By Katie Minnis

General Prayer

God of Prophets,

You call all of us to be prophets. Like shepherds with their sheep, you guide us in the direction you wish us to go. You make clear the path of goodness and righteousness. You set a plumbline for us to follow, an example guiding us toward the Way. May we be aware of your presence in our hearts today, as we use this time to prepare us for the journey to come.

Amen.

Call to Worship

Leader: Friends, what do you see?
People: We see that God has set a path before us.
Leader: What else do you see?
People: We see that God is among us.
Leader: And what else do you see?
People: We see that God calls us to be prophets
All: Together, we will speak God’s truth to injustice.
AMEN.

Prayer of Confession/ Prayer of the People

God of Mercy,
We confess today that we, like the prophet Amos,
struggle to accept our call to be prophetic.
We have infinite excuses for why you shouldn’t use us.
We are afraid to speak truth to power,
to speak of humility to egotistical systems.
Hiding behind our occupational identities,
we deny that we are all called to share the good news.
When we feel ill-prepared, grant us assurance.
When we feel unworthy, remind us of the imago dei
(the image of God) that resides in each of us.
When we struggle to know what words to speak, what moves to make,
keep us in sync with your Holy Spirit, letting you guide all we do.
Give us the courage to be prophets in a world where more grace,
Peace, and love are desperately needed.
Amen.