I am happy to share liturgy that I have written for various worship services.
You are welcome to use them in your own services, I’d love to hear how you use them!
You are welcome to use them in your own services, I’d love to hear how you use them!
Call to Worship
Call to Worship written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Please join me in the Call to Worship, as we prepare our hearts and mind for worship.
One: On this World Communion Sunday, we come together,
feeling hungry and scattered, expectant and hopeful.
All: We come from north and south, east and west,
To be in the presence of God and one another.
One: In a pillar of fire by night, and of smoke by day,
God led the Hebrew people to the promised land.
All: It wasn’t what anyone imagined, it was scary and confusing,
But no matter what, God never left them.
One: And no matter what, God will never leave us.
All: Let us worship God, with all that we have and all that we are,
Knowing that no matter where we are this day, God is here.
Call to Worship based on Matthew 28, written by Rachel Whaley Doll
One: Jesus appeared to the women after the resurrection and said to them,
All: ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell the disciples to go to Galilee;
there they will see me.’
One: Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
All: When they saw Jesus, they worshipped him; but some doubted.
One: Whether we come to worship today filled with faith,
feeling full of doubt, or a little bit of both,
All: Let us come together in heart and spirit, knowing our joys
and our questions are welcome in this place.
Let us worship God!
Please join me in the Call to Worship, as we prepare our hearts and mind for worship.
One: On this World Communion Sunday, we come together,
feeling hungry and scattered, expectant and hopeful.
All: We come from north and south, east and west,
To be in the presence of God and one another.
One: In a pillar of fire by night, and of smoke by day,
God led the Hebrew people to the promised land.
All: It wasn’t what anyone imagined, it was scary and confusing,
But no matter what, God never left them.
One: And no matter what, God will never leave us.
All: Let us worship God, with all that we have and all that we are,
Knowing that no matter where we are this day, God is here.
Call to Worship based on Matthew 28, written by Rachel Whaley Doll
One: Jesus appeared to the women after the resurrection and said to them,
All: ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell the disciples to go to Galilee;
there they will see me.’
One: Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
All: When they saw Jesus, they worshipped him; but some doubted.
One: Whether we come to worship today filled with faith,
feeling full of doubt, or a little bit of both,
All: Let us come together in heart and spirit, knowing our joys
and our questions are welcome in this place.
Let us worship God!
Prayer of Confession and Declaration of God’s Grace
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Holy and Loving God,
We want to run with joy and embrace the good that surrounds us. But so often our vision is clouded with all that is hurtful. We react out of fear of what could be, instead of faith in your presence with us, and abiding love for us. Embolden us to remember that you have promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. Help us name our fears, so we can see them for what they are, so we can clear our eyes to see the love you have for us. Equip us with the grace to forgive ourselves and those around us, so that your dreams for our lives can be realized.
Moment of silent prayer.
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
O Holy God, we know we have fallen short. We turn our backs when we could embrace. We remain silent when we could speak. We speak when we could listen.
We close the door when we could fling it wide open. We judge when we could seek understanding. We cling when we could give. Forgive us, O God, for being so very human at times, and help us to continue to grow into the people you created us to be, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
One: Friends, hear the Good News: we are not alone. Christ has come among us, and stand beside us. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God! Alleluia, amen.
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Creative and Forgiving God,
We tried to do all the things, again. The list got so long and we kept trying to do it all. Some of us forgot to look around and see those around us, to really see them. Some of us ignored what our own bodies were telling us we needed, until we felt run down. It feels like the rules are changing everyday, and normal seems like something in history books. Help us to remember that You are with us. Help us, as we struggle in these days, that even when things feel hopeless, especially when things feel hopeless, that we can turn to You instead of lashing out at those around us. We’ve messed up, and we long to feel Your loving arms around us again.
Assurance of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, there is so much to celebrate today! In the midst of all that this day holds, we stand on solid ground. The God of our ancestors, the God who created us and holds us in love; God who came to earth and showed us how to love and forgive- that is who is standing with open arms for each one of us, to shout for joy and welcome us home, to forgive and love us, no matter what. Friends, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Loving and Forgiving God,
We tried so hard this week. To get enough sleep, to listen to you, to put our fear aside and show up for those we love. Sometimes we got it right, sometimes we almost did, and sometimes, at least inside, we didn’t use our filters very well. Yet you never, for a moment, left us alone. Help us once again, patient God, to breathe deep and receive the Holy Spirit you sent to be with us. Give us strength to exhale all that is not of you. So that every breath we take will be a prayer and reminder of your presence.
