Document
One Spirit: an invocation
We gather in the name of the Triune God +, who creates, redeems and sustains the Earth.
One Hope
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Many: We will not fear, though the earth should change.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Many: God will help the holy habitation when the morning dawns.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
Many: Behold the works of the Lord.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Many: Be still, and know that God is God. We will live Hope.
Song
Libranos del Mal, (Castillo Fuerte), by Abel Guttiérrez and Elias Pérez, Iglesia Luterana Mexicana
Scripture
The reading is from 2 Peter 2:1-3
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Even so, many will follow their licentious ways, and because of these teachers the way of truth will be maligned. And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced against them long ago, has not been idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
L: Word of God, Word of life.
All: Thanks be to God.
Time for silent reflections:
Song
Be Still, And Know That I Am God, by Steven Werner
Intercessory prayers
Inspired with the Hope that calls us to reform and transform we pray for the world, the church and all those in need...
God of mercy, throughout history your goodness prevails, open the hearts of all people to discover the deep bond of community. Show us your goodness and mercy that endure forever.
Hear our prayer!
God of peace, bend that which is inflexible, the identity barriers that divide, the attachments that thwart reconciliation. Bring peace in this world, especially for Canada and the United States of America, with whom we pray this week in the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. Restore wholeness among us and show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God, our healer, come to our aid as COVID-19 continues to spread, heal those who are sick, protect families and friends from being infected. Support those in public health and medical services. Strengthen our resolve to eradicate all diseases, malaria, dengue, HIV & AIDS, and many others. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God of justice, hasten justice for those suffering under the power of evil and every form of oppression and greed. Give new life to all. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God, rock and fortress, protect refugees, those without homes or security, all the abandoned children. Help us always to defend human rights and dignity. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God creator, all creation groans in expectation, convert us from exploitation. Teach us to live in harmony with your creation. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God of mercy, strengthen and protect those who are persecuted for faith in you and those of other faiths who suffer persecution. Give us the courage to profess our faith. Your mercy endures forever.
Hear our prayer!
God of life, heal painful memories, transform complacency and indifference, inspire and sustain our ecumenical journey from conflict to communion, all of us branches on the one vine, Jesus Christ. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Prayer
God of hope and restoration, Your Spirit revives the face of the Earth, revives deserts with streams of water, secures food for the hungry, shelter for the displaced, and renews the land to bear fruit. Inspire us to sustain your justice and proclaim your peace.
Lord’s Prayer
Benediction
May the love of God,
the faith of Christ,
and the hope of the Holy Spirit,
guide us in peace.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. And let us share a sign of peace with one another.
