Call to Worship

Disciples of Christ, why have you gathered today?
To worship God, who lives among us.

God lives among us all the time, so why have you gathered today?
To remind one another that God lives among us as we worship.

When you scatter from this place, what will you take with you?
Hearts open to recognize God living among us.

Then, come! Let us worship together!
We come to worship with rejoicing the Triune God who lives, loves, and moves among us as we gather and as we are sent from this place! Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2024.

Prayer for the Day

Holy One of mystery and power,
there is no God like you
in heaven above or on earth below,
keeping covenant and steadfast love
with all who walk before you
with pure and upright hearts.
Fill our lives with your glory,
as you filled the temple with cloud
when Solomon first brought the ark
into your holy dwelling place.
Give us the strength and the power
to withstand the forces of evil
at work in our lives and in our world. Amen.

Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Ministry Matters website, http://www.ministrymatters.com/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/search/label/Proper%2016%20B.

Prayer of Confession

Spirit of God, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on the armor of God. We are guilty of girding ourselves with lies instead of the truth. We try to protect ourselves with arrogance, superstition, and self-reliance instead of righteousness, faith, and your gift of salvation. Our footsteps do not follow your path of peace. And we are quick to use your Word to attack one another, instead of striking out against the sins we personally commit. Forgive us, Holy God. Gift us with the wisdom and strength to change our ways, so that we may live as your faithful ambassadors of the Good News. Amen.

Written by Amy Loving. Posted on The Worship Closet website, http://worshipcloset.com/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/08/confession-ephesians-6-10-20.html.

Benediction

Beloved, God dwells among us! This is good news! Go now in the blessing of the Triune God who created you, redeems you, and sustains you to live and love as neighbors to God and one another. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2024.