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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
God of compassion, You sent Jesus to proclaim a time of mercy reaching out to those who had no voice, releasing those trapped by their own shame, and welcoming those scorned by society. *
Make us ambassadors of reconciliation. Open our ears that we may listen with respect and understanding. Touch our lips that we may speak your words of peace and forgiveness. Warm our hearts that we may bring wholeness to the broken-hearted and dissolve the barriers of division.
Guide the work of your Church and renew us with the Spirit of your love. Help us and all people shape a world where all will have a place, where the flames of hatred are quenched, and where all can grow together as one. *
Forgive, restore and strengthen us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Source Unknown
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Luke 6:32-35 (New International Version)
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. *
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Response to the Scripture
You, Oh God, are reconciling all things to yourself in Christ Jesus. Help us to walk in the ministry of reconciliation, bringing all things under your kingdom - to the glory of your Name
Draw near God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
Dear God, thank you for warm summer nights and candlelight and good food. But thank you most of all for friends. We appreciate the complicated and wonderful gifts you give us in each other. And we appreciate the task you put down before us, of loving each other the best we can, even as you love us. We pray in Christ's name, Amen.
- "The Preacher" from Because of Winn-Dixie
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 7: Reconciliation Bridge Prayer – “Entering into the Unity of the Trinity” )