“Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (Deut. 16:18-20)

Psalm 96 (From The Message) Psalm of awe and wonder Psalm 96 (From The Message)

Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God—worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all!

For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap; Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. God made the heavens — Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart.

Gathering song / hymn ‘In Christ alone’

Opening prayer

The Word of God Responsive Psalm Psalm 82:1-8

Rise up, O God, judge the earth. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgement:  ‘How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?’

Rise up, O God, judge the earth. Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Rise up, O God, judge the earth. They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Rise up, O God, judge the earth. I say, ‘You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you;  nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any prince.’ Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you!

Rise up, O God, judge the earth.

Worship continues with song / dance / drama / video clip Could use ‘My hope is built on nothing less’

The Word of God Deuteronomy 16:11-20

Reflection DAY 1 Let justice roll down like waters (Amos 5:24) taken from day 1 of the Daily Readings DAY 1 Let justice roll down like waters (Amos 5:24)

Let us sing

Reflection / Meditation / Address

Moment of prayerful reflection

Let us pray…

Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of his disciples. The gift of his life is justice for the world. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to walk humbly and act justly. Let justice roll down like waters. Holy Spirit, unite us in our prayers.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called As members of the body of Christ, we are called to speak out against injustice. Let our word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’. Holy Spirit, unite us in our words.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to lavish God’s grace and mercy on all. Let us break through barriers of ethnicity, religion and culture. Holy Spirit, unite us in our humanity.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called As members of the body of Christ, we are called to keep our lives free from the love of money, and be content with what we have. Let us break the cycle of greed and live in simplicity. Holy Spirit, unite us in our weakness.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to bring good news to the poor. Let us condemn exploitation and the systems that perpetuate it. Holy Spirit, unite us in anger towards injustice.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called As members of the body of Christ, we are called to care for the whole of creation. Let us protect the life and beauty of all that God has made. Holy Spirit, heal us and restore us.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called As members of the body of Christ, we are called to treat all with dignity. Let us recognize discrimination, oppression and abuse. Holy Spirit, open our ears to the cries for justice.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to bring hope to others. Let us be salt and light. Holy Spirit, unite us in hope for justice.

The Lord’s Prayer…

A Song of Unity

Prayer of Commitment

Take us from where we are, to where you want us to be; make us not merely guardians of a heritage, but living signs of your coming Kingdom;

fire us with passion for justice and peace between all people; fill us with that faith, hope and love which embody the Gospel;

and through the power of the Holy Spirit make us one.

That the world may believe, that your name may be enthroned in our nation, that your church may more effectively be your body,

we commit ourselves to love you, serve you, and follow you as pilgrims not strangers. Amen.

The sign of Peace…

Closing song / hymn

Benediction