God calls us to corporate worship but sometimes, like when the roads are covered in ice and snow it is better to stay home and be safe. You are invited to worship at home today with your family or on your own.
A couple of items you can use if you’d like but are not required- a candle, a Bible, symbols of communion(whatever you have available-crackers and juice of some kind would be great- a slice of bread and water work well too-coffee and pastries, if you’re in a real pinch)
Set your worship space, light the candle, turn in your Bible to Matthew 6:7-21
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Centering prayer
O Holy One, be with present in this time of worship, safe in the confines of this home. Be with those traveling in conditions that raise anxiety. Hear the voices of your faithful this day. Amen.
The scripture reading today comes from the Gospel of Matthew. Take a few minutes and read it aloud.
Matthew 6:7-21
7 "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Now that you have read and heard the Gospel message for the day take a few moments and listen for what God might be speaking to you through these words.
Be still in this moment and recall God’s presence through the day so far, invite God to be part of the moments that will be part of this day.
Now give thanks to God for gifts in your life, especially the ones you might be taking for granted- coffee brewing, a smile from a friend or loved one, a warm home, as well as gifts like your sense of humor, your patience with a child or aging parent, or your ability to help in a crisis.
As you think about the scripture reading think of those times when you have failed to follow God’s direction and ask for forgiveness as God forgives you, so you should offer forgiveness to others.
Take a few more minutes now and hear the hope God has for you this day and the days ahead. If you are worshiping with others in your home, share what you hear as God’s hope for you today. If you are worship by yourself reflect on this hope in your journal or in another way you feel comfortable.
End your time of reflection/conversation by praying the Lord’s Prayer aloud
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
You may end your time of worship here by listening to the song “Sanctuary” or you may continue with communion.
As you listen to the song “Sanctuary” prepare your heart and mind for communion. Just as Jesus gathered with his disciples in the upper room to share a meal, we gather in our various places today knowing that even though we are not gathered in one place we are called to sit at the table with Christ.
I share with you what has been shared with me, on the night Jesus was betrayed he took bread and having blessed it he broke saying “This is my body broken for you, take eat all of you.” In the same way after supper he took the cup and after giving thanks said, “This is the cup of the new covenant poured out in my blood. Take all of you and drink.” As often as your eat the bread and drink of the cup you proclaim Christ’s death until he comes again.
Take time now to share in Holy Communion.
Benediction-
May God’s love surround you. May Christ’s peace uphold you. May the Holy Spirit embrace you as you follow God this day. Amen!God's peace be with you until we meet again(next Sunday Feb 8th for worship at 10am)!
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