Sunday, August  24, 2025
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 13:10-17 | "On the Sabbath"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 71)
One: 	Let us worship the Holy One, our refuge, hope and trust. Our praise is continually of our God!
Many: 	God will not put us to shame. God is our rock!
One: 	Turn to the God who saves and delivers. Our praise is continually of our God!
Many: 	God's righteousness redeems. God is our shelter!
One: 	Find rest and delight in the Holy One. Our praise is continually of our God!
Many: 	We lean upon the Holy One. God is our sure foundation!

Invocation
God of the Sabbath, you make this day holy. As we gather in your name, redeem the days when our focus wandered and draw us back to you. Let your wisdom, justice, and compassion guide us. Slow our pace to attend to those things that matter. Open our understanding to the good that needs to be done. Sustain us for the challenges we face, Make your name known among us and through us. We glorify and honor you in spirit and in truth, in word and in deed, in season and out of season. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy God, we confess that we have trampled the sabbath. We claim your name and not your way. We cling to excuses to avoid discomfort or sacrifice in service of our neighbor. We turn from human suffering. We keep silent in the face of wickedness. Transform us, O God, that we might be saved from the vise of evil and the lure of inaction. Rebuild us with righteousness and hope and redeem us for your kindom. Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved, in Isaiah 58:9, the Voice assures, "Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and God will say, “Here I am.” God's abiding presence never leads us; God's transforming love will empower you to live the just and righteous life. Receive grace for participation and belonging in the kindom. God's mercies are renewed for us.

Invitation to Generosity
We invite you to participate in the kindom of God through generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. Our financial contributions enable this church to meet the needs of our community and spread the love of God. Let us give in grateful expression of our faith and gratitude for our generous God.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Gracious and Generous God, receive these gifts in faith and trust. Help us to be good stewards of the resources you have given to us and bless our generosity for your glory. Amen.

Benediction 
On the sabbath,
Make God's Name known
Love our neighbors
Spread the good news
Do justice
Seek Righteousness
And live in hope

On the Sabbath: Service Prayers for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.