Call to Worship

(inspired by Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-22)

Happy are we
when our treasures cannot be quantified.
Happy are we
when our knowledge is tempered by mystery.
Happy are we
when our pain is held in the balm of love.
Happy are we
when our delight comes from beyond ourselves.

Written by Katherine Hawker (2006) and posted on Liturgy Outside. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/08/call-to-worship-beatitudes.html.

Beatitude Acclamation

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will receive it in full.” Matthew 5:6

Wonderful is the God of Christ, who gathers the poor of the earth.
Glorious is our God, who wipes away the tears of sorrow.
Wonderful is the God of Christ, who gives inheritance to the meek.
Glorious is our God, who satisfies the hunger of the just.
Wonderful is the God of Christ, who gives mercy to the merciful.
Glorious is our God, who gives vision to the pure in heart.
Wonderful is the God of Christ, who adopts the peacemakers.
Glorious is our God, who lifts high the persecuted.
Wonderful is the God of Christ, who finds the lost.
Glorious is our God, who awakens the dead.

Written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/acclamation-beatitudes.html.

Praying the Sermon on the Mount

(inspired by Matthew 5-7)

Lord and Creator,
let us embrace the costly blessings which you desire for us,
blessings that confound the wisdom and strength of this world.

Teach us to be your agents of preservation in a world touched by death,
and beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.

Transform us into your image through the crucible of the cross,
writing your mandates upon our hearts, made pure by your perfect love.

Embolden us to be your ambassadors,

Living as representatives of your holy kingdom,
stirring in us your love for others,
especially for those who would seek to destroy us because of you.

Make us decrease so that you might increase,
as a watching world sees you, not us.

Daily we declare that your priorities are ours,
even before our own needs and desires.

Every moment we live, we live for your glory—
the glory of a loving Father and a just King.

Free us of any distraction, craving or anxiety
that would keep us from fully following you.

For we acknowledge that everything we could possibly need
is yours to give us.
Remind us of our sinful brokenness and your gift of grace
as we encounter brokenness in others.

You are the answer to our every question.
You are the treasure that we desperately seek,
and it is you who invite us into your salvation,
as prodigals returning to the Father’s embrace.

Keep us upon your path of righteousness and justice,
bearing the good fruit of your Spirit,
for it is on you, Lord Jesus, that all hope is built,
For all of creation, now and forever more. Amen

Written by Jamie Arpin-Ricci, in The Cost of Community by Jamie Arpin Ricci. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UXKB3S. Posted on Godspace. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/09/praying-sermon-on-mount.html.

Benediction

Blessed are we

(inspired by Matthew 5: 1-12)

Blessed in the midst of God’s love
Blessed in the midst of our world
Blessed in what we feel
see
do
Blessed
Even in the times we find it hard
To see
the blessing
Even then
We can know ourselves
As the children of God
Especially then
We can know
see
feel
God’s presence in our lives
Blessed
God’s love in our lives
Given by the One
Who came to save
Blessed are you