For June 7, 2015 -- To Go with Psalm 1

Call TO WORSHIP/OPENING PRAYER

Like trees sending their roots out in search of water,

we seek God's presence in our lives.

Like trees drinking deep, pulling nutrition from the soil,

we soak in the wisdom of Scripture, seeking to grow strong as God's people.

God of wisdom, God of the Law,

speak to our hearts and minds and souls, grant us wisdom, anchor us in your Way.

God of the table, God of the world,

in our worship feed us, then send us back into the world to share your love, your wisdom, your hope.

Amen.

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Blessed are those who delight in the Law of God.

Sometimes we find the Law to be a gift. Sometimes we find it to be a straitjacket.

They are like trees planted beside a stream,

God of grace, help us seek out the life-giving water of faith and wisdom and law.

As we walk along The Way of Jesus the Christ,

keep us from being blown about like chaff, help us grow strong and bear fruit.

As the winds of life attempt to drive us away from the path of wisdom,

help us sing the old words “like a tree that's planted by the water we shall not be moved”

God of grace,

help our roots dig deep, grounding us, stabilizing us, feeding us.

...time of silent prayer...

God is gracious, offering us the wisdom of the ages. God is gracious, offering to feed our hearts, souls, and minds. God is gracious, calling us to the Way of wisdom even if we turn aside.

Thanks be to God who nourishes us, helping us grow, helping us be fruitful. Amen.

COMMISSIONING:

Our worship comes to a close. Our service continues.

We go out to carry on the story of faith, the story we inherited from our ancestors.

We go from this place as those who have been, are, and will be nourished by God's Word, God's wisdom, God's life-giving water.

We go out to share the nourishment we have received with our neighbours. We go out to drink deep, to grow strong, to be fruitful.

As you go, know that God is with you.

Always and everywhere. Amen.