After Pentecost 17A – September 20

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | Year A
Exodus 16:2-15 | “Heard Your Complaining”

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 105)
One: O give thanks to the Holy One! Tell of God’s wonderful works.
Many: Declare God’s marvelous deeds among the peoples.
One: O give thanks to the Holy One! Give glory and rejoice!
Many: Sing praises to our God! Let our hearts be glad!
One: O give thanks to the Holy One: Remember the miracles and the judgments.
Many: The Holy One has remembered us. Praise God!

Invocation
Sovereign and Awesome God, we come to worship you, to know you and to be known by you. Expand our hearts to love fully. Build our courage to receive the truth. Nurture our spirits to be gracious, merciful, and kind. Transform us in your image and for your glory as we dwell in your presence. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life (Inspired by Romans 14)
Just God, we acknowledge that accountability is both a gift and a necessary step toward healing and repair. We also know that we do not sin against you alone. Forgive us for only seeking absolution from you for our benefit. Help us to reconcile with siblings, neighbors, friends, and enemies through recognition of harmful outcomes and committed actions toward repair. Amen.

Words of Grace
The Holy One is faithful to forgive and extends grace and mercy lavishly. At the same time, God wants us all to be well and whole. The Holy One will strengthen us to be accountable to both God and one another as well as to do the work of restoration and repair.

Invitation to Generosity
Let us give good gifts for the needs of our community with generous and loving hearts.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Loving God, thank you for the opportunity to participate in spreading the good news through the impact of the resources we offer today. Bless these gifts, magnify them, and sanctify them for your glory. Amen.

Benediction
As you go, spread the love and hope of Christ.
Let generosity be your guide.
Let love be your compass.
And let peace be your destination.

Heard Your Complaining: Service Prayers for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.