Wisdom Quest
Service Prayers for the 11^th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture Lessons

            I Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

            Psalm 111

            Ephesians 5:15-20

            John 6: 51-58

Call to Worship

Leader:             Come into this household of God

                        that we might all listen to God’s Word

                        and discern the wisdom that comes only from God.

People:            How can we discover such wisdom?

Leader:             The fear of our God is the beginning of wisdom . 

                        When we choose to live according to God’s will and plan,

                        God will give to each of us a wise and discerning heart. 

People:            May God fill us with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs! 

                        We have come to lift up to God the songs and music from

                        our hearts. 

Leader:             Jesus is here in our midst as living bread. 

                        We want to be nourished and strengthened that we may remain with him. 

                        Jesus is so close to us that we can taste his presence.

All:                  Praise the Lord! Learn of God’s compassion and mercy.

                        Praise the Lord with our hearts!  Praise the Lord!

Invitation  to Confession

                        As Jesus gathers us together in his presence,

                        let us turn now to name and confess the many ways

                        we so often deny or overlook that what we need

                        that comes only from beyond our imaginations and knowledge.

Prayer of Confession

                        All Wise God, we give you thanksgiving

                        that you have given us this time to look into our words, thoughts 

                        and deeds. 

                        We confess that we lure ourselves into believing

                        that we possess all of the knowledge that we need. 

                        As we go from place to place,

                        even though we say we want to hear your Word and speak with you,

                        we fail to see that we are always in your presence. 

                        We stray seeking other gods,

                        whose ways may be easy but cannot show us the ways of living wisely. 

                        We are afraid of being fed with the living bread of Jesus. 

                        Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we might live each day

                        according to your will and plan for us and for your world. 

                        Help us to discern your wisdom that we might live eternally

                        with you and Christ.

Words of Grace and Mercy

                        In God’s wisdom and compassion ,

                        we receive grace that we might live anew,

                        unburdened by the obstacles and pride of the past. 

                        Continue to feast on the living bread which is given to us each day. 

                        Give thanks to God who lifts us up with the gift of forgiveness. 

Commissioning

                        Go forth into the world trusting with your hearts

                        the wisdom God bestows upon all who seek to follow God’s will. 

                        When called to lead, do so with humility and confidence in God. 

                        Be in this world a sign of Jesus’ presence. 

                        Share compassion with all whom you encounter. 

                        Live wisely in God’s name,

                        and glorify God in all you do. 

Benediction

                        And may the grace, mercy and wisdom of God

                        be our support, guidance and strength

                        from this day forward and for ever more.  Amen.

Suggestions for Themes and Sermon Titles

-Discerning Hearts Seek to Know

-Living Wisely in a World When True Wisdom is Hard to Find

-In the Presence of God, the All Wise

-Where is Wisdom to be Found?

-Wisdom and So Much More

-Bread of Heaven, Bread of Life

-Let the Living Bread Live within Us.

-Be Not Afraid to Feast on the Body and Blood of Christ

-How Can Fear of the Lord be the Beginning of Wisdom?

Wisdom Quest: Service Prayers for the 11^th Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Dr. Bertrice Wood of Cleveland OH.Copyright 2009 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.