Advocate on the Journey
Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Call to Worship

Leader:            

Within each of our lives there is a longing

for community and the Presence of God.

People:           

Sometimes we worry that we will walk alone,

unnoticed and afraid.

This day Christ tells us that we will never be alone.

An Advocate will share our journey.

And this journey calls for us to continue

to keep to the teachings of our Lord.

May the ever present love of God be with you.

And may the joy of Christ surround you.

May we know the presence of the Advocate

as we gather in this community of peace,

continuing to share the cost of discipleship

with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.

ALL:              

As an Easter People following a Risen Lord,

may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us.

Amen.

Opening Prayer

Still-speaking God,

we have come here today for many reasons,

each with our own story.

May these reasons and stories be immersed in your Sacred Story,

finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty

of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry.

Through your Holy Spirit enable us to move boldly into the future

and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught,

even as we pray the prayer he taught us saying,

The Lord’s Prayer

Prayer of Confession

Advocate God,

it seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our very depth.

We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us,

and that our lives have lacked meaning and purpose.

You have called us to great things,

but we focus instead on  what we lack, rather than on Whose we are.

By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ

beyond these walls, beyond this hour,

and in so doing, may we become for the world

the very presence of justice, hope and peace.

Words of Assurance

All of us have been created and called to be in community.

Know this, but more importantly, live this:

As God’s children we are loved and equipped for great ministry.

Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly

as you are held in the grace and love of God.

Call to Offering

Today we call upon you as Children of God

to share in the love and work of Jesus.

We, as the gathered Church, the Body of Christ,

continue in our day to witness and work on behalf of our Lord,

returning our gifts, tithes and offerings.

Offertory Prayer

May these gifts, O God,

become action and intention,

fulfilling Christ’s commandment to love. Amen.

Benediction

Now go back into the world from which you have come

and let love be true and freely given.

And may you be encouraged and blessed by the Advocate

whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun,

believing that God is with us always,

as close as our beating hearts. Amen.

Advocate on the Journey: Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter was written by the Rev. Daniel B. Randall, Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church, U.C.C., in Bristol, RI and a USAF Chaplain (Reserves).  Some of these prayers have their source in the dynamic work of the Iona Community where Rev. Randall is an Associate member.

Copyright 2011 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.