Liturgy–The Great Circle of Saints

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Let us gather in the name of the Lord who is the center of the great circle of saints. May the love of the Lord, who calls us to be saints, be with us.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Book of Acts. (Read Acts 4:8-12.) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Group 1		Sing a new song to the Lord. Sing out, all nations.
All		Proclaim God’s great deeds to all the world.
Group 2		Sing out and bless God’s name. Announce God’s saving power each and every day.
All		Proclaim God’s great deeds to all the world.
Group 3		Tell of God’s glory throughout the world. Announce to all people God’s great deeds.
All		Proclaim God’s great deeds to all the world.
Group 1		Let the heavens sing out in gladness and let the earth rejoice.
All		Give glory and praise to our God.
Group 2		Let the sea and all within it echo the sound.
All		Give glory and praise to our God.
Group 3		Let the trees of the forest sing for joy.
All		For the Lord, our God is coming. (based on Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13)
LITANY
Leader		Gracious God, you have made us a part of the great circle of saints. You hold us firm in the bond of your living Word, Jesus Christ. We know of many saints who have gone before us. From them we learn of the possibilities of serving you well. We petition your saints for guidance. Participants individually offer petitions. After each petition:
All		Pray for us, that we may show God’s love in our actions. After all petitions are offered:
Leader		O God, source of all goodness and strength we thank you for the saints who show us the way to you. May we become a guide for others. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.
All		Amen.
BLESSING
Leader		Bless us, O God, with the power of your name, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG