The following originally appeared as part of "Grounded and Growing—Ascension Day."
Call to Confession
On this day of celebration,
when we proclaim the Lordship of Christ,
we are confronted by the truth that our faith is often feeble,
and our voices often frail.
Our celebration does not carry into the rest of our lives.
Let us confess our frailty before God,
asking for God’s mercy and God’s help.
Prayer of Confession
King of Kings,
today we proclaim your reign over all creation,
but tomorrow we will forget,
and bow down to other powers and princes.
Tempted by the promise of riches, prestige, and comfort,
we close our eyes to inconvenient injustices,
and keep quiet
when we should be calling for those with power to seek shalom.
Forgive our greed,
and move our hands to work for your kingdom.
Silence
Lord of life,
today we sing songs of your victory;
tomorrow we will quiet our voices,
lest we appear foolish and naive.
You told us to go and make disciples of all nations,
but we speak of our faith almost apologetically.
Our fear of appearing judgmental and triumphalistic causes us to hold back
when we could share the good news of your kingdom.
Forgive our fear,
and move our mouths to sing your praise.
Silence
Lord, of Love,
today we cry out to you to intercede on our behalf,
glad for our union with you;
tomorrow we will grumble about the burden of caring for our neighbour,
annoyed by our union with one another.
We want to be autonomous and untethered,
but you call us to love one another as you love us.
Forgive our selfishness,
and move our hearts to serve.
Silence
Lamb upon the throne,
forgive us, and help us.
May we seek first your kingdom.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon & Response of Praise
This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
He who is the fullness of God, of life, of truth, of goodness,
redeems us and sanctifies us,
even when our sin feels too great.
God alone has saved us;
to him be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen.
—1 Timothy 1:15–17, adapt.
Song of Thanksgiving
“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” Robinson et al.
Passing of the Peace
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Love each other as I have loved you.”
Having been reconciled with God,
let us reconcile with one another,
passing the peace of Christ.
Revised Common Lectionary
Year C: Season after Pentecost—Proper 19 (24)