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Friends far and near, there is good news this day! Christ, who wept with Mary and Martha, even when he knew he would raise Lazarus, Christ who listened and taught as he walked on the road to Emmaus with some disciples, Christ who healed and loved especially those he wasn’t supposed to, that’s who waits with open arms to forgive us and welcome us into relationship. My friends, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Prayers of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Giving and Forgiving God,
We spend so much time and energy trying to do what we think is right, often times without actually asking you. We worry and stress over things out of our control, and don’t notice the gentle reminders you surround us with, of your patience and strength and love. Help us to breathe deep, in the midst of decisions and new adventures, and everyday stresses. Help us to stop believing that we have to do all the things all by ourselves, and learn again to reach out to you and those around us. This week, especially, we ask for your joy and guidance to be showered on Mia and Ella, as they journey through a very different senior year and graduation than any of us had planned. Remind us again, that you are with them and with us every step of the way, and that you have beauty and joy, comfort and laughter, surrounding us all, each day. We know you love us God, forgive our doubts and fears.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, I am so glad to share this good news with you! The same God that guided Ruth and Naomi, the same God that showed Moses and Esther and countless others a way out of no way, that is the one that listens when we cry out! God is waiting with open arms to forgive us and welcome us back into relationship whenever we ask. Friends, family in Christ, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
God, this is hard. We thought we were coming out of a long, hard journey, into a time that was going to be easier. It’s not. In our weariness, in our pain and grief, in our confusion and even in what we believe is assuredness that we are in the right, we have not always treated one another with your grace and patience. It is so hard to see our own way forward, there is nothing left in us to try and see things through another person’s eyes. Forgive us for the times we hurt others or you with our words or actions. Help us to breath in your peace, grant us the wisdom to listen, and give us the courage to try again tomorrow. (moment of silence...)
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, there is good news this day! The same God that created the octopus and the elephant, the same God that knew the world needed a you, that is who chose to come to earth as Jesus, a tiny, squirmy baby, that grew up to teach us and heal us and show us a whole new way to love one another. And that is the only one in a position to judge us. And yet Jesus waits, with open arms, ready to forgive us and welcome us back into relationship every time we ask. Friends in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Please join me in the prayer of confession, as together we bring all that we carry, to God.
Ever Present Counselor,
After another week of confusion and new mandates, changing numbers and old divisions, we come together in need of your grace. These weeks are running together, but each hour seems to trudge on for days. We don’t know what is the right thing to do, and we are tired of trying to figure out new creative ways to interact, and feed ourselves, and do everything differently. In our frustration, we latch on to those things that make us feel safe, to those things that strengthen our already held beliefs. We lash out at those who see things differently, and fail to see your Light shining in their eyes. We need space and a moment, to breathe in your Spirit, God. Help us see the uncertainty in the eyes of others, to remember they are struggling, too. Give us the strength to hold our tongues when we want to scream in anger, and give us an abundance of the hope we find in you, so we can connect with your children all around us. Give us the courage to let others minister to us, and the patience and strength to use our gifts to minister those around us. Thank you for not giving up on us. (Moment of silence.)
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Inhale a deep, belly breath with me… and let it out. Do it again… Friends, God is moving in and around us, even in these days of uncertainty and pain and fear. God did not leave the Hebrews in the wilderness, and God is not leaving us where we are! In his last days on earth, Christ told the disciples that he would not leave them alone, and he hasn’t left us, either. He gave them the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit is blowing among us, and we are filled with it every time we remember who and whose we are. Friends, in Jesus Christ, we are cherished and loved, forgiven and celebrated. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Giving and Forgiving God,
We come to you this day scattered and alone. Some days it feels like we are doing okay, and then we hear, or see, something on the news that makes us doubt and lose heart again. Some days the small connections we make feel like manna from heaven, and some days they leave us feeling more alone. This is hard, God, to keep up our courage in these days, and our patience with those closest to us. Thank you for being patient with us, for reminding us over and over that we are not alone. Help us to hear you, God.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
In the midst of all that frightens us, in the midst of all of our doubt, God breaks through, in new and surprising ways to bring us joy and laughter, to fill us with relaxing peace. Siblings in God’s family, you are loved, you are cherished, and whenever you reach out, you are forgiven and welcomed home with open arms! In Jesus Christ, you are always forgiven!
