After Pentecost 4C – July 6
Sunday, July 7, 2025
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 | “Like Lambs”
Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 30)
One: Sing praises to the Holy One, O you faithful, and give thanks to God’s holy name
Many: Shepherd and Source, you guide us in wisdom. You cover us in love.
One: Sing praises to the Holy One, O you faithful, and give thanks to God’s holy name
Many: Comforter and Spirit, you encourage us in times of trouble. You strengthen us for the journey.
One: Sing praises to the Holy One, O you faithful, and give thanks to God’s holy name
Many: Redeemer and Friend, you hear our cry, redeem the years of struggle, and restore our joy. Praise the Holy One!
Invocation
God our Good Shepherd, we come to worship you, to tell of the story of your marvelous deeds, to lament the horrors and suffering in the world, to find strength to be your witnesses, and to remind ourselves of the truth of what is possible. May our prayers rise to your heart, and your heart infiltrate our prayers. May we sing songs that move you with delight and compassion. May we recognize and ponder the wisdom you impart to us. And, may peace rest upon us as we gather in your name. Amen.
Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Righteous God, forgive us for praying for the harvest without planting seeds. Forgive us for praying for the harvest without preparing the soil. Forgive us for praying for the harvest without tending the land, discerning weeds, and ensuring an adequate supply of water. Transform us for the work of the harvest. Transform us into cultivators of hope and joy. Transform us to plant seeds of justice and love. God of the harvest, equip us for the labor of stewarding the roots of new life you offer. Amen.
Words of Grace
Beloved, there is room in the garden for you and the gifts you bring. Receive the grace of God to plant and replant, to till and to tend, to harvest and to hope. Rest in knowing that the One who sends you to work for a good harvest will sustain, guide, and renew you in this life.
Invitation to Generosity
Galatians 6:2 challenges us to, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The reign of God assures us that there is enough. The Holy One’s creation and provision remains abundant, and we participate in the kindom by refusing to hoard and to withhold from our siblings. Let us magnify the name of Creator by repudiating the falsehood of scarcity. Let us share in all things good given to us by the Generous One for common benefit and mutual aid.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
We give you thanks, Wise God, for cultivating generosity within us and alerting us to the needs around us. Use these gifts for the expansion of your will on earth and the blessing of your beloved. In your name and in hope, we give these gifts. Amen.
Benediction
Go and say, “Peace.”
Say peace when despair threatens to overwhelm you.
Say peace when the news of the day invites you to apathy or avoidance.
Say peace when a ceasefire is not enough.
Say peace because a loving approach to conflict can build it.
Say peace because a faithful people can realize it.
Say peace because the God of Peace is with you.
Go and say and be peace in the world.
Like Lambs: Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.
