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:
All-Loving God,
You made us, and something in us won't settle until we find you.
Help us find peace in how we live and what we give ourselves to — and someday, let us see you clearly, face to face. Amen.

Confession and Assurance

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.

Song of Praise

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

·       All Creatures of Our God and King

·       Do You Believe That He Really Loves You

·       (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 119:105–112 (The Message)

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word.
Adorn me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—I always have and always will.

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 — Matthew 5:38-48

Read the passage . 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

We pray to the Lord that the rest of this day may be holy, peaceful

  and full of your presence; that the work we have done

and the people we have met today may bring us closer to you.

We pray that we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice,

that you will sustain the faith and hope of those who are lonely,
oppressed and anxious: in faith we pray.

We pray to you, our God. Amen.

Practice for the Week

Option for a spiritual practice today:
Think of someone who pushes your buttons. Set down your frustrations.
Make a list of things you deem admirable. Pray for they’re good.

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