21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost, Year B (Fleet)

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Job 23:1-9; 16-17)
We have had a hard week at home, school, work, and even in our communities. We come this day looking for refuge. All week long, we have longed to be in your presence. When we went forward, you seemed not to be there; when we reached backward, you could not be found. We looked to the left, but we could not see your face. We even groped to the right; but because of the darkness all around us, we could not see you. In our time of worship together with you O, Lord, we seek the power of your presence. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer
(Based on Psalm 22:1-15)
Holy and gracious God, what a week this has been!
Turmoil and tragedy,
Days and nights watered by our tears
Over drugs, murder, and chaos in our communities ?? even in some of our homes!
Some days, it felt like you were nowhere to be found.
People talked about us, despised some of us, and made fun of some of us
Because of our stand with you.

But you are our God!
Before we knew ourselves,
While we were being formed in our mother's womb,
You were there keeping us safe from all hurt, harm, and danger.
Without you beside us to protect us and deliver us,
Our enemies would pitch their tents around us and destroy us!
You have declared that we are your people and you are our God.
Please do not let us feel that we are alone in the midst of this chaotic world.

When we look back over the trials and tribulations that you have seen us through,
We can only be reminded of how grandmother, grandfather,
Aunts, uncles, mother and father trusted in your promises.
It is in those same promises of deliverance and salvation
That we find hope today.
Draw us near, today.
Reveal yourself to us today.
Protect us, we pray! Amen.

Prayer of Confession
(Based on Hebrews 4:12-16)
We your people confess, O God, that we need your Word to be lively, active, and powerful. May the power of your word enable us to look beyond the faults of others long enough to recognize our own faults. Nothing is hidden from you, O God. Help us to see ourselves as you see us.

(Silence)

Here we are, O God, with our faults and our failures. We have come confidently to your throne of grace because Jesus Christ, our great high priest, has gone before us. We ask that you forgive us, cleanse us, and heal us in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Words of Assurance
Hear the good news. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Praise God!

Benediction
As we go forth to serve our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, let us be reminded that material possessions do not make us great. Our worth comes from God. Go forth, knowing that we are rich when we serve others and that those of us who seek God's Kingdom will be first. Amen.

About the Author: The Rev. Bryan K. Fleet is the pastor of Mt. Zion-Warren United Methodist Church in Dickerson, Maryland, and a member of the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference.