Loving God, you surround us


with an amazing diversity of people who are diff erent than we are. We confess that too oſt en we turn away from those who don’t fi t in or who seem threatening or just plain odd. For the times we forget that all human beings are our sisters and brothers, forgive us. Lord, we sing our prayer to you. [Congregation sings: Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.] Continue the d minor arpeg-


gios for the fi nal section of the prayer:


Prayers of Lament Introduce this time of la-


ment and prayers by letting the congregation know that they will be invited to speak out loud examples of injustice in the world and in our community, examples of oppression from terrorists and others who we see as our enemies, examples of suf- fering from illness and infi rmity. A good tip is to talk with two or three persons ahead of time to explain the liturgy to them, and ask them to be ready to “shout out” their examples to model for the rest of the congregation what to do. Congregation sings


“O Lord, Hear My Prayer.” (Jacques Berthier, number 2200, T e Faith We Sing) A liturgist reads


Psalm 94:3-7. A second liturgist (or pas-


tor) speaks: God, we see injustice all


around and we long for your judgment. Hear us as we liſt up our frustration! [Persons speak out examples of injustice.] Congregation sings


“O Lord, Hear My Prayer.” A liturgist reads


Psalm 43:1-2.


Generous God, you provide us


with everything we need. We con- fess that too oſt en we hold tightly to our special belongings instead of sharing all that we have, trusting in your providence. For the times we turn our backs on the needs of others, forgive us. Lord, we sing our prayer to you. [Congregation sings: Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.] T is time the accompani-


ment stops at the end of the singing, while the leader off ers the words of assurance:


But there is good news even


in the midst of our shortcomings. Greater than any of our sins is the power of Christ’s forgiveness. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Amen and Alleluia! Another option is to use the


second half of the song as the words of assurance. Again, make sure you provide solid musical leadership if your congregation does not already know the melody. Consider also us- ing fi nger cymbals or chimes at the end of each whole note during the sung prayer response.


God, we are weighed down


with the burdens of our suf- fering. Each one of us knows someone who is struggling with cancer. Our families are experi- encing the grief of dementia, the anxiety of upcoming surgeries, the unrelenting pain of illness and injury. We long for comfort and for healing. Hear us as we liſt up our groaning! [Persons speak out examples of suff ering from illness and infi rmity.] A time of silence. [T is


UMNS photo by Mike DuBose speaks:


A second liturgist (or pastor) God, we are afraid in our own


communities. We must lock our doors against intruders who wish to cause us harm. Our country is en- gaged in an unending war against terrorists. Hear us as we liſt up our fears! [Persons speak out examples of fears about those who wish us harm.] Congregation sings


“O Lord, Hear My Prayer.” A liturgist reads


Psalm 22:14-15. A second liturgist (or pastor)


speaks:


needs to be at least one full minute; the worship leader should use a timer to make sure he/she does not cut off the si- lence too quickly. Consider be- ginning the silence by striking a singing bowl or a small chime, to help signify the sacredness of this time.] Conclude the silence by


singing “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” a fi nal time. T e worship designers


need to be very sensitive about what follows this lament in the service. Switching immedi- ately to a boisterous Children’s Time, for instance, would give the congregation a bad case of liturgical whiplash!


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January-February 2014 • WorshipArts • www.UMFellowship.org


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