Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24; John 7:37-38

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 10
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24; John 7:37-38
Nov. 14, 2021

A note: This Sunday, our church is celebrating "Harvest Home."  Food donations are being given to fill our Lord's Pantry foodbank and to provide baskets to families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We are also recognizing Veteran's Day (US holiday on Nov. 11 that honors those who have served in the military)

Opening Prayer
Psalm 63:1-4
Lord God of Hosts:
Today we seek justice that rolls down like water, like a mighty stream so that we can drink from that well and quench the thirst that we have.  We know, with a sure and certain hope, that when this thirst is quenched by the only One whom we can come to for this drink that we will see Jesus as we are judged and proclaimed righteous because of His saving grace.  It is by His Spirit that we are guided to this great love.  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
O God:
At this time we bring to you only our attention, our love, and our desire to know your heart as we seek to drink from your waters deeply, quenching our thirst, so that we will be guided into life abundant.
Amen

Offering Prayer
Lord who roars from Zion: We have heard what you have said and yet here we are today bringing food offerings.  We pray that these gifts would provide some measure of justice to those in need, but especially that we would be led to the desire to make these kinds of sacrifices regularly, and not just in church, so that justice is served and all have their needs met. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Righteous and Just Father: You have shown us through the word we’ve studied this morning that without justice there is no righteousness.  Furthermore that this is an integral part of how we worship, both when in church and outside of it.  We know, Lord God, that there are many for whom justice is not currently a part of their vocabulary based on their experiences.  For each person who needs justice today, Lord, we pray.  We pray for those that seek justice in the legal systems; for those who seek justice in society; for those who seek economic justice; for those who seek justice in education; for those who seek justice in their homes; for those who seek justice based on gender; for those who face injustices of any sort for any reason.  We also especially lift up veterans who have made their best attempt in service of our country to defend justice, even if it has mean that they too become victims of injustice.  Today, Lord of Hosts, we pray that we would be persons who can lead others to the fount from which the streams of justice flow so that they can learn what it is to be made righteous in your sight by the grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ who taught us His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Seek justice to know righteousness
Let this be the worship that you give to:
Father, Son, & Spirit
AMEN