Opening Prayers Sunday Worship
Opening prayers for Christian worship There is a lot to be said for tradition! Generations of worshipping congregations have included set prayers within the opening section of their weekly services. Opening Prayers by Title/Topic. Laughter Sunday: Call to Worship, Opening Prayer. Lenten invocation. Let all the people praise our God (Psalm 22) Let your kindly light shine (Epiphany) Liberating God, we worship you (Exodus 14) Life-giving God, we gather in your presence. Here is a collection of opening and closing prayers that can be used for meetings, sunday school classes, and prayer groups. Also, we invite you to add your own opening or closing prayers using the form at the bottom of this page.
There is a lot to be said for tradition! Generations of worshipping congregations have included set prayers within the opening section of their weekly services.
These generally cover the themes of adoration, thanksgiving and confession. And somehow that seems just right. We begin our worship by reminding ourselves of how awesome our God is. We then thank him for what he has done for us, and this inevitably reminds us that we really do not deserve his mercy and grace. Which leads us to confession and accepting by faith the forgiveness that God offers to those who humbly come to him and acknowledge their faults. Below are two sets of opening prayers. More are available in my 'The Worship Leader's Little Helper' Opening Prayers 1- Theme 'I will exalt you' Consider these words from Psalm 145 ‘I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever’ (A moment of silence ) Creator God, we glimpse your beauty in setting sun, mountain top, eagle’s wing. We sense your power in thunder crash, lightning flash and ocean’s roar.
Creator God we praise you Precious Jesus, we see your love stretched out upon a cruel cross. We stand in awe at your sacrifice, pure love poured out for humankind. Precious Jesus we praise you Holy Spirit, we see your power in lives transformed, hearts on fire. We listen for your still, small voice, comforting, guiding, calling. Holy Spirit we praise you To my words ‘Every day I will praise you’ would you respond ‘And extol your name for ever’ From the moment we awake to face the day ahead, you are with us, through good times and bad, Your presence enough for our needs.
Every day I will praise you And extol your name for ever Through the hours of the day, in our travels and work, you are with us; in decisions we must make, Your wisdom enough for our needs. Every day I will praise you And extol your name for ever As we lay down to rest at the end of the day, you are with us, as we lay our fears at your feet, Your peace enough for our needs. Every day I will praise you And extol your name for ever A prayer of confession Lord God, your love for humankind present in the beginning of all things, extends throughout history and touches even my life. Your love sees failings and forgives. Your love feels pain and wipes away our tears.
Prayers Sunday
Your love knows grief and comforts the sorrowful. Your love sees sin and still loves the sinner.
Congregational Prayers For Worship Services
Forgive us when we fail to live lives that reflect your love. Forgive us the many times when we take for granted all that you have done for us. Transform us, through your Spirit, and empower us to serve you, this day and all days Amen Let us join together in the words that Jesus taught his disciples. Opening Prayers 2 – Theme 'God of all ages' Listen to these words from Psalm 40 “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” To my words ‘God of all ages’ would you respond ‘Accept our sacrifice of praise.’ Eternal God, it was your Spirit, hovering over the waters at the dawning of that first day.