An Invocation (30 March 2014)

{This is from the morning worship assembly. Feel free to use it. Mike}
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Lord God, you are not ashamed to call us your own. But who are we? Is there anything in our portfolios or résumés to impress you? Are our family lineage or domestic techniques worthy of your kind attentions? Do our degrees and titles make you blush with excitement? Can our theological prowess, precision and primness compel you to take notice of us? You are the God who shows no partiality; and so you search our hearts and know that in all of these things that may impress others, we have still sinned and fallen short of your glory. And yet you are not ashamed to call us your own for this reason – you do not retain your anger forever because you delight in steadfast love (Micah 7.18); and you have demonstrated that love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5.8). Glory to God in the highest! Therefore, with thanksgiving and with confident trust we come to adore you, and now pray as Jesus taught us, saying; “Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

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