PSALM 125 (A version for today)
Trust in the LORD, and be like a mountain;
firm, unshakable, and standing for ever.
Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains;
just so, the LORD surrounds us, now and for ever.
Surely injustice will not continue to rule
over the hopes of those working to put things right;
otherwise they too will become unjust.
Do good, O LORD, to the good,
and to those trying to walk a straight path in their living.
But may the LORD carry off those who lives take winding, devious ways;
together with those doing evil.
Peace be on God's people.

THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE (from Psalm 125)
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
they are like Mount Zion which is immovable, abiding for ever.
Jerusalem has mountains surrounding it,
and the LORD God surrounds God's people even now, and for all time.
God of the unexpected moment,
you have gathered us by your Spirit
to serve us and renew us, and surround us.
Break in on our world like hearing to the deaf,
sight to the blind, speech to the dumb;
come in your unexpected hour.
Bring form to our chaos, light to our darkness, 
and life to our hearts.
Fill us with your expectant Spirit:
and so transform our gathering to your glory,
and perfect our worship for your praise. Amen

PRAYERS OF ADORATION (from Proverbs 22)  AND CONFESSION (from Psalm 125)
Gracious God,
creator and giver of life to all, both rich and poor;
we worship you, LORD God.
Your name is beyond great riches,
By your generosity we are blessed;
we worship you, LORD God.
With manna you sustained your people in the wilderness
and with the bread of life you feed us
in the midst of the adversity and injustice of this world 
Your spirit of compassion is beyond silver and gold;
we worship you, LORD God.
You plead the cause of the poor and oppressed,
give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, 
and a song of joy to the speechless.

You create us and accept us as we are, O God.
For those times when we have failed 
in our relationship with you and with each other,
LORD have mercy.
For those times when we have passively accepted
injustice done to others,
LORD have mercy.
For those times when we have enjoyed your creativity around us,
but have been afraid to ask for our own healing,
grant us your peace.  Amen.

For use in worship, with acknowledgement. © Jeff Shrowder 2000.

Looking for contemporary music and song resources? Try David MacGregor's Together to Celebrate
Or metrical psalms? Try Dale A. Schoening's Sing the Psalms

HYMN SEARCH FOR SUNDAY 23 - YEAR B
God is my strong salvation	TIS 15	AHB 493
God of all power and truth and grace	TIS 567	AHB 477
I'll praise my maker while I've breath,	TIS 90	AHB 44
]esus,lover ofmy soul	TIS 211	AHB 139
Lord we are blind	TIS 633	AHB 563
Sent forth by God's blessing,	TIS 531	AHB S76
Your words to me are life and health	TIS 430	AHB 337
Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9
God who stretched the spangled heavens	TIS 163	AHB 112
Happy are they who walk in God's wise ways	TIS 1	SA 43
Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour	TIS 520	AHB 441
Made in God's likeness, moved by the Spirit	TIS 671	SA 65
Where cross the crowded ways of life	TIS 608	AHB 532
Psalm 125
Glorious things ofyou are spoken	TIS 446	AHB 374
God is love; let heaven adore him	TIS 153	AHB 53
Morning has broken	TIS 156	AHB 91
Our God, our help in ages past	TIS 47	AHB 46
Safe in the shadow of the Lord	TIS 644	SA 74
James 2:1-10,14-18
All the sleepy should have a place to sleep	TIS 697
Father, all-loving, and ruling in majesty	TIS 160	AHB 104
Fold to your heart your sister and your brother	TIS 587	AHB 503
Forthinthy name, O Lord, I go	TIS 571	AHB 480
I the Lord of sea and sky	TIS 658
In Christ there is no east or west	TIS 459	AHB 391
Kneels at the feet of his friends	TIS 640	AHB 561
O thou who camest from above	TIS 572	AHB 486
Praise and thanksgiving Father we offer	TIS 627	AHB 569
Son of God, eternal Saviour	TIS 606	AHB 529
Where cross the crowded ways of life	TIS 608	AHB 532
Mark 7:24-37
Father of mercy, God of consolation	TIS 472	SA 33
God of mercy, God of grace	TIS 452	AHB 379
If we will trust in God to guide us	TIS 554	AHB 459
O bless the Lord, my soul	TIS 64	AHB 63
O Christ the healer, we have come	TIS 638
O for a thousand tongues to sing	TIS 210	AHB 141
What God ordains is always good	TIS 109
Where there is charity and love	TIS 434	AHB 591
You satisfy the hungry heart	TIS 539