Inherit the Blessing:
Service Prayers for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)  •  Psalm 112:1-9 (10)  

•  1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)  •  Matthew 5:13-20

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 112:1-9) 

Leader:             Those who revere God

find happiness and joy in God’s commands!

People:            Those who practice justice

inherit the blessing of God’s righteousness.

Their families inherit God’s enduring riches:

Love, faith, mercy, kindness, and peace,

the everlasting gifts of God that make us truly wealthy.

God rewards those who embody justice:

Mercy and compassion shine forth on their pathways

as a light disperses the shadows.

People who follow God’s ways are generous;

they lend money without interest;

they are honest in all of their doings.

Even in hard times, they hold on to faith

and their commitment to justice for all.

Let us lean not on our own understandings,

but with unwavering hearts, trust in God always.

We will not live in fear!

We have peace because we know God is able

to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can imagine!

Let us praise and worship God!

Amen!                                 

adapted from The Inclusive Bible © 2007 Priests for Equality

Invocation

God of Power and Glory, we worship you with gladness and awe.

We thank you for bringing us to this new day!

We praise you for getting us through the challenges of all of our yesterdays

and strengthening us for what lies ahead.

By your grace, may the light of Christ shine more brightly

in each of our lives. Blessed Spirit, make yourself known in our worship today

as we offer our hearts to you in word and song. Amen.

Confession

Holy One, you call each of us to be willing mouthpieces for you,

to be a prophetic presence in our circles of influence.

Yet, far too often, we seal our lips and refuse to speak up,

even when we sense you urging us to do so.

Those who hunger for your assurance and love

remain hungry because we fail to feed your sheep.

Indeed, we often hunger ourselves

because we do not feed our spirits with your holy word.

We become like salt that has no flavor.

Forgive us, we pray.

Restore us so we may speak restorative words to others,

full of the flavor of your grace, mercy, and love. Amen.

Words of Assurance

When we approach God with sincerity of heart,

we have the assurance that God hears our prayers,

forgives us,

and answers us with compassion and love.

Call to Offering

As we have received, let us also give.

Our financial gifts sustain the work of the Church,

both locally and abroad,

through Local Church Ministries and Our Church’s Wider Mission.

Give, so others may receive.

Dedication

Sustainer of Life, sanctify and multiply these offerings

so they may be symbols of your caring love to those who are in need.

This we humbly ask in the name of our Brother and

Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Benediction

As we conclude our worship service,

let our worship through our service begin.

With courage and compassion,

let the light of Christ in each of us shine brightly,

revealing the places where we can lift someone

out of the shadows and into the marvelous light of God.

Inherit the Blessing:  Service Prayers for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany was written by the Rev. Renee C. Jackson, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, presently serving as Pastor and Teacher of the First Congregational UCC in Ypsilanti, Michigan, an Open and Affirming congregation where God is still speaking.

Copyright 2011 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.