Let the voice of the laity be heard! If not in the whole service, then find places for laity to lead. Moses, in our text, wrestles with God about the people, so let the people speak. Maybe there are those prepared to pray extemporaneously; perhaps there are those who can bring a testimony about the work of God in their lives; or let them read scripture or lead written prayers. Bring the voices you don’t usually hear on this Laity Sunday.

Call to Worship

(adapted from Exodus 33:18-19)

The goodness of the Lord passes before us;
The name of the Holy One is proclaimed for all to hear.
God is gracious and merciful to whomever God chooses;
Show us your glory, O Lord, we pray!

by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet. http://worshipcloset.com/words-for-worship-18th-sunday-after-pentecost/

Lord, Here I Am

(Litany for one reader and congregation or multiple readers and congregation)

Now Abraham was the first to go and must have been a brave man.
Because you did not say where he was going
and still he followed your command.
He shows us that when you ask us to move, we should say:
Lord, here I am.

There are many who are bold,
and, in your name, take a stand
when your people are hurting each other in ways we can’t comprehend.
Without a moment’s hesitation, they say to you:
Lord, here I am.

When we hear tales of injustice and oppression
happening across your vast land
we believe you want us to respond – to be your feet, to be your hands.
And while I don’t know the work you need me to do:
Lord, here I am.

You are working through our lives
to fulfill your mighty will and plan
and it requires a submission we sometimes cannot understand.
But as you promised to never forsake us, we each say:
Lord, here I am.

Ciona D. Rouse, The Africana Worship Book, Year A, Discipleship Resources, p.87

Laity Sunday Litany

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/laity-sunday1

Beatitudes for Laity

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for they know the unutterable beauty of simple things.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they have dared to risk their hearts by giving of their love.
Blessed are the meek,
for the gentle earth shall embrace them and hallow them as its own.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall know the taste of noble thoughts and deeds.
Blessed are the merciful,
for in return theirs is the gift of giving.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall be at one with themselves and the universe.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for theirs is a kinship with everything that is holy.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for the truth will set them free.

F. Forrester Church, Peace Prayers, Harper, p.95