Prayers for Worship
Epiphany 3
by Ron Gordon

Luke 4: 14-21

Collect: 

Eternal God, you gave Jesus the Spirit to support him in his words and work. 
In him your promise and the peoples’ hope meet and are fulfilled. 
Give your church the same Spirit to enliven and accomplish the mission 
Jesus has given us. We ask in his name.  Amen.

Prayer:

Lord God you are enthroned on the praises of your people, 
but you look not for empty words or pious phrases from us, 
but for the pursuit of justice and mercy, and for the desire for peace 
amongst people. This we know through Jesus who came to us, met with us 
and gave himself for us. Blessed is God forever.

Lord Jesus, you underwent baptism for us, faced temptation 
and strengthened by the Spirit you overcame and commenced your mission amongst us, 
proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour. Your good news comes to the poor, 
you proclaim release to captives, new sight for the blind, and you let the oppressed go free. 
Blessed is God forever.

Holy Spirit, you energised the words and deeds of Jesus, sustained him 
through good times and bad, and used his words to inspire faith and acceptance in his hearers.  
You speak with us now and help us walk the way of Jesus and show his light 
and love in the world. Blessed is God forever.

Lord, on hearers who delight in the words of Jesus, but do not follow them up 
with faith and obedience: Lord have mercy.

Lord, when we do not respond with justice and peace towards others, 
nor care for their well being:   Christ, have mercy.

Lord, when we praise you with our voices but our heart is not in it: Lord, have mercy.

You are the one who offers us forgiveness of sins when we turn to you.  
We praise and adore you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

homecoming
by Jenn Gordon
 
Luke 4 :14-21

what had been the future for so long
arrived today
when he came home

he stood to read
and how the boy had grown
he spoke his mission statement
in the town where he was raised

            old prophet’s words fell
            loud and new upon the silence

like drops of oil they flowed
from head to toe
and no one looked away

it is accomplished, he said
fulfilled, made real and breathing
here today

but people get addicted to the wait
lusting after longing
they would rather seek tomorrow
than touch the present
tense

because what it means is
that the time has come
and what is past is gone,
changed, never to return

and change releases fear
and tears and fury
no hometown boy can tell them
how to speak their sacred story

© Jennie Gordon 2009

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)