50A*
A Call to Worship
Pentecost 7 [Ordinary 18A] or [Proper 13A] 2011
Psalm 17: 1-7, 15

Listening God, we come to you in our needs.
In all honesty and sincerity we seek your blessing.
Each day, we try to follow your instructions
and teachings, and to be true to your words.


Compassionate God, show us once again your
love and mercy in ways we can understand.
Enable us to see a little of your Holy Presence,
so that we may worship you with renewed hope.


Faithful God, we have been tested and tried, yet,
we are conscious of your nearness day and night.
We gather to worship you, to give thanks for your
guiding and care, for your strength and help. Amen.



Prayers of AAAA and BBBB
Pentecost 7 [Ordinary 18A] or [Proper 13A] 2011
Psalm 17: 1-7, 15

Justice-loving God, we come to you today, asking that you
listen to our prayers for guidance, help and reasurrance.
Through God’s help, mercy and blessings, we have passed
the tests that have been set before us, and we have come
through them all with flying colours. However, these tests
have been constant, and with evil rampant in the world, it
has been difficult - but thanks be to God - we have prevailed.

We acknowledge, O God, that these tests have been most
vigorous in searching out our motives - not only been from
outside influences! Our hearts and minds have also been
tested, and we also had to struggle with our stubborn wills in
wanting our own way in everything. However, through the
strength God gives us, we have remained trusting and true
to our faithful God, and to the directions we have from God
for a trust-filled life, and in addition, we have experienced the
joy of God’s presence given to us in blessing and benediction.

Faithful God, draw near to us, so we may know your nearer
presence; and fill us with the confidence of your love, so
that we may continue to walk on your path of life and love. Amen.


A Personal Meditation
Pentecost 7 [Ordinary 18A] or [Proper 13A] 2011
Psalm 17: 1-7, 15

Faithful God, this is going to sound like I am boasting,
and perhaps I am, but I like to think of it as me being very
positive in my attitudes, and about my past and present
actions. I give thanks to God that I can honestly say, that
I have tried very hard to follow God’s ways, and God’s words.

Creative pause: Am I being honest or boastful?


Justice loving God, please bend down and give me the red
tick of approval for remaining true to you, as I need your
encouragement and blessing. You have really tested me!
You tested my intentions and motives; you checked up on
my words and the way I spoke them – in love or in anger;
and you certainly tested my actions. In all these tests, you,
my God, were the focus of my attention, and it was only ever
my God that I sought to obey, honour and serve all my days.

Creative pause: I have been tested, and with God’s help, I have prevailed.


God of unfailing love and mercy, bend down in love, as I
need your sustaining and empowering love and mercy.
Continue to show me your unfailing love in ways I can understand,
and in actions that have significance in my life, as I seek to be
your obedient and faithful servant. When in your generosity
you bless me with understanding, then the radiance of your
presence will light up my life, and I will be absolutely satisfied.

Creative pause: Continue to show me your unfailing love in ways I can understand.



Acknowledgements:
Unless stated otherwise, all Bible readings and extracts used in these weekly Prayers and Meditations are from
‘The New Revised Standard Version’ Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council
of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

*The additional weekly numbering is from the Revised COCU Indexing Scheme
COCU = ('Consultation on Church Union'); as it offers an easy sequential numbering
for the Revised Common Lectionary for the Church Calendar.

If any part of these Prayers and/or Meditations is used in shared worship, please provide
the following acknowledgement:
© 2011 Joan Stott – ‘The Timeless Psalms’ RCL Psalms Year A. Used with permission.

jstott@netspace.net.au

Download/view a pdf file of this document here: pentecost7[18]a_2011.pdf