Open a bible, light a candle beside it, and pray the gathering prayer below. Sing “Amazing Grace,” which echoes words from Sunday’s gospel.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found.
Was blind, but now I see.
LEADER: St. Augustine prayed, “O God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
ALL: Be with us, forgiving God.
LEADER: Save us from righteous certainty that we deserve more than others and others deserve what they get.
ALL: Transform our judgments. Heal our relationships.
Through many dangers, toils, and fears, I have already come.
Twas grace that brought me
safe thus far
and grace shall lead me home.