A Liturgy of Midday Prayer + Evening Prayer

Call to Prayer

Let us praise God together for binding us together
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.

God of our ancestors, God of generations,
As we struggle to reach you, our hearts already know you.
Calm us as we ask for your blessings.
We dwell in joy and pain and grief and love.
Help us praise you and surrender to your will.
Blessed are You, hidden in plain sight, present in simple moments, present for eternity.
Amen.

Psalm

Tuesday: Psalm 119: 25-48
Wednesday: Psalm 119: 49-72
Thursday: Psalm 119: 73-96
Friday: Psalm 119: 97-120
Saturday: Psalm 119: 121-144

Hymn: 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (UMH 462 -- audio (piano))

Words: Louisa M. R. Stead (1882); Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1882)

Vs1: 1 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take him at his word;
just to rest upon his promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

(Refrain)
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

Vs2: O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
just to trust his cleansing blood;
and in simple faith to plunge me
neath the healing, cleansing flood! [Refrain]

Vs3: Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
just from sin and self to cease;
just from Jesus simply taking
life and rest, and joy and peace. [Refrain]

Brief Reading

Tuesday: Exodus 16: 6-8
Wednesday: Hebrews 5: 7-10
Thursday: Isaiah 58: 13-14
Friday: Luke 19: 9-10
Saturday: Joel 2: 12-13

Prayers of the People

We lift up prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for the world, the church, for family and friends, and for the community.

After thanksgivings:
      Loving God…
      We give you thanks.
After petitions and intercessions:
      Merciful God…
      Hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer (non-traditional in Wesley’s setting)

Our Father in heaven, 
hallowed be your name. 
Your kingdom come, 
your will be done on earth, 
as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins 
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial 
and deliver us from evil. 
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 
now and forever. Amen.

Benediction

(Adapted from a prayer by Rabbi Alden Solovy)
God of all seasons, guide us and help us look toward the future.
Renew our hope and lead us to wholeness and healing for our selves and our world.
Amen.

Wesley United Methodist Church -- Bakersfield, CA