PC(USA) - 218th General Assembly - Praying our way to San Jose

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Home > Praying our way to San Jose > Prayers of the people

Prayers of the People

Join us as we pray our way to San Jose! The Office of Christian Formation has prepared a special Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, suggested songs and Scripture readings, and a Sending statement for churches wishing to surround the upcoming General Assembly with their prayers. A set of Prayers of the People is also provided for each day of the week leading up to the Assembly.

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Call To Worship

One: Give thanks to God, who made us from dust and cares for us as precious treasures -
Many: God’s love endures forever!
One: Give thanks to God’s only Begotten who lived and died for us, was raised to new life for us, and ever lives to pray for us -
Many: God’s love endures forever!
One: Give thanks to God the Spirit who breathes into us new life, and calls us all into ministry in Christ’s name -
Many: God’s love endures forever!
One: Give thanks to the Triune God who summons us together to bear witness with joy:
Many: God’s love endures forever!

Opening Prayer (Responsively)

Men: Light of all light — we gather in this place praying that you might turn the darkness of our disobedience into the brightness of your love.

Women: Cleansing fire — we long for your Spirit to purify and empower us, so that we may burn for your reconciling justice in this world.

All: Hope of the nations — we, who are prone to despair, pray that you would renew our confidence that you are indeed with us, and at work among us, to fulfill your purposes through us, whom you have called your Beloved and your Chosen.

Men: Be present with us as we walk the path you have set before us, even when it takes us through uncharted territory. If you do not go with us, our pilgrimage is in vain.

Women: But we dare to believe that you are with us, that you will complete in us the work you have begun in us, and that your glory shall be revealed in us and through us.

All: As we gather to receive your gifts and to offer ourselves to you in grateful response, illuminate us; purify us; and stir up anew in us the sure hope of your salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Psalms and Spiritual Songs

Psalm 62
Let the Children Pray
What Does the Lord Require?
O Lord Hear My Prayer (Taize)
God of Grace and God of Glory (PH 420)
I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (PH 363)
Guide My Feet (PH 354)

Scripture

Micah 6:8
“Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with our God.”

1 Timothy 2: 1 – 3 (The Message)
“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.”

Responsive Psalm (Adapted from Psalm 62:1 – 2, 5 – 12)
Wait for God. Let your soul wait in silence for God alone.
You alone, O God, are our rock and our salvation, our fortress;
We shall never be shaken.

Let your deliverance and your honor rest on God; In God alone take refuge.
You alone, O God, are our rock and our salvation, our fortress;
We shall never be shaken.

Trust in God at all times, O people; pour out your heart; God is a refuge for us. Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
You alone, O God, are our rock and our salvation, our fortress;
We shall never be shaken.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to the Lord. For God repays us all according to our work.
You alone, O God, are our rock and our salvation, our fortress;
We shall never be shaken.

Sending

(Used with service of communion)

Nourished by Christ’s hope, the church rises from the Table and is sent by the power of the Holy Spirit to participate in God’s mission to the world, to proclaim the gospel, to exercise compassion, to work for justice and peace until Christ’s Kingdom shall come at last. God calls the church in worship to join the mission of Jesus Christ in service to the world. As it participates in that mission the church is called to worship God in Jesus Christ, who reigns over the world.
(Directory for Worship, W-2.4008, 7.1002)

Sending

(alternate, if sacrament is omitted)
Nourished by Christ’s hope, the church is sent by the power of the Holy Spirit to participate in God’s mission to the world, to proclaim the gospel, to exercise compassion, to work for justice and peace until Christ’s Kingdom shall come at last. God calls the church in worship to join the mission of Jesus Christ in service to the world. As it participates in that mission the church is called to worship God in Jesus Christ, who reigns over the world.
(Directory for Worship, W-2.4008, 7.1002)

Prayers Of The People

Sunday

Awakening God, you are as near to us as the air we breathe. We thank you for breathing into us your resurrection power and making us new. Especially we thank you for

… the ministry and gifts of our outgoing moderator, Joan Gray

… the ministry and gifts of our outgoing General Assembly Stated Clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick

… all pastors, elders and deacons who honor you with their service;

… the faithful from every walk of life who model your goodness and love.

Response: For all of these we give thanks to God.

As we begin this week of prayer, united with brothers and sisters from across our denomination, let us join our hearts to the prayer of our current moderator, Joan Gray, who admonished us to “rattle the gates of heaven with our desire for God’s perfect will to be done at the 218th Assembly and throughout this little Presbyterian piece of the worldwide body of Christ where God has placed us.”

Especially we pray for

… commissioners preparing for the 218th General Assembly

Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… youth advisory delegates who are coming to General Assembly, most of whom are coming for the first time.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… other advisory delegates who are coming to the General Assembly from seminaries all over the United States, ecumenical representatives, and missionaries from countries across the globe.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for this whole body of commissioners and delegates as they read through all the materials and receive training to carry out their responsibilities. During the days of the Assembly we pray that your Spirit would give them peace so that they are well-rested each night. Give them clarity of thought in hearing the business and understanding what they are asked to vote on; give them wisdom and good judgment in the decision-making process.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

We also pray for

… farmers and other workers who grow the food we eat;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… the leaders of countries who must wisely deal with the global crisis of rising food prices
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… those who cannot afford sufficient food;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Comfort and empower all those who face difficulty or distress of any kind. Give us who know God’s richness, the energy, imagination and love we lack so that we might offer a Christ-like response to the suffering of this world.

Response: Amen.

