Worship Through The Week

Scripture and prayer from this past Sunday.

Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Job 38:1-7; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:25-45

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed. You created this world in all its complexity and beauty. The earth is full of your creations. Be with those who care for your earth. Lend help to the conservationists, that their work to preserve your world might be fruitful. Help them not be discouraged by the disinterest of the masses, but to be encouraged by the beauty of your creation and those willing to pay attention. Forgive us our indifference in caring for this earth and empower us to take action to preserve your world.

Holy Jesus, you are Lord of all and yet, you choose to listen to the cries of our heart. Our hearts cry out in great despair for the victims of gun violence. While we come to you from many places and views, we know that gun violence is a symptom of a broken world. You have the power of redemption. The very cross on which you suffered and died has become, for us, a symbol of redeemed violence. Heal us from our brokenness and raise us to new life in you.

Holy Spirit, through your moving we are baptized by water and the spirit. As recipients of your baptism, help us to take on servanthood. As ministers of the gospel, help us to worry less about having a good seat at the table and more about how to make room at your table. Help us to be less concerned with our prestige and more about our service to others. We have heard your question, “Whom shall I send?” and we respond saying, “Here I am, Lord.”