Treehouse Worship 2/1/2026 Prayers around the cross
Welcoming Litany…
L: To long-time Lutherans, Christians from every tradition, and people new to the faith.
All: We welcome you
L: To all who have no church home, want to follow Christ, have doubts or do not believe.
All: We welcome you
L: To people of every age and size, color and culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and marital status, ability, disability, and challenge.
All: We welcome you
L: To believers, non-believers, questioners, and questioning believers.
This is a place where you are welcome to: celebrate and struggle, rejoice and recover.
All: AMEN
Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Song
Lord Prayer
Our Father, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory
Forever and ever.
Amen
Prayers around the Cross
(Tonight, you are invited to the cross. When you are ready, come to the cross, light a candle, and pray. At the cross, you may be close to another member of the community. If you choose to pray at the cross, the members of the community that are sitting near you are invited to pray silently for you – and with you. Those near you may lay a hand on you as they pray with you. This is a physical connection that shows the spiritual connection that we are all united as children of God. All are invited to also sing their prayers. Come when you are ready, for the God who is always faithful is eager to be with you in prayer.)
Leader: Jesus, you are the light that shines in the darkness.
As we light these candles, we bring our lives to the foot of the Cross.
(A candle is lit)
For the poor in spirit
L: When we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or not enough,
teach us to trust in you alone.
(as candles are lit we sing…)
L: For those who mourn
For grief we carry, losses we hide,
and pain we cannot put into words—
be our comfort and our hope.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
L: For the meek
For those who feel invisible, unheard, or overlooked,
remind us that our worth comes from you.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
L: For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
For our longing for purpose, justice, and truth,
guide our choices and our future.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
L: For the merciful
For the grace to forgive others and ourselves,
soften our hearts with your mercy.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
L: For the peacemakers
For peace in our relationships, on our campuses,
and in a divided world,
make us instruments of your peace.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
For those who are misunderstood or judged
For anyone who feels alone in their faith or values,
give courage, strength, and hope.
( as candles are lit we sing…)
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, as these candles burn,
let their light remind us of your love poured out on the Cross.
Stay with us as we go,
and help us carry your light into the world.
All: Amen.
Blessing
Leader: May the Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and bring you peace.
All: Amen.
Dismissal
L: Go in peace, and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Song
