Do Not Be Afraid: A Processional Litany for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year B

Worship Notes -- Procession order:

Acolyte with candle lighter
Pastor, dressed as John the Baptist
(may use a large burlap sash or full costume)
Drummers and dancers using gestures that indicate that they are preparing the way
Additional clergy and/or worship leaders dressed to indicate that they are disciples and/or new believers about to be baptized

Do Not Be Afraid
Read: Mark 1:1-8 (Use The Message)
Read: "Do Not Be Afraid," from The Africana Worship Book for Year B, p. 33

As the processional group enters the sanctuary, the pastor or liturgist leads the congregation in the following litany:

Make a way for the Lord to come into your life …

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Strive to please God in all that you say and do …

We open our hearts to God.

Repent and turn from evil,
If we continue to walk in the wilderness of sin,
our dances, our songs, and our words bring shame to the Lord…

Forgive us, O God.

Ask God to shepherd us, to guide us like the river flowing.

Ask for forgiveness.

Forgive us, O God.

Wait on the Lord.

We wait on the Lord.

Come unto Christ.

We come.

Accept God's way of salvation through Christ.
Receive new life through water and The Holy Spirit.
Receive your baptism.

God, we receive your gift

Repentance, Forgiveness, Restoration, Grace, Favor and Acceptance
All of this belongs to us through our baptism.

We receive the blessings of God.

Seek continued guidance and direction to stay on the straight road…
And if you should falter…

Do not be afraid!

If you humble yourself in the sight of the Lord,
God will lift you up; God's Spirit will instruct and guide you.

Remember your baptism
Be all that you were created to be

We walk in faith, not fear
For we walk with God
And we are not afraid!

About the Author: Amelia Tucker-Shaw is active in the North Georgia Annual Conference and the Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications (public relations/religion & philosophy) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her interests include traveling, reading, and supporting social action that will transform the world, the church and/or the individual to become stronger in faith and love.

21st Century Worship Resources: Do Not Be Afraid Copyright © 2008, 2011Amelia Tucker-Shaw. All Rights Reserved. Posted with permission on the Discipleship Ministries Worship website.