Call to worship

Enjoy this mighty version of an old Shaker hymn, sung by a former cantor at the Central Synagogue in New York. Listen to Cantor Julia Cadrain’s words of introduction. Know that God is expressing in all of us today.

 Prayer

The opening lines of this prayer are adapted from a short prayer for public worship written by Nick Fawcett:

 God alive,

I acknowledge creation:

the vibrancy of a rainbow, tints of a sunset, hues of sea, sky, forest and field;

the feel of trees, rocks, soil and water;

the sound of birds and scent of flowers –

the awesome wonder of a world awash with colour, music, flavour and fragrance.

I also acknowledge the place within which we live:

home to the Mana Whenua and diverse peoples of Auckland;

Tāmaki Makaurau between the waters, the height of the maunga and the variety of our beaches, islands and open spaces and places both urban and rural.

I acknowledge the freedom to use our lives creatively:

to learn and unlearn, to forgive and to be forgiven, to be supported and to encourage others,

and to ask more questions than I have answers.

Thank you, God, for this day and all that is to unfold within it. Amen.