Opening Prayer

         O God, who is greater than every ruler on this earth, whose power makes every earthly weapon seem weak and useless, whose wisdom is more vast than all human intelligence, whose peace passes all understanding...
                  Bless us with your Spirit's presence this hour, as you have promised;
                  Guide our worship, that we may know more of you;
                  Help us to release our sin and receive your mercy,
                           that we may grow in your grace and truth.
         This we pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, 
                                    your Son - our Savior, Lord, and Friend: Jesus. Amen 

Pastoral Prayer

         Lord God, the explosion of the spaceship Columbia in the skies over Texas yesterday reminds us how fragile this life. For all the billions of dollars poured into this piece of technology, there are so many things which can (and did) go wrong, snuffing out seven lives. I don’t know how many died this past week on the streets of our area, God, but all these lives are precious in your sight. So, also, are the lives of those who right now are preparing for war. Perhaps yesterday’s disaster can serve to lift our eyes above this earth, to shift our attention from the works of our hands to the works of yours.

         We pray for those heading into harm’s way, whether they be enemy or friend. We pray for our leaders amid the difficult questions they now do and will soon face, and for those following orders and serving their country. We pray for those we consider the "enemy," whether they be a dictator grasping onto the remnants of power, a terrorist network bent on raising hell for heaven’s sake, or the average person just caught in the middle. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for this city which seems at the center of a storm. We pray for change, knowing that your hand can do wonders, that miracles do happen even in situations that seem so unchangeable. Remind us, O God, that we do not know everything, that you - indeed, YOU - are God, not us.

         We lift before you the concerns on our hearts, names we have just now mentioned, persons who will go with us when we leave this place as we hold them before you in the coming week. Thank you that they will trouble the waters of our hearts, keeping us human, as well as opening within us something that transcends us. Thank you that we can bring before you the needs we have not spoken, our personal struggles - some of which we bear in silence - and realize along the way that you are shouldering our burden as you walk with us. Thank for all the joy that surround us, which overflows the containers into which we place it. We are grateful, as well, for your peace which does, indeed, pass all understanding.

         All this, and so very much more, we pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
    

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Like those who have walked this difficult road in the past, we seek to live in peace even when the drums of war are beating. We listen to the many voices around us - respectful of those in authority over us, praying for them; paying attention to those who speak out with an alternate word, praying for them as well. As people of God, we listen most intently for a word from the Lord to arise amid all of these voices, that God may speak through his prophet.

         As you return your offering just now, please read over the unison prayer printed in your bulletin. Be prepared to let it be your plea to the Lord when we pray it together. Will the ushers now come forward to serve.
      

Unison Prayer

         Peace, O God, where can we find it? How we need your heavenly dove. Let your caring, sustaining love fill all our hearts from within, from above. Then will we find peace; Then will we find peace.

         Peace, O God, where can we find it?  Here with those close by our side? Jesus, let your Spirit abide, so we may live with your love as our guide. Then will we find peace; Then will we find peace.

         Peace, O God, where can we find it?  In this world, broken and torn? Holy Spirit, our lives transform, that "peace on earth" may again be reborn. Then will we find peace; Then will we find peace.

from the song "Peace, O God"
by Joan A. Fyock and Ralph Moyer, ©1982
    

Litany of Thanks for the Prophets Among Us

Leader: Raise up a prophet!

People: That we may be challenged to live lives pleasing to you, 0 God.

Leader: Raise up a prophet!

People: That we may listen to your Word, and your Word only, O God.

Leader: Raise up a prophet!

People: That we may boldly follow your commands to the way of peace and Christ-like love in the midst of a violent, troubled world.

All: We give you thanks, 0 God, for the prophets of old and for your prophets today, who courageously proclaim your Word to us. May we listen intently and heed your commandments. Amen.

by Becky Baile Crouse
New Beginnings Church of the Brethren
Warrensburg, Missouri
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"