Prayer of confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Loving and Holy God,
We come to you exhausted and wrestling with so many emotions. Some of us are getting cranky, and some of us are starting to feel depressed. We long for the company, the hugs and laughter of our family, and our church family, but quarantine stretches on. It’s hard to keep following the rules, even though we know it’s so important. In these days of so many protesting, we are beginning to look honestly at the systemic racism that is woven into the fabric of our government and our culture. Give us the strength to not look away. Empower us to do the work of educating ourselves about the unequal laws that have stood for decades. Fill us with your Holy Spirit as we begin the work of dismantling those things that hurt your children. Stay close in these hard days, God.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Friends, even amid the ever falling rain, there is Light today! The same one that healed the sick and washed the feet of the disciples, that taught and listened and cried for his friends, that died and rose to surround us with love; he is the only one in a position to condemn us. And he stands, even now, with open arms, ready to forgive us when we ask, and welcome us into grace and peace. Friends, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Holy and Loving God,
We want to run with joy and embrace the good that surrounds us. But so often our vision is clouded with all that is hurtful. We react out of fear of what could be, instead of faith in your presence with us, and abiding love for us. Embolden us to remember that you have promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. Help us name our fears, so we can see them for what they are, so we can clear our eyes to see the love you have for us. Equip us with the grace to forgive ourselves and those around us, so that your dreams for our lives can be realized.
Moment of silent prayer.
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
O Holy God, we know we have fallen short. We turn our backs when we could embrace. We remain silent when we could speak. We speak when we could listen.
We close the door when we could fling it wide open. We judge when we could seek understanding. We cling when we could give. Forgive us, O God, for being so very human at times, and help us to continue to grow into the people you created us to be, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
One: Friends, hear the Good News: we are not alone. Christ has come among us, and stand beside us. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God! Alleluia, amen.
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Creative and Forgiving God,
We tried to do all the things, again. The list got so long and we kept trying to do it all. Some of us forgot to look around and see those around us, to really see them. Some of us ignored what our own bodies were telling us we needed, until we felt run down. It feels like the rules are changing everyday, and normal seems like something in history books. Help us to remember that You are with us. Help us, as we struggle in these days, that even when things feel hopeless, especially when things feel hopeless, that we can turn to You instead of lashing out at those around us. We’ve messed up, and we long to feel Your loving arms around us again.
Assurance of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, there is so much to celebrate today! In the midst of all that this day holds, we stand on solid ground. The God of our ancestors, the God who created us and holds us in love; God who came to earth and showed us how to love and forgive- that is who is standing with open arms for each one of us, to shout for joy and welcome us home, to forgive and love us, no matter what. Friends, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Loving and Forgiving God,
We tried so hard this week. To get enough sleep, to listen to you, to put our fear aside and show up for those we love. Sometimes we got it right, sometimes we almost did, and sometimes, at least inside, we didn’t use our filters very well. Yet you never, for a moment, left us alone. Help us once again, patient God, to breathe deep and receive the Holy Spirit you sent to be with us. Give us strength to exhale all that is not of you. So that every breath we take will be a prayer and reminder of your presence.
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Friends far and near, there is good news this day! Christ, who wept with Mary and Martha, even when he knew he would raise Lazarus, Christ who listened and taught as he walked on the road to Emmaus with some disciples, Christ who healed and loved especially those he wasn’t supposed to, that’s who waits with open arms to forgive us and welcome us into relationship. My friends, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Prayers of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Giving and Forgiving God,
We spend so much time and energy trying to do what we think is right, often times without actually asking you. We worry and stress over things out of our control, and don’t notice the gentle reminders you surround us with, of your patience and strength and love. Help us to breathe deep, in the midst of decisions and new adventures, and everyday stresses. Help us to stop believing that we have to do all the things all by ourselves, and learn again to reach out to you and those around us. This week, especially, we ask for your joy and guidance to be showered on Mia and Ella, as they journey through a very different senior year and graduation than any of us had planned. Remind us again, that you are with them and with us every step of the way, and that you have beauty and joy, comfort and laughter, surrounding us all, each day. We know you love us God, forgive our doubts and fears.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, I am so glad to share this good news with you! The same God that guided Ruth and Naomi, the same God that showed Moses and Esther and countless others a way out of no way, that is the one that listens when we cry out! God is waiting with open arms to forgive us and welcome us back into relationship whenever we ask. Friends, family in Christ, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
God, this is hard. We thought we were coming out of a long, hard journey, into a time that was going to be easier. It’s not. In our weariness, in our pain and grief, in our confusion and even in what we believe is assuredness that we are in the right, we have not always treated one another with your grace and patience. It is so hard to see our own way forward, there is nothing left in us to try and see things through another person’s eyes. Forgive us for the times we hurt others or you with our words or actions. Help us to breath in your peace, grant us the wisdom to listen, and give us the courage to try again tomorrow. (moment of silence...)
