Prayers around the Cross
PJ: We are gathered today on the occupied territory of the Sana and Tonkawa People who have stewarded this land for generations.
Leader1: Welcome to Prayer around the Cross, a worship service with prayer, simple singing, and communion.
PJ: The songs we sing tonight are simple phrases and may be brand new to you. For each song, Ethan, the worship leader, will sing it through once at the beginning. We will repeat each song several times. As we do so, let the words deepen into your spirit and let them guide your prayer.
Gathering Song
PJ: A reading from the Gospel of Luke Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and ornaments dedicated to God. Jesus said,
Leader1: “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”
PJ: They asked him,
Leader2: “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”
PJ: Jesus said,
Leader1: “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”
Leader2: Then Jesus said to them,
Leader1: “Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other. There will be great earthquakes and wide-scale food shortages and epidemics. There will also be terrifying sights and great signs in the sky. But before all this occurs, they will take you into custody and harass you because of your faith. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will provide you with an opportunity to testify. Make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance. I’ll give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to counter or contradict. You will be betrayed by your parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, and friends. They will execute some of you. Everyone will hate you because of my name. Still, not a hair on your heads will be lost. By holding fast, you will gain your lives.
PJ: Here, all are equal.
Leader1: There is no test to pass,
PJ: No “right kind of Christian” to be.
Leader1: All that matters is that you are here.
(Pause)
Leader2: All are one in Christ.
PJ: God is not bound by our differences.
Leader2: All are one in Christ.
Leader1: Where we push people apart, God draws us together.
Leader2: May we be grateful
PJ: For community and for people who love us, just as we are.
Leader2: May we be grateful
Leader1: That none of us are above any other.
Leader2: May we be grateful
PJ: That God believes that we are all worthy of love
Leader1: For God has loved us this far, and God’s love will carry us on.
Leader2: May we be grateful to You, O Christ, for proving God’s love to us.
(Pause)
PJ: Tonight, we are called to the cross, the symbol of Jesus’ transformation.
Leader1: We are called into an abundant life with God,
Leader2: We are called to let our hearts be changed, to be nourished, to be transformed.
PJ: Tonight, you are invited to the cross.
Leader1: When you are ready, come to the cross, light a candle, and pray.
Leader2: 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.
PJ: 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.
(Pause)
Leader1: Come when you are ready, for the God who is always faithful is eager to be with you in prayer.
Prayer at the Cross (with 2 songs)
Communion: PJ
Words of institution followed by welcome to the table and directions.
Communion Song
Post Communion Blessing: PJ
Sending Song
PJ: And now a final blessing.
Leader1: Go now in the righteousness of faith and live by God’s just demands. Let nothing claim your devotion above the Lord, and count nothing of value above knowing Christ. Press on towards the ultimate prize, of being one with him.
Leader2 And may God’s perfect word revive your soul; May Christ Jesus be your savior and your rock; And may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to press ever onward.
(Pause)
PJ: Stay for a while in prayer here at the cross,
Leader1: Or, take your pillow and go, joining in community with those present.
PJ: No matter if you choose to stay or to go, we ask you to do so in silence.
Leader2: And in God’s peace.
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