Prayers around the Cross
PJ: We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Sana and Tonkawa peoples. It is also important to acknowledge that we are here today due to the exclusion and erasure of many indigenous people from their native land, including the land on which we stand today. We honor with gratitude the land itself and its original people.
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 Mark
Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know that he had entered a house, but he couldn’t hide. In fact, a woman whose young daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard about him right away. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was Greek, Syrophoenician by birth. She begged Jesus to throw the demon out of her daughter. He responded,
Leader1: “The children have to be fed first. It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
PJ: But she answered,
Leader2: “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Leader1: “Good answer!” “Go on home. The demon has already left your daughter.”
PJ: When she returned to her house, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone. After leaving the region of Tyre, Jesus went through Sidon toward the Galilee Sea through the region of the Ten Cities. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly speak, and they begged him to place his hand on the man for healing. Jesus took him away from the crowd by himself and put his fingers in the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. Looking into heaven, Jesus sighed deeply and said,
Leader1: “Ephphatha,” which means, “Open up.”
PJ: At once, his ears opened, his twisted tongue was released, and he began to speak clearly. Jesus gave the people strict orders not to tell anyone. But the more he tried to silence them, the more eagerly they shared the news. People were overcome with wonder, saying,
Leader2: “He does everything well! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who can’t speak.”
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.