These opening words for worship were created to accompany the Lenten sermon series “ReLent. Restore. Renew.” The bolded words are spoken by the congregation. You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”
Week 1: “A New World” (adapted from Isaiah 43:19-21)
Our God speaks: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.” We lift our hearts to the Lord!
Week 2: “A New Family”
Friends, we have come to worship God,
to sing praise to the One who numbered the stars.
We have come from scattered lives
to be formed into your one people
Holy One, call us by name; call us your own.
Remind us that we are yours, and shall be forever.
Week 3: “A New Law”
Beloved, whom do we worship?
The Holy One, the Lord our God
who delivers us from what holds us down
who teaches us what gives life
who feeds us with love and grace.
May the Lord be our song, now and forever!
Week 4: “A New Purpose”
We come to praise the name of Jesus,
who fed the hungry crowds
who healed sons and daughters
who blessed the poor
who gave up his life for us
who raises us up to new life with him.
Week 5: “A New Heart”
God has called us to the waters.
We come to be washed by God’s love.
God has called us to the Word.
We come to hear God’s promises.
God has called us to the table.
We come to be nourished by grace.
Week 6: “A New Story” (Palm/Passion Sunday)
See! A holy outpouring:
A king on a donkey,
people in the street,
coats on the road,
palm branches everywhere.
Listen! A holy refrain:
Hosanna! Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!
Week 7: “A New Creation” (Easter)
Hold your head high, Christ has risen!
Death has been conquered.
Christ has restored us to new life.
All that is broken can be made whole.
Rejoice! Life bursts through death.
Jesus Christ is alive for evermore! Alleluia!
Deep Well Worship 