Epiphany 2A – January 18

January 18, 2026
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 49:1-7 | “Salvation May Reach”

Call to Worship (Isaiah 49:1,6-7 NRSVUE)
One: Listen to me, O Coastlands; pay attention, you people from far away!
Many: God called us before we were born; we were named by God while in our mother’s womb.
One: God made our mouths like sharp swords; in the shadow of God’s hand, we were hidden.
Many: God made us a polished arrow; in God’s quiver, we were hidden away.
One: I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
Many: Kings shall see and stand up; princes shall prostrate themselves, because of God, who is faithful, the Holy One has chosen you.

Invocation
Knitter of our bones and namer of our being, we invite you to encompass us with your spirit. Everything we desire can be found in you. You desire wholeness for us and in us so now we draw nigh to receive from you and to share in you. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Redeemer, granter of free will, helps us to stay encouraged to exercise our free will to cause heaven to exist on the earth. We confess that we often miss the bigger picture, while staring at the snapshot of our lives. You have equipped us to see each other’s suffering and remedy it. In doing so, we transform how we live and where we live. Amen.

Words of Grace
God’s ability to help us stay alert, keeps us open to salvation and the possibility of experiencing Heaven on earth at any given time. Heaven can be a place on earth. Amen.

Invitation to Generosity
In Heaven it’s believed that there is no good thing lacking. There is no scarcity, no shortage. We have the opportunity today to mirror Heaven. Let’s bring whatever we are led to the altar,
so that abundance may flow and that God’s people and house lack no good thing. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Creator of heaven and earth, receive these offerings from our hearts and our hands. May they be used to bring heaven to the earth.

Benediction
As we go forth, let’s keep in mind that heaven on earth is possible because the kin-dom is in us and the kin-dom is us. Amen

Salvation May Reach: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday after Epiphany was written by Rev. Teña T. Nock, who serves as The Associate Pastor of Digital Ministry, First United Church of Tampa, United Church of Christ. Mystic in the making.