Lord, Is That You? A 21st Century Africana Resource for the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Genesis 28:10-19a)
Lord, was that you,
when life shoved me, and I stumbled but did not fall?
Lord, was that you,
when my child went astray, and I worried but still managed to hope?
Lord, is that you,
encouraging me to overcome self-doubt and go back to school?
Lord, is that you,
keeping my family together while my spouse serves active duty overseas?

Surely the Lord is with me throughout each day — even when I do not know it.

Call to Worship
One Voice: Despite hardship, our ancestors dared to dream God-sized dreams.

Many Voices: Praise God for hope-filled dreams.

One Voice: Do it again, Lord. Dream big dreams through us today!

Many Voices: Praise God for new dreams for our generation.

One Voice: Invisible God, be visible through our faith today.

Many Voices: Praise God who empowers us with faith to see what others miss.

One Voice: Will we stop building a better future because of evil?

Many Voices: No! Our God will deliver us from evil!

One Voice: Will we concede our neighborhoods because evil walks the streets?

Many Voices: No God will judge all evildoers!

All Voices: Come now, Lord, and fulfill your dreams in us today!

Call to Confession
(Based on Psalm 139:1-12; 2-24)
I stand before God knowing that "confession is good for the soul." But the thought of opening myself before you is overwhelming. At times, I cannot bear to remember how often I have gone astray. At other times, I cloud my memory, justifying what I know is wrong in your sight. I cannot trust myself to confess my sins as often as I should. I need you to help me to be honest. So, like the psalmist, I say, "Search me Lord." You know me. You know my thoughts. You know where I have been and where I am going. Search me Lord; and if there is any wicked way in me, deliver me and lead me into righteousness.

Words of Assurance
Hear these words of assurance. The Lord is slow to anger and quick to forgive. The cleansing power of the Holy Spirit is here today. Receive God's forgiveness and the Holy Spirit's cleansing. Walk now in the newness of life afforded children of God. For additional resources for July 17, 2005 see Worship Planning Helps, Preaching Helps, and Lectionary Hymns. Please also see Additional 21st Century Africana Worship Resources.

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Kwasi I. Kena is a former staff member of Discipleship Ministries.