A 21st Century Worship Resource for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year A

Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 116)

One Voice: Come! Lift your voices to the Lord, who always hears us.

Many Voices: Listen Lord. Hear our voices sing your praises.

One Voice: Call on the Lord, who bends low to hear us.

Many Voices: Listen Lord. We lift our voices to you in praise.

One Voice: Call on the name of the Lord, all you people.

Many Voices: Listen Lord. We call on your wonderful name.
For you saved us, you raised us and turned our lives around.
Let your name be praised in this congregation.

Call to Confession

Lord, too often we take the easy option. We hide in shame. We avoid the Christian family. We bury ourselves in work. We come today asking for the courage to run to you instead of away from you when we are in trouble. Hear our prayers, Lord. Bend down low to see our sincerity. Guide us along the path of repentance that leads to reconciliation.

Words of Assurance

The Lord is faithful to hear and forgive. Walk now in the confidence that God hears and forgives, loves and restores. Walk as one forgiven and tell others of the love of God.

Prayer for Illumination for the Sermon

Lord, like the disciples walking to Emmaus, we often fail to recognize you. Open our eyes to see you today. Open our ears to hear what you are saying to us today. Lord, as you did with those walking to Emmaus, spend time with us in fellowship until our hearts burn. Speak a divine message through a human vessel today, we pray. Amen.

From the Africana Worship Book for Year A. Used with permission.