Assembly Service of Intercessory Prayer

"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast" (TUMH, #492)

 

GATHER FOR PRAYER

Leader:  As Christian women we are called to "Sing a New Song" to a hungering, hurting, and lonely world. Our song is God's song. How then shall we sing God's song?

People:  We shall sing lustily, joyfully, enthusiastically, and continuously.

Leader:  To whom shall we sing?

People:  We shall sing to all the peoples and nations of the world.

Leader:  Everyone?

People:  YES!

Leader:  Why?

People – Right side:  We shall sing to all the peoples and nations because "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."  (John 3:16 nrsv)

People – Left side:  We shall sing to all the peoples and nations because Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10 nrsv)

SILENT REFLECTION

(Pray for the people and systems that oppress and still the song. Who are they? Name them silently.)

(Pray for the continuing courage and commitment of all assembled in Philadelphia to keep on singing over the din.)

SCRIPTURE

Leader:  "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."  (Psalm 40:3 nrsv)

PRAYER OF PRAISE

All:      "Let the peoples praise you, O God;

            Let all the peoples praise you.

            Let the nations be glad and sing for joy'

            For you judge the peoples with equity

            And guide the nations upon earth."  (Psalm 67:3-7 nrsv)

THE CALL CONTINUES

Leader:

Throughout our 132-year history women within the organization have heard and heeded the call to go where women, children and youth are in need. We have sung the Lord's song in strange lands, in our own communities, in our local churches, in our homes, and in our workplaces. We sing with different voices, in different languages, with different styles, and in different rhythms. Together, our songs are a mighty chorus of peace, justice, inclusiveness, and love for all God's people.

All:  Thank you, God.  Keep us strong!

Leader:  (Lift in prayer persons and ministries named in Prayer Calendar for appropriate day.)

All:  Thank you, God. Keep us singing!

Leader:  (Read mission story(s) at top of Prayer Calendar for the week)

All:  Thank you, God.  Keep us harmonizing!

SCRIPTURE – Mary's Song of Praise

Leader:           "And Mary said,

                        May soul magnified the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

                        For he ahs looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely from now

                        on all generations will call me blessed;

                        for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

                                    (Luke 1:46-49 nrsv)

All:  (read)

                        "A mother laid her baby in a manager lined with straw; then,

                        in the shepherd's story, his call from God foresaw

                        She nurture him and taught him the way that he must live

                        God's people had a savior, She had such love to give."

                                    ("A Mother Lined a Basket", vs. 3, No.2189; The Faith We Sing)

Leader:  (Lift in prayer names of children in Children's Prayer Calendar – week or month)

SILENT REFLECTION

LITANY

Leader:

            "God weeps at love withheld; at strength misused,

            at children's innocence abuse,

            and till we change the way we love, God weeps."

Right side:

            "God bleeds at anger's fist, at trust betrayed,

            at women battered and afraid,

            and till we change the way we win, God bleeds."

Left side:

            "God cries at hungry mouths, at running sores,

            at creatures dying without cause,

            and till we change the way we care, God cries."

All:

            "God waits for stones to melt,

            for peace to seed, for hearts to hold each other's need,

            and till we understand the Christ, God waits."

(Words of "God Weeps, "No.2048, The Faith We Sing)

                       

REFLECTION

Reflect on the ministries of United Methodist Women that melt stones and see peace.

Name them verbally.

PRAYER

All:      Gracious and Creating God, we are overwhelmed with the majesty of your power to

            change hearts and lives when we, your followers, simply live faithfully and fully, and

            obey your commandment to go into all the world. We remember with gratitude the

            millions of women, upon whose shoulders we stand, who pioneered these ministries.

            They sought no recognition or acclamation. May we be like them, energized and

            motivated to follow where you lead us. In Christ's strong name, Amen.

COMMITMENT

Leader:  What is our Commitment?

All:       "…We commit ourselves again to justice and caring, to seeing the world through the

            Eyes of Jesus and to moving toward the truly inclusive community of a God who

Makes the impossible possible…."  (Response, September 2001, page 2, Assembly Of Diakonia World Federation)

 

PARTING

 

Leader:            "Let the word of God dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one

another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in our hearts sing psalms, hymns,
and spiritual songs to God."  (Colossians 3:16 nrsv)

One to another (read):

                        "I wish God's love to be with you, no matter where you go.

                        And I wish that God will always bless your soul;

                        That God's love you experience will be like a flowing stream,

                        That you'll see God's light come shining through the dark."

                             (Global Praise 2, No. 63, vs. 1)

 

SHALOM!