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Family of God, there is good news this day! The same God that created the octopus and the elephant, the same God that knew the world needed a you, that is who chose to come to earth as Jesus, a tiny, squirmy baby, that grew up to teach us and heal us and show us a whole new way to love one another. And that is the only one in a position to judge us. And yet Jesus waits, with open arms, ready to forgive us and welcome us back into relationship every time we ask. Friends in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Please join me in the prayer of confession, as together we bring all that we carry, to God.
Ever Present Counselor,
After another week of confusion and new mandates, changing numbers and old divisions, we come together in need of your grace. These weeks are running together, but each hour seems to trudge on for days. We don’t know what is the right thing to do, and we are tired of trying to figure out new creative ways to interact, and feed ourselves, and do everything differently. In our frustration, we latch on to those things that make us feel safe, to those things that strengthen our already held beliefs. We lash out at those who see things differently, and fail to see your Light shining in their eyes. We need space and a moment, to breathe in your Spirit, God. Help us see the uncertainty in the eyes of others, to remember they are struggling, too. Give us the strength to hold our tongues when we want to scream in anger, and give us an abundance of the hope we find in you, so we can connect with your children all around us. Give us the courage to let others minister to us, and the patience and strength to use our gifts to minister those around us. Thank you for not giving up on us. (Moment of silence.)
Declaration of God’s Grace written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Inhale a deep, belly breath with me… and let it out. Do it again… Friends, God is moving in and around us, even in these days of uncertainty and pain and fear. God did not leave the Hebrews in the wilderness, and God is not leaving us where we are! In his last days on earth, Christ told the disciples that he would not leave them alone, and he hasn’t left us, either. He gave them the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit is blowing among us, and we are filled with it every time we remember who and whose we are. Friends, in Jesus Christ, we are cherished and loved, forgiven and celebrated. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Prayer of Confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Giving and Forgiving God,
We come to you this day scattered and alone. Some days it feels like we are doing okay, and then we hear, or see, something on the news that makes us doubt and lose heart again. Some days the small connections we make feel like manna from heaven, and some days they leave us feeling more alone. This is hard, God, to keep up our courage in these days, and our patience with those closest to us. Thank you for being patient with us, for reminding us over and over that we are not alone. Help us to hear you, God.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
In the midst of all that frightens us, in the midst of all of our doubt, God breaks through, in new and surprising ways to bring us joy and laughter, to fill us with relaxing peace. Siblings in God’s family, you are loved, you are cherished, and whenever you reach out, you are forgiven and welcomed home with open arms! In Jesus Christ, you are always forgiven!
Prayer of confession written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Loving and Holy God,
We come to you exhausted and wrestling with so many emotions. Some of us are getting cranky, and some of us are starting to feel depressed. We long for the company, the hugs and laughter of our family, and our church family, but quarantine stretches on. It’s hard to keep following the rules, even though we know it’s so important. In these days of so many protesting, we are beginning to look honestly at the systemic racism that is woven into the fabric of our government and our culture. Give us the strength to not look away. Empower us to do the work of educating ourselves about the unequal laws that have stood for decades. Fill us with your Holy Spirit as we begin the work of dismantling those things that hurt your children. Stay close in these hard days, God.
Assurance of Pardon written by Rachel Whaley Doll
Friends, even amid the ever falling rain, there is Light today! The same one that healed the sick and washed the feet of the disciples, that taught and listened and cried for his friends, that died and rose to surround us with love; he is the only one in a position to condemn us. And he stands, even now, with open arms, ready to forgive us when we ask, and welcome us into grace and peace. Friends, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!