January 31, Epiphany 4

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Unison Prayer

Holy God, you love us with a love that is beyond measuring. You call us to live out that love, not only on our best days, but in the difficult realities of relationships and the costly ways of communities. Without that love for each other, nothing can fashion a faithful church: neither budgets, nor buildings, nor missional strategies. Only love gives the church the shape that God requires. Help us always find a way to choose peace instead of revenge, conversation rather than fear, and life instead of death, knowing that we are bound by a love that will not fail, fall, or falter. Amen.

January 31, Epiphany 4

Luke 4: 21-30

Prayer of Confession

O God, Jesus preached his first sermon in his hometown of Nazareth, proclaiming good news for the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind, and freedom from oppression. The response of Jesus' friends and neighbors quickly turned from amazement to anger. They thought that they should have the ear and eye and heart of God before others. They would limit God's love, limit God's regard, limit God. Forgive our willingness to accept Jesus only on our own terms. May the church always be a place where barriers break, doors open, horizons broaden, and love spreads. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 17, Epiphany 2

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Unison Prayer

We are a gifted people, Lord, each of us equipped for ministry by the Holy Spirit. We are not bystanders or spectators. We are not advisers or consultants. We are servants. Help us to claim our gifts and offer ourselves for your work in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 17, Epiphany 2

John 2:1-11

Prayer of Confession

O God, how often our lives are diminished because we expect so little of you. We love in small ways. We are slow to trust. We give ourselves when it is safe. Forgive us, we pray. Let us feel your grace filling us to the brim. Give us a large faith, a strong faith. Amen.

January 10, The Baptism of the Lord

Acts 8: 14-17

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, today we remember our baptism and give thanks. We also recall our baptismal vows and ask for mercy. As this new year unfolds may we claim our true identity and pursue our true calling. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 10, The Baptism of the Lord

Luke 3:15-17

Unison Prayer

Lord, in our baptism you have called us "Beloved." You have purified us with unquenchable fire, cleansed us with healing water, and anointed us with the Holy Spirit. You have commissioned and gifted us for ministry. Sustain us as we live into the fullness of our baptism, a transformed and transforming people. In Christ's name. Amen.