By Katie Minnis

General Prayer

Creator God,

Today, we think of your creation. We think of the ground beneath us, the air surrounding us, the water that flows through us. We are in awe of the way a seed can grow into nourishment for our bodies, the way life comes forth from what seems so small. Draw our attention to your creation, so that we might praise you for your incredible gifts!

Amen.

Call to Worship

(this passage also asks the question “What do you see” as did the previous Amos passage)

Leader: Prophets, what do you see?
People: We see the many ways we distract ourselves.
Leader: What else do you see?
People: We see the good and the bad fruits we have produced.
Leader: What do you see today?
People: We witness and worship God today, grateful for love and forgiveness.
AMEN.

Prayer of Confession/ Prayer of the People

God of Justice,
We confess to you today that we often find ourselves
feeling bitter, distraught, and ashamed.
We far too often fail to take accountability for our sins and wrongdoings.
In an effort to feel better about ourselves, we overfill our plates with tasks,
hoping to atone for our misdeeds.
We confess that we have trampled on the needy, choosing greed.
We confess that we have brought ruin to the poor of the land,
neglecting many parts of your creation.
We confess that we have practiced deceit, fearful of being exposed.
We confess that far too often, we choose busyness
over the gift of your loving presence.
We lament our mistakes to you, O God.
We mourn the harm we have caused knowingly and
unknowingly, individually and collectively.
We ask your forgiveness to envelop us,
inspiring us to make amends with ourselves and others.
Open our eyes that we may see the lessons you place before us.
Help us better love you by loving your creation.
Amen