At-Home Liturgy for Sunday Worship

You may use this liturgy alone, with family, or with friends.
Follow it word-for-word, or let it simply guide your time of prayer.
You are invited to move at a slow and restful pace.

Gathering

Good morning! As we rest from the rush to make it to Sunday worship on time, we invite you to use this liturgy to connect with God and loved ones — in your home, on a walk, or wherever you find yourself today.

There is also a short talk on the Gospel reading available on our website (see link below).

Whatever is going on in your life, for today, rest well in the grace and peace of Jesus.
Know that he is present with you by his Spirit.
Find hope in his goodness.

If possible, light a candle, and let the flame remind you that the Spirit of God is present wherever you are.

Collect (Opening Prayer of Intention)

Intention: Today, we focus on gratitude to God.

Pause. Take a deep breath and find stillness.

All pray together:

Holy One, we gather to sing your praises!
We are grateful for the gift of this day,
and all the ways you make your presence known.
We are grateful for your abiding Spirit
and the ways the Spirit empowers us to be your people.
In this time of worship, deepen our faith.
Restore our souls and heal us.
After we have spent time with you, return us to our community,
that we may share your love and grace with everyone we meet.
In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

Confession and Assurance

Leader:

Hear the good news:

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
— 1 John 1:9

Private Reflection:
Open your life to God. Talk honestly about any area where you lack hope or trust, or anything you’re carrying in guilt or regret.

All pray together:

Most Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Leader:

Grant to us your pardon and peace,
that we may be clear of great offense
and free in conscience to serve you with a quiet mind and a whole heart;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
with you and the Holy Spirit — one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Song of Praise

Sing or listen to a song that expresses gratitude and trust. YouTube Playlist Here
Suggested songs:

·       Praise to the Lord the Almighty

·       Goodness of God

·       (or any song that helps you express gratitude)

Praying the Psalms

The Psalms are the prayerbook of God’s people.
For millennia, this book has guided hearts to see God clearly and to pray for themselves, their friends, and the world.
If a verse doesn’t seem to fit you today, hold it for someone else and pray on their behalf.
This practice roots us in a reality bigger than our own.

Psalm 111:1–10 (The Message)

Hallelujah!
I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got—
wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.

God’s works are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!

Splendor and beauty mark his craft; his generosity never gives out.

His miracles are his memorial—This God of Grace, this God of Love.

He gave food to those who fear him, he remembered to keep his ancient promise.

He paid the ransom for his people, he ordered his Covenant kept forever.

He’s so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God—Do that and you’ll know the blessing of God.

His Hallelujah lasts forever!

All pray:

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Reading and Reflection

Gospel Reading — Luke 11:11–19

Read the passage twice. If possible, use two different translations.

First reading:
Listen for a word, phrase, or image that stands out.

Second reading:
Listen for what God might be saying to you or to your community.

Reflect:

·       What do you notice in this story?

·       What role does gratitude play in mending the soul?

(Optional Listening: short talk on the Gospel — LINK HERE)

Closing Prayer

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father,
you have brought us in safety to this new day:
Preserve us with your mighty power,
that we may not fall into sin,
nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Practice for the Week

Option for a spiritual practice today:
Make a list of things you are grateful to God for.
If you’re with others, share one or two aloud before you close.

(End of Liturgy)
You are invited to rest, reflect, and carry this peace with you into your week.