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 ….

Pause. Take a deep breath and find stillness.

All pray together:

O Lord, you who from whom all blessings flow, may my bouth be full of blessing this day, I pray, speaking a blessing to my family at home, to my friends near and far, to the stranger on the way and to the enemy in the way, so that I might become a living beatitude for Christ’s sake. I pray this in the name of the One who commands our blessing. 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.

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:

·       All Creatures of Our God and King

·       Ninety-One

·       Build My Life

·       (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 taught people to pray for themselves, their friends, and the world. This practice roots us in a reality bigger than our own.

If a verse doesn’t seem to fit you today, hold it for someone else and pray on their behalf.

Psalm 67 (MSG)

 1-7 God, mark us with grace
    and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
    all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
    and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
    you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
    Earth’s four corners—honor him!

Reading and Reflection

Gospel Reading — Matthew 5:13-20

Read the passage. We will read again during the podcast.

As you’re reading, listen for a word, phrase, or image that stands out.

Reflect:

·       What do you notice in this passage?

·       What role does the usefulness of salt and light?

(Optional Listening: Podcast Sermon — Link Here. Or Apple Podcast Here)

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.