By Katie Minnis
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Luke 13:10-17)
General Prayer
God Who Knows Us,
In Jeremiah, we read how you formed our souls, long before anyone knew us. You consecrated us for kingdom work long before our birth. You’ve called us to be a prophet to the nations! We know that life moves in cycles of growth and destruction, picking and pulling, building and overthrowing.
Yet, we may rest in the assurance that we are known and loved by God, who creates beautiful things!
Amen.
Call to Worship and Action
Leader: The Lord calls to us to go into the world–
People: We will go!
Leader: God commands us speak as God commands–
People: We will speak!
Leader: God assures us, “Do not be afraid”—
People: We trust that God will deliver us!
AMEN.
Prayer of Confession/ Prayer of the People
Holy God,
You have created us with purpose.
You have given each of us gifts and talents that we might use to
bring forth your kingdom to this earth!
We confess that we selfishly use our gifts for personal gain, forgetting that they, too,
are a means of tithing.
You have bestowed on us unique abilities that allow us to help your children across the world–
the poor, the orphan, the widow, the immigrant, and the oppressed.
How beautiful a gift you have given us! Forgive us when we forget to share it.
As you did for the prophet Jeremiah, put your hand to our mouths,
our hands, our feet, our minds… all the different parts of us
so that we may speak,
act, write, teach, comfort, and share
your good news!
May our magnificently different voices carry the incredible message of your love,
redemption, and grace.
We are called to be prophets!
Amen.