These Prayers for Illumination based on Scripture and the confessions may be used before the reading and proclamation of the Word.
In the Reformed tradition, the “third use of the law” is for those who have already accepted God’s grace through Jesus Christ, in whom the Holy Spirit is already at work. Here, the use of the law is to continually reshape and reform us according to God’s will and teach us to follow God’s commandments in our daily lives.
These words from Scripture may be spoken after the Declaration of Forgiveness (and/or the Summary of the Law). They may precede the Passing of the Peace. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation.
Each of these confession and pardon sequences is designed to be used as a set, following the shape of the Scripture or confession that is its source. In each case, a congregational prayer of confession should be supplied as indicated. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text.
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Declarations of Forgiveness. They are appropriately spoken from the baptismal font, perhaps while lifting water from the font. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text (with the exception of selections from the catechisms).
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Calls to Confession. They are appropriately spoken from the baptismal font, perhaps after pouring water into the font. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text (with the exception of selections from the catechisms).
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Prayers of Confession of Sin. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, these texts may be spoken entirely in unison.
These sentences of Scripture and excerpts from the confessions may be used as Calls to Worship. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation.
These greetings come from the opening words of the New Testament epistles and the book of Revelation. They are appropriate for use at the beginning of worship.
Have you heard the good news? Host a public reading of the Gospel of Mark in your congregation during lectionary Year B (Nov. 27, 2011 – Nov. 25, 2012). The earliest and shortest of the four gospels, Mark offers a compact, concise, and compelling account of “the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). It takes less than two hours to read the whole Gospel of Mark out loud. By the gift of the Holy Spirit, this can be a life-changing, faith-shaping, disciple-making encounter with the living Word of God.