Sunday, June 29, 2025
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 9:51-62 | "Along the Road"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 77)
One: 	Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?
Many:  You work wonders and display your glory. How great is our God!
One: 	Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so merciful as our God?
Many:  You redeem your people from generation to generation. How merciful is our God!
One: 	Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so just as our God?
Many:  You hear the cries of the troubled and move in righteousness. How just is our God!

Invocation
God who journeys with us, we gather together as we follow you. You have made rough ways smooth. You have parted seas. You have given us strength to climb mountains and courage to traverse valleys. We open ourselves to the heartbreak of caring for the world that you love. We claim hope and joy as our inheritance and portion. We remember that you are with us and give you thanks for the journey. Hallelujah and amen.

Prayer  for Transformation and New Life
God of Grace, sometimes the call to follow you comes softly and gently. At other times, your call rushes in with urgency and may even overwhelm us as we balance the obligations of the day with the needs of the day. Gift us with discernment to know what needs our attention, focus, and energy. Free us of distractions, even and especially the ones we create for ourselves. At the same time remind us how to breathe and to be gracious toward one another. We travel a road we have not built and have not journeyed before. We rely upon you to demonstrate the way and lead us into the fullness of life and your kindom. 

Words of Grace
Beloved, the grace of God companions with you along the road. We journey this life in Christ, through Christ, and with Christ. Trust and rely upon the wisdom of the Everlasting One who knows you, the gifts you bring, and the burdens you bear. New life and transformation, as all things, are possible with God. Receive God's grace to free you from fear in order to embrace the journey. 
 
Invitation to Generosity
When we give generously of our resources, our gifts witness to God's abundance, provision, and care. When we give, our gifts demonstrate our appreciation, trust, and compassion to God. Let us give as witnesses of the glory of God and the love of God in the world.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
God our Provider, receive these gifts for your creation, for your kindom, for your glory. Amen.

Benediction (traditional gaelic blessing modified for inclusivity)
May the road rise up to meet you. 
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of God's hand. 

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