For June 29, 2014 -- Proper 8A

CALL TO WORSHIP

As Abraham wandered in the wilderness,

he knew that God was with him, calling to him, leading him forward.

The same God who walked with Abraham,

walks with us, leading us forward, calling us to lives of prayer and faithfulness.

As spiritual descendants of Abraham,

we gather to worship the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.

OPENING PRAYER (using words from Psalm 89)

We will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with our mouths we will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations

God of Abraham and Isaac, God of Peter and Paul, we come to this place to share words of praise and thanksgiving.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

In this time together open our eyes and souls to see where your justice and love are leading us.

Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance

And when we walk from this place may that light guide our steps.

We pray in the name of Jesus, who calls us to follow The Way, and who taught his friends to pray saying...

COMMISSIONING:

We have gathered in one place to worship.

Now we go back to the lives we share with each other, and with other neighbours.

As we go out into the world where we live out our faith and our ministry,

may we, like Abraham, walk secure in the knowledge that we are not alone.

Go now to love and serve the world, go now to be God's people and agents of God's love.

We go with God. Amen.