By Katie Minnis

Opening Prayer

God of Compassion,

Today, remind us of what really matters. Often, we show up for worship expecting to be entertained. Instead, may we be active participants in worship today, focusing on kindness, love, and our sacred worth in you. God, you are so good! And you are in our midst!

Amen.

Call to Worship

(from Psalm 107: 1-9)

Leader: Give thanks to God! For God is good.
People: We give thanks for God’s steadfast love.
Leader: Give thanks to God! For God’s love endures.
People: We give thanks that God is at work among humankind.
Leader: Give thanks to God! For only God can satisfy us.
People: We give thanks to God for filling our spiritual hunger with good things.
AMEN.

Prayer of Confession/ Prayer of the People

God of Healing,
As you spoke through the prophet, Hosea,
Lead us with cords of human kindness; Lead us with bands of love
Yet what does it mean to be led with cords of human kindness and bands of love?
Remind us of the connection our souls have to you, O God.
You tug at our cords to remind us that we also need the kindness of other humans.
You pluck at our heartstrings to remind us of the love you’ve placed within each of us.
But we still become distracted.
We get lost in our aggravations, disappointments, and deep-seated longings.
Sometimes, it seems as though the negativity and sadness will swallow us whole.
How are we to turn this pain into love and kindness?
God, you know these feelings all too well; oftentimes, as a result of human action or inaction.
The story, repeated over and over again in our sacred texts, tells of your incredible love for us.
You, O God, choose love, despite the pain.
May we do the same, trusting that the Holy One is in our midst.
Amen.