Prayers of Adoration & Confession

Watch or 8:40

Though we follow, stumbling and staggering,
we are grateful for the path you have set before us.
Lord Jesus. As we stand in your presence,
we feel the radiance of your light, exposing and illuminating
the dark and hidden places in our hearts.
Those parts we kid ourselves into thinking we can hide from you.
Let us allow that light to penetrate the hidden corners of our souls,
exposing what we leave hidden in the darkness and let that same light transform us.

Too often Lord, we settle for superficial transformation,
half-hearted efforts that yield nothing.
Too often we have earned the contempt from the world around
for seeking the transformation of society but failing to transform ourselves.
Forgive us where we have confused sanctimoniousness for holiness.
We have confused safety for protectionism.
We have confused greed with financial security.
We have sought relevance by aligning ourselves with power.
We, your church, have neglected our duties.
We ask for your forgiveness.

But we also ask that you would transform us,
to be transfigured into your likeness.
We thank you God, that we have been shown mercy and grace through Christ.
We have been shown grace upon grace,
and that it is because of Christ, through Christ, and in Christ, our sin is forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

Peter Blair, (Olive Way Pastor), offered for worship 27/02/2022, Transfiguration Sunday C

Prayers of the people

Watch or 56:20

Jesus Christ, mountain-climber

We pray for the World:
We pray for renewed hope in a new year. May we all find peace.
We pray that this war in Ukraine ends soon.
We pray that the ordinary people of Ukraine can find strength.
We pray for the people affected by the floods in Queensland.
May we all see hope on the horizon.

In your mercy, hear our prayers
We feel our feet on the ground.
We visualize a mountain and a new horizon.

We pray for the Church:
May the Uniting Church help those left behind by the pandemic and shut-downs.
May the church help congregations opening to in-person services.
May the church help us to lead, and serve.

In your mercy, hear our prayers
We feel our feet on the ground.
We visualize a mountain and a new horizon.

We pray for those in need:
May those who are depressed or tired find support. May carers find rest.
May we feel inspired when we see mountains.
May those oppressed by legislation to ostracise them, feel loved and respected.
May those watching at home, feel included.
May we all feel able to be creative and free, again.

In your mercy, hear our prayers
We feel our feet on the ground.
We visualize a mountain and a new horizon.

In the name of Christ, traveller, teacher, explorer.
Praise
Amen

Jim Kilpatrick, offered for worship, 27/02/2022, Transfiguration Sunday C