21st Century Liturgy Resources for the Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany, Year C

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Psalm 1)

A Confession

Without God, I deceive myself and anyone else I am able to fool. I say, "Follow me. I know the answer. I know the way." I act so strong. I act so cool. But all I do is act. Alone, "offstage," I question myself. "Am I strong? Do I know where I'm going?" My heart turns against me -- the traitor. I feel tested and exposed. There must be something more to life. Who can help me? I'm looking for something that's real. Something larger than life.

A Reply from Psalms

Happy are those who … delight in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all they do, they prosper.

Call to Worship

One: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord.

All: We're blessed!

One: The Lord tests the mind.

All: We're blessed!

One: The Lord searches the heart.

All: We're blessed!

One: Follow God's voice.

All: We're blessed!

One: Take joy in God's ways.

All: We're blessed!

One: You will be like a tree planted by water.

All: We're blessed!

One: You will be anchored in the time of storm.

All: We're blessed!

One: Watch over us Lord.

All: We're blessed!

One: Trust in the Lord.

All: We're blessed!

Suggested Music:

• I Will Trust in the Lord, 14, Songs of Zion
• Yes, God is Real, 201, Songs of Zion
• "My Soul's Been Anchored" by Douglass Miller
• "We're Blessed" by Fred Hammond

Prayer

Lord forgive me for being 'others focused'
for gossiping about others
for seeing others as pieces on a chessboard to be positioned for my comfort
for judging others too harshly
for becoming jealous or insecure when I see others being blessed in a way that I am not
for seeing others as threats.

Lord help me to be 'others focused'
help me to put the needs of others before my own
help me to let others off the hook
help me to see others the way you do ?? washed and made whole
help me to see the truth about others.

Amen.

(Brian C. Wilson)

Prayer of Confession
Merciful Lord, we pause to confess that sometimes we listen to the advice of the ungodly. We know better; but for some reason, we listen anyway. Forgive us. The lure of a quick fix, easy money, or pleasure turned our heads away from you Lord. Forgive us. We knew it was wrong as soon as we did it, but pride kept us from backing out of our decision. Forgive us. Teach us the joy of being righteous. Show us how to delight in being holy. Remind us that new life in Christ means new thoughts, new ways, new decisions. Forgive us for failing to trust you in all things. Amen.

Words of Assurance
God you are our trust, a place of safety in hard times. Thank you for hearing our prayer. Thank you for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We will listen for your voice in all things. We will listen for your direction through this life. Amen.

About the Authors: Kwasi I. Kena previously served on the staff of the Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, and a clergy member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. Dr. Kena is the author of several books.

Brian C. Wilson is the Director of Vocal Music at St. John's UMC in Houston, TX. Brian is a recording artist and lyricist and is featured on the recently released CD, Touch: The Pastor Rudy Experience.