdom, for all honor, glory, and adoration are yours, O God in Three Persons. Amen.
—German Reformed Liturgy (pp 218-19, adapted)
THANKSGIVING
Almighty God, we acknowledge that our gifts are worthless unless they are given in love. And so, in deep gratitude, we bring you our offerings, and pray that they will extend your love, promote peace, and share your goodness with our neighbors, near and far. We pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
BENEDICTION
When you go forth today, may it be the Image of your Creator that you seek in all you meet in the week to come; and may the love of + God, the peace of Christ, and the unity of the Holy Spirit be with you every step of the way. Amen.
