We give thanks this morning, oh God, for the privilege of being called your people, your children, the sheep of your pasture. We praise you that through your great love and grace, we too have been grafted into the Vine, your Son Jesus. We rejoice!
Jesus, we also celebrate that we are a part of your Body, the church, both here at WMC and around our world. This morning as we gather to worship with believers from all across Canada we give thanks for the privilege of worship, of being able to bring honour and praise to you God, in the name of Jesus. We also pray for the leadership of MC Canada, for pastors and church leaders across our country. May they be filled with your Holy Spirit, may they walk in obedience to you Jesus, and may they experience daily the fullness of your love and grace. We also give thanks for the church around the world, for all believers who know you Jesus as Saviour and Lord. My we become your hands and feet, serving and loving in a world where fear and hurt abounds. We pray for believers who face persecution and abuse. Grant perseverance, strength, and an abundance of grace and love for those who hate. We give praise for the Body of Christ.
So this morning as we gather together, we pray and worship using the words of the Psalmist David, in Psalm 96.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
As we come before you God we also bring the following praises and requests.
We praise you God for your presence in the lives of each member of the MDS Team as they have served this past week out East. Thank you for your blessing on the physical work completed and for the building of relationships. God, may the memories and learning of this week be honouring to you and formative in the lives of each team member
Oh God, help us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Grant comfort to those who grieve and may your presence bring peace to those who are lonely and discouraged. For those who are facing major life decisions grant Godly wisdom; where relationships are broken bring healing and redemption of the situation.
We also pray for renewal and refreshment during these days of holiday and travel.
We pray for all who are caregivers for aging parents and loved ones. Grant patience, an abundance of love, and the wisdom to make wise, loving decisions
We pray for the many needs that our community of faith face. Grant courage, strength, and peace. We pray for all those in long-term care living with Covid outbreaks.
Thank you Jesus for your presence with those of our Households of Faith.
God, may you fill them with your joy, grant strength for each day, and may your love flow through them to all they meet.
We give you praise and thanks in the name of Jesus!
Amen