Monday

Creator God, we praise you, for the beauty and variety of your wondrous creation. Every good thing comes from your hand and from these good gifts we receiving unbounded blessings. Especially we thank you for

… the California coast line with its rocky cliffs and crashing waves;

… the new green of spring and the long daylight hours of summer;

… the particular beauty unique to every piece of our continent: the fragile heather of mountain meadows, the bright yellow grains of canola fields, the green park space preserved in urban centers; the mighty rivers and trickling brooks that teem with life.

Response: For all of these we give thanks to God.

Faithful God, we ask your blessing on every person who has a hand in the General Assembly preparations. Inspire their efforts and sustain their health so that they are not prone to burnout. Especially we pray for

… the people living in and around San Jose and in particular the members of the Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) as they prepare to receive and offer hospitality to the thousands of people coming to GA;

Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… those who work for the transportation industry and make possible our travel on airlines, shuttles, rental cars, buses and the like;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

…the employees of the various hotels and banquet services whose work we sometimes take for granted;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

We dare to pray for others, God our Savior, claiming your love in Jesus Christ for the whole world, committing ourselves to care for those around us in Christ’s name.

We also pray for

… those who are sick and also those who tend to their needs;

… those assailed by violence and also those who perpetrate violence;

… those whose lives are disrupted by natural disasters and also those whose calamity is their own doing;

Pour out a good measure of love on all who have yet to discover that there is One who saves, and redeems, and heals. Take away the shame of those whose guilt is stifling their ability to choose life. Fill the whole earth with your mercies that are new every morning and in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, help us to sing “Great is your faithfulness, Lord unto me.”
Response: Amen.

Tuesday

Loving God, we humble our hearts in your presence and celebrate the gift of life, which we have received by your grace. Guided by your Spirit we see others and ourselves through your unconditional love, shown to us in Jesus Christ. We are astounded by your mercy! Especially we thank you for

… Our fathers and mothers in faith;

… The work of our seminaries;

… The staff of the General Assembly and all those who provide resources for the church’s ministries;

… Synods and presbyteries, and their leaders.

We thank you for The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and all of the entities within it that help to spread the gospel, nurture our growth in discipleship, and proclaim the reign of God’s new heaven and new earth.

Response: For all of these we give thanks to God.

Light of the World, you sit at God’s right hand and mediate on our behalf. Without fear we can come into your presence with our petitions and intercessions, believing that you hear us and will answer. Boldly we approach the throne of grace. Especially we pray for

… GA host Presbytery of San Jose and supporters Presbytery of the Redwoods, Presbytery of San Francisco and the Synod of the Pacific.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… Those called to lead GA committees
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… for spiritual guidance and godly wisdom in responding to the overtures before the 218th General Assembly
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Forgiving God, renew this weary world, heal the hurts of all your children, and bring about peace for all in Christ Jesus, the living Lord. We also pray for

… Those who govern our country and all countries throughout the world.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… Those who are running for president of the United States, the campaign process, and the integrity of the up-coming election.

… Those who live in countries where there is no clear leadership and whose lives are torn apart by poverty or oppression or violence.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

God of power and love, we entrust our lives to you. Your faithfulness continually draws us to the light of Christ and we are forever grateful for your grace.
Response: Amen

Wednesday

God of all mercies, we praise you that you have brought us to this new day, brightening our lives with the dawn of promise and of hope in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for

…local pastors who weep with those who weep and celebrate with those who rejoice;

… church musicians and all artists who use their talents in service of the gospel;

…camp counselors, Vacation Bible School workers, conference center sites, and all those who specialize in summer ministries to children and youth.

Response: For all of these we give thanks to God.

God of comfort, strengthen us in prayer that we might lift up the brokenness of our church to receive your healing. Strengthen our leaders to name divisions among us and call us to share in the saving love of Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for

… the candidates for Moderator of the 2008th General Assembly:
The Rev. Bill Teng, endorsed by National Capital Presbytery,
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, endorsed by San Francisco Presbytery,
The Rev. Carl Mazza, endorsed by New Castle Presbytery,
Elder Roger Shoemaker, endorsed by Homestead Presbytery;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… for the candidates for Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
the Reverend Winfield Jones, the Reverend Edward Koster, the Reverend Gradye Parsons and the Reverend Dr. William Tarbell;
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you are just in all your ways and your commandments are the greatest of treasures. Give us an understanding of your law and direct us according to you will that we may be faithful in serving you for the sake of Jesus our Lord.
We also pray for

… Those who lead worship at GA — Joan Gray, Thomas Richard Daniel, Jin S. Kim, Archbishop Chacour, Cynthia Rigby, Diane L. Givens-Moffett, Dan Chun.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… Those going to Face to Face — ministers and other church professionals seeking a new call.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… The members of search committees for congregations seeking new leaders
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

… all of our missionaries and for all of the groups who are working together for the renewal of Presbyterian world mission.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Shape us day by day through the cross of Christ your Son, until we pray as continually as we breathe and all our acts are prayer; through Jesus Christ and in the mystery of the Holy Spirit, we pray.
Response: Amen

Thursday

Sung response:
Songs and Prayers from Taize
GIA Publications 1991
“O Lord, Hear My Prayer”

Sung response:
First verse
O Lord, hear my prayer; O Lord, hear my prayer
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer; O Lord, hear my prayer
Come and listen to me.

Sung response:
Second verse
The Lord is my song; the Lord is my praise
All my hope comes from God.
The Lord is my song; the Lord is my praise
God the well-spring of life.

God who sets things right, you reveal your victory over all that would destroy or harm, and you brighten the lives of all who need you. We confess to you this day the hate and dissension among us. We do not love one another as Christ loves us. Search us, O God, and by your Spirit change the bitter water of our hearts into the sweet wine of your love.

Especially we pray for
… reconciliation with those whom we fear or resent;