Gather in, you children of Abraham and Sarah,
you who have been gifted with faith
and saved by grace. 
Give glory to God
who raised Jesus from the dead
and who calls into existence
things that did not exist before!
Let us worship the Lord our God

Genesis 12:1-9  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A1-9&version=NRSVUE

Psalm 33:1-12  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2033%3A1-12&version=NRSVUE

Romans 4:13-25  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%204%3A13-25&version=NRSVUE

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A9-13%2C%2018-26&version=NRSVUE

The focus passage for A Place of Grace this week is Romans 4:13-25. All liturgy will be based on this passage. What in Romans 4:13-25 inspires or encourages you? Share your thoughts here: www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1429719649197284&set=a.549399683895956. 

Gather in, you blessed of Christ,
suffering for your insistence
that God is the God of peace,
and gather in you who do not know
what that means.

Gather in, you steadfast in faith
who are being persecuted,
trusting that you are not alone,
and you who persecute
what you do not understand.

Come into God's presence
where God will restore you,
support you,
strengthen and establish you
in the name of the One
who has all power, 
​now and forever.

God of mercy and compassion, 
hear our prayers for those who are persecuted
as they seek to follow Jesus' example. 
Give them courage to speak truth to power.
Give them strength to stand on your promises.
Encircle them with protection, we pray,
and help them to trust in your unfailing love.

Redeeming Lord,
hear our prayers for those who are fearful
of the intimidators,
of those who yield power like a sword,
of those who are greedy and whose mouths
are full of spite.
Give them wisdom to discern truth from lies.
Give them language to articulate their uncertainty.
Encircle them with grace in such a way 
that they might know they will be
welcomed back into your fold.

Transforming Spirit,
hear our prayers for those who have been led astray
from the path of Life
where faith, hope, and love are rooted in you
and not in earthly authority.
Open their eyes to the harm they inflict
on those whom you call us to protect most.
Help them to see what Jesus lived
and retrain their hearts to follow where you lead.

May your church be ever mindful
of the Word we proclaim to your children,
and may we maintain a good conscience
even as we stand against the evils 
that confront us. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.