Lord, we gather —
as infants in our parents’ arms,
as children with our snacks and crayons,
as youth whispering with our friends —
we’re just learning what it means to worship.
Lord, we gather —
as young adults trying to find our place within the church,
as parents caring for our children,
as mid-life people with mid-life questions,
as older adults wondering why the questions haven’t stopped —
we’re just learning what it means to worship.
Lord, we gather —
as people with lives too busy or not busy enough,
bursting with energy or already looking forward to that afternoon nap,
content, discontent, or somewhere in between —
we’re just learning what it means to worship.
We come before you today with our unique personalities and experiences,
ready and not yet ready for this time together.
Draw us by your Spirit into your embrace.
Turn our thoughts and voices to thankfulness and praise. Amen.
_____________________
For more on writing and other acts of faith,
sign up here for free email updates and receive
a copy of How to Pray When Prayer Seems Impossible
April Yamasaki 
April, we are doing a series of intergenerational services at our church (Jubilee Mennonite in Winnipeg). The worship committee has done a great job of planning. I really like your prayer and would love to use it when I lead worship a few Sundays from now. Would you be okay with that?
Yes, thanks for asking and letting me know – I hope it will make a good contribution to your worship.
I know it will!
April – I did almost exactly the same thing in our worship service this past Pentecost – cake, balloons, singing, etc. Except I didn’t have a lovely litany like you wrote. I’m going to save this for future use. Thanks for sharing.
I Love it, April! Thanks for sharing it with your blog circle.
You’re welcome, Wendy and Elsie – I’m glad you’re part of my circle 🙂