The Shepherd Reigns
Service Prayers for Reign of Christ Sunday
Proper 29 (Semicontinuous)

Jeremiah 23:1-6    Colossians 1:11-20      Luke 23:33-43

Call to Worship

Leader:             Once scattered throughout the land,

                        but now gathered as a united flock, we proclaim

People:            The invisible God is our Shepherd.

Leader:             All things have been created through the

                        Shepherd and for the Shepherd,

People:            The firstborn of all creation.

Leader:             And the Shepherd who was before all things

                        and in whom all things hold together

People:            Reigns now and forever as head of the body,

                        we the church.

Invocation

Holy and righteous Shepherd, you still speak to us. 

We listen and respond to your glorious power,

ready to worship you in word and deed,

joyfully giving thanks,

for you have enabled us to share

in the inheritance of the saints in light.  Amen.

Confession

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,

even at times not knowing

that we were blocking the work of divine love.

Forgive us for driving others away from the land

of justice and safety.

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,

even at times not knowing

that we were blocking the work of divine love.

Forgive us for not attending to the needs of others.

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,

even at times not knowing

that we were blocking the work of divine love.

Forgive us for not bringing back to the fold

those who are fearful,

and have gone missing from community.

Assurance of Pardon

Like the bandits who were crucified next to Jesus,

we too are forgiven—

no matter how much we may have scoffed at the Shepherd’s love,

no matter that sometimes we may not have known what we were doing. 

For in the Shepherd all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

and through the Shepherd God was pleased to reconcile to God all things,

whether on earth or in the heaven,

by making peace through the blood of the cross. 

The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has remembered us and forgiven us---

the gates of Paradise have been unlocked;

we are free to enter where the Shepherd reigns forever and ever!

Thanks be to God!

Call to Offering

The Shepherd has called us to be fruitful and multiply

all of our time, talent, and treasure,

so that we may help execute justice and righteousness in the land. 

We joyfully come forward now

to give all that was first graciously given to us

by our watchful and caring Shepherd, Jesus the Christ.  

Dedication

Gracious God, please accept and bless

our humble offering for your glory

in which justice and peace must reign.

Benediction

As we go forth to proclaim and serve others

through the loving care of the Shepherd,

may we be made strong with all the strength from God’s glorious power,

and may we be prepared now to endure everything with patience,

for the Shepherd has rescued us from the power of darkness

by the gift of eternal redemption.

Amen!

The Shepherd Reigns: Service Prayers for Reign of Christ Sunday, was written by James E. Janecek, an ordained minister with standing in the South Texas Association of the South Central Conference, currently serving as United States Air Force Installation Chaplain, Morón Air Base, Spain.

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.