A prayer as we enter:
O God, make the doors of this church wide enough to receive all who seek peace, love and fellowship, yet narrow enough to squeeze out envy, pride and strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, or a barrier to people with disabilities. Let its doors be open and inviting to all who enter, and may its walls resound with praise and the challenge to live the way of Christ.May we leave as brothers and sisters, to live the way of Christ, declare the love of God, and strive after God’s kingdom of peace, justice and love in the world. Amen.
a second version:
Lord, our God, source of all life, you reveal yourself in the depths of our being drawing us to share in your life and love. Bless each of us as we respond to your Spirit’s invitation to open wide the doors to Christ. Make the doors of our hearts, our homes and communities wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, narrow enough to shut out all envy, prejudice and pride. Let us hasten to welcome the stranger, and so welcome your Son. We make this prayer in his name, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
original version:
O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all who need
human love and fellowship, narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and
strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling-block to children,
nor to straying feet, but rugged and strong enough to turn back the
tempter’s power. God make the door of this house the gateway to Thine eternal kingdom. Amen.
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