Sunday, November 9, 2025
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost - Year C
Luke 20:27-38 | “God of the Living”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 17)
One: Guard me as the apple of your eye, O God.
Many: You wondrously show us your steadfast peace
One: Hide me in the shadow of your wings, Divine Spirit.
Many: You wondrously show us your steadfast strength.
One: I behold your face in righteousness, Christ of Hope.
Many: You wondrously show us your steadfast love.

Invocation
God of Love, Divine Traveler,
We see only a fraction of your presence, God.  We know you only in part, as we experience this world with our senses, our experiences, and what is tangibly in front of us.  How does the sacredness of each earthly breath draw us closer to your presence on this side of Heaven?  May we grasp the beauty of this world, even on the gloomy days.  May we cherish our relationships here on earth even when times are challenging. May we know that God is forever present with us and will care for us as we arrive at our eternal home on the other side of Heaven.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
God of the Heavenly Winds and Earthy Air,
So often, we concern ourselves about the afterlife.  We wonder who will be there, what we need to believe, and more.  Yet, on this side of heaven, in your earthly Realm, there are many still hurting from the pains accumulated in this life.  From illnesses to poverty, and from the lack of kindness to the overwhelming injustices, we overlook the needs of our siblings.  Open our hearts to the gaps happening in our world.  Allow us to be more compassionate and less judgmental about our neighbors who need additional help.  Help us to set aside our worries about the afterlife as we know you will care for us there and then.  Amen.

Words of Grace
Even when we are overwhelmed by our thoughts of life after death, God shares hope.  May God’s grace transform us here in this world  as we build the Realm of God here on earth.  Amen.

Invitation to Generosity
We have our minds set to our time after this life.  Yet God is calling us to care for our communities and churches here on this side of Heaven.  May we name the ways we can create Heaven on earth for our neighbors.  By using our talents, treasures, and time, may we seek to build safety and sanctuary for all of God’s children.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
God of Infinite Love,
Through our gifts, we create glimmers here on this side of Heaven.  Through our treasures, time, and talents, we nurture your Realm.  We provide for our neighbors who lack basic necessities and who look for inclusion of their souls.  May Heaven be a place that we can experience throughout our lives as we breathe the invigorating air of your Spirit.  With gratitude, we celebrate our gifts from you and dedicate our gifts to bring peace to this earth.  Amen.

Benediction
As we abide together on this side of Heaven,
May the Christ of Hope lead us to righteousness and justice,
May the Spirit of Strength fill our hearts with courage,
May God, our Joyful Creator, graciously settle our hearts with peace.
May we find ourselves on journeys seeking glimmers of paradise and the presence of the Divine among us.  Amen.

God of the Living: Service Prayers for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost was written by Rev. Michelle L. Torigian , an ordained UCC minister in Belleville, Illinois.