Give Thanks for the Word on Reformation Sunday
Service Prayers for the 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 26 (Inclusive)

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4         Psalm 119: 137-144             
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12                 Luke 19:1-10

Call to Worship

Leader:             O God, you are righteous

People:            Transform us by your Word!

Leader:             Your judgments are upright

People:            Transform us by your Word!

Leader:             Your precepts are unforgettable

People:            Transform us by your Word!

Leader:             Give us understanding and we will live

People:            Re-form us, reconcile us,

                        Transform us by your Word!

Prayer of Invocation

         O Still Speaking God,

            throughout history and the wide world

            you have gathered people around your Word

            to instruct and inspire. 

            We give thanks for all

            Who have received your vision

            and shaped diverse and faithful communities

            to follow in your Way.

            Continue to open that vision to us,

            that we may become transformed

            by the renewing of your Word in our hearts.

            Let us grow in love and understanding for each other .

            Create in us O God clean hearts and minds;

            Let us join with you in your suffering and your triumph.         

            We desire to be your children and

            We claim these blessings in your name.  Amen.

Call to Confession

Leader:             We confess we have strayed away from your Word

People:            We cry out to you,   O God

Leader:             We confess that we have allowed the worries of this world

                        to drive us away from your vision for our lives

People:            We cry out to you,   O God

Leader:             We confess that there is strife and contention all around us

People:            We cry out to you,   O God

Leader              Let us confess together:

                        That we are powerless

                        and have taken our focus off your Word….                

                        that we have not allowed your Word to work in our lives,                                                 

                        yet we continue to cry out to you in times of trouble and need. 

                        Grant understanding and wisdom

                        that we may see your vision and apply it in our lives. 

                        Hear our prayer, O God, and      

                        Call us back to you.

Assurance of God’s Love 

            The scriptures tell us that God’s love will find us

            no matter how far away we are from the Word. 

            Just as Jesus found Zacchaeus hiding in a tree,

            God will find us and bring us home.  

            It does not matter what we have done wrong,

we still belong to God. 

            We have the assurance that God will rescue us. 

            This is the good news of the Gospel!

Invitation to Sharing

            Let us prepare to contribute to the kingdom of God

            so that others may hear the word and be reconciled to God.  

            Give as God has blessed you to give;

            now is the time to share your gifts, tithes and offering.

Prayer of Dedication

            Bless every person that is present in the building today. 

            Bless the tithes and offering for glory of your kingdom.  

            Bless everyone who has offered time, talent, and treasure to your work. 

            We ask everything in your mighty name.  Amen.

Benediction

            Give us faith to walk in your path and power to stand the test of life.   

            Allow your voice to call us back whenever we go astray. 

            We leave in peace, knowing that you will never leave nor forsake us.   Amen

Reformation and Reconciliation: Service Prayers for the 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost  was written by LT Leticia Rouser, a chaplain in the United States Navy stationed in Gulfport, MS.

Copyright 2010 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.