A Liturgy for Leaving
***Note: This liturgy will be used on Sunday June 14 in the place of our usual Prayers of the People.
Almighty God, you have called your people out of darkness into your marvelous light, and have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone. Sustain your holy Church throughout the world in faithfulness, unity, and love, that we may walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, we give you thanks for this building. We thank you for every prayer offered within these walls, every sermon preached, every sacrament celebrated, every life touched by your grace in this place. You have made it a house of your habitation, and we bless you for it. May these stones and timbers continue to shelter the work of your Kingdom, and may all who enter here find welcome, truth, and the living presence of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Father, we pray for Emmaus Church, the congregation that calls this place home — for their people and their pastors. Grant them every necessary grace. Where there has been sorrow, bring healing. Where there has been labor, bring fruit. Let this place be a sign of your kingdom and a refuge for the weary.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Giver of all good gifts, as we, Church of the Good Shepherd, go out from this place, we release it with open hands and grateful hearts. What you have built here is yours. What you will build here is yours. Give us grace to part well, to honor one another, and to rejoice in what your Spirit will do in and through this place long after we have gone.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Guide and sustain, O Lord, the ministry to which you are now calling us. You who opened the eyes of the blind, open before us doors of witness and service. Make us a people of light in the places you are sending us. Provide for every need, raise up every worker, and let the work of our hands be established — not for our glory, but for yours.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Have compassion on this city and its people. Hear the cry of the poor, the lonely, and the lost. Raise up laborers for the harvest. Give wisdom to those who govern and healing to the sick and suffering. And hasten the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before these walls were raised, you were here. After we have gone, you will remain. Accept these prayers, offered with thanksgiving and hope, and accomplish in us and through us more than we could ask or imagine — to the glory of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.