5-November-23 (Matthew 23:1-12)

The burdens you're carrying right now probably weren't put on you by the Pharisees, as in Jesus' time, maybe it was you yourself who laid them on.  Whomever and however they came to be there, as we come to the Table today, let us remember that this is a place to lay burdens down.  Not just the burdens and cares of our daily lives -- surely those -- but also that great burden that comes from us being sinful human beings.  As we remember Jesus, let us also remember that the new covenant in his blood was given for the forgiveness of sin.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God who calls us as we are and forgives all we've done, we thank you for the assurance of your forgiveness today.  We thank you for the symbols of bread and cup that remind us of Jesus and how much he gave to make your forgiveness known to us.  As we take the bread and cup, let us commit ourselves to lifting burdens for others and sharing your freely-given love with all we meet.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN