We make a joyful noise to you, our Lord! We want to serve you with gladness; and come before you with singing . . . for you are God: it is you who made us, and not we ourselves; we are your people, and the sheep of your pasture. So we enter into your gates with thanksgiving, and into your courts with praise. For you are good; your mercy is everlasting; and your truth endures to all generations.
Bless the Lord, o my soul . . .and all that is within me bless your holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all your benefits.
Loving God, we confess that we are most blessed. We have so much to thank you for . . . the bountiful harvest of family, friends, and faith, the beauty of the earth you have made for us, and the joy . . .to fellowship and to worship. We confess that we too often miss your blessings and sometimes run around thinking we are bless-less . . . when our cup is literally overflowing. Help us to recognize your bounty and be thankful. . . you have watched over us in another year of seedtime and harvest. For all you have done, for all that you are, and for all that you will ever do, we lift up our voices in praise. You give us much.
Help us to give as you give; to reach out in joy and hope to those who have sadness and despair, to share food and drink with those who hunger and thirst; to practice justice and mercy to those who cry out for both; and to share truth with those who have been deceived and love with those who are lost. . .
At this holiday time, we ask you to heal our wounded souls and restore hope and compassion to our relationships . . both with you and with each other. Lift us up and cause us to serve you by serving others in this world. We have many on our hearts today and we know that you and you alone are the answer for them. For those ill or hurting we ask you to touch them . . . comfort them . . . ease their pain . . . and heal them as only you can do. For those suffering through difficult time in their lives . . . with children, relationships, jobs and finances, show them honorable ways to solve their problems. Some are mourning the loss of a loved one and we ask you to comfort them and give them strength for the days ahead. We remember our military, those in law enforcement and fire protection who sacrifice for us, we ask you to keep them safe in their work. And, we lift up Christian missionaries all over the world . . . we ask their safety and give them success in making new disciples for you.
For we pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray.
Rev. Diane Shedd
First United Methodist Church
Valdosta, Georgia
November 23, 2014
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