Carol Penner, Author at Leading in Worship

Two Roads to Emmaus: A Reading with Luke 24:13-35

April 12, 2012

Narrator: Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them,

Jesus: “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”

Narrator: They looked at each other, and then at the stranger. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him,

Cleopas: “Actually, it’s none of your business.

Disciple: Can’t you see we are overcome with sadness. Please let us grieve in peace.

Palm Sunday Confession

March 22, 2012

On this day when we remember your triumphal entry
we admit that we, too, have paid lip service to you,
but have not wanted to follow when the road is difficult.
The words in our heads have often been,
“Can’t,” “Won’t,” “Never,” “Impossible.”
Believing our problems too deep for you,
we have underestimated your power
and stewed in our own misery.
We repent of this hardheartedness.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bright Easter Congregational Prayer

March 22, 2012

God of the bright and morning star,
God of the rising sun,
God of darkness banished,
we praise and worship you!
For empty tombs: thank you!
For disciples running with good news: thank you!
For your presence, alive, powerful, resurrected: thank you!
We celebrate your victory over death,
over all the powers that would defeat us.

Help us to grasp resurrection;
to understand its power,

Chorus of the Ages Easter Call to Worship

March 22, 2012

On this Easter morning of now done darkness
we lift our hearts with praise,
we open our lives with joy!
We thank you for our Saviour, the Light of the world
who has brought death to death, and life to life.
We come into your presence with singing,
our hearts echoing the chorus of the ages,
“Hosanna! Alleluia forever and ever!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Turn to the Cross Good Friday Prayer

March 22, 2012

We come gingerly to prayer on this Good Friday
holding the pieces of our broken world.
So much is ruined and spoiled,
so much hatred and anger,
so many acts of violence.
Our eyes turn to the cross
as evidence of our sinfulness,
we crucified even the one who loved us most and best.

There is no talk today of who is greatest,
no talk of triumph and victory.
Instead we stand quietly here at the foot of the cross,

The Ins and Outs of Jesus

March 22, 2012

Jesus never fit into the Inn crowd
there was just no room.
From the very start those in-power people
had very little use for Jesus.
Moreover, they were increasingly offended
by his accusation that they lacked insight.
In the end, they were incensed
and looked for any way to do him in.
Even the Romans had no use for Jesus,
although Pilate’s wife believed he was innocent.
It was inevitable, he was in for it.
In the final hours a cross, and then interred in a tomb…

Jesus is Coming Call to Worship

March 16, 2012

Jesus is coming!
From the mountainside, from the seaside,
from the homes of the rich
and the company of the poor,
from the bedside of those who are sick,
Jesus is coming!
Along dusty roads,
with a ragged band of travellers,
Jesus comes to Jerusalem,
Jesus comes to worship.
Will we greet him with Hosannas?

Let’s pray:
We have come to meet you today, Jesus.

Palm Sunday Offering Prayer

March 16, 2012

The crowds offered you their coats to walk on,
they waved palm branches, honouring your presence.
Today we honour you, Lord,
with our faithful tithes and offerings.
We lay these gifts before you,
humble tokens of our love,
a public display of affection for our King of kings. Amen.

Palm Sunday Congregational Prayer

March 16, 2012

Thank you God for your triumphal entry into our world each and every day.
The slow motion explosion of buds on the trees proclaim “Hosanna!”
Rushing water, falling from heaven, gurgling to the sea, proclaims “Hosanna!”
The fragrance of spring in the morning air proclaims, “Hosanna!”
And the beauty of a baby’s fingers, the softness of their cheek proclaims your praise!

We long to join this chorus, giving you thanks and praise for who you are,
for all you have created, all you are creating.
Thank you for sending Jesus, who showed us your love for all creation,
your love for us….

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

Carol Penner

Two Roads to Emmaus: A Reading with Luke 24:13-35

Palm Sunday Confession

Bright Easter Congregational Prayer

Chorus of the Ages Easter Call to Worship

Turn to the Cross Good Friday Prayer

The Ins and Outs of Jesus

Jesus is Coming Call to Worship

Palm Sunday Offering Prayer

Palm Sunday Congregational Prayer

About Carol Penner

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