The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 14
August 7, 2022
“Treasures in Heaven”

Call to Worship
One: Creator resides in the midst of creation…calling us to this community.
Many: Our world waits for the Holy One, our help and shield.
One: God our Righteousness gazes upon the beloved with delight and concern.
Many: Our bodies wait for the Holy One, our help and shield.
One: The Spirit of the Living God greets us with fresh winds and new mercies.
Many: Our souls wait for the Holy One, our help and shield.

Invocation
Abundant God, we wait for you with longing, hope, and anticipation. May your kindom be realized in this community. May your people be your ambassadors. May your love be our propeller in the world and our beacon to direct us home. Fill us with the bread of life and nourish our spirits to be your good news in the world. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious God, you have created a world of abundance and flourishing. Every resource, every gift, every product originates from the generosity of your creation and the creativity you have bestowed upon us. Forgive us for misuse and overuse of your gifts. Reveal our miserly attitudes toward the plentiful trove of resources you have entrusted to our care.  Sow generosity in us, reveal abundance to us, and enable flourishing through us. Amen.

Words of Grace
Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Grace is such a gift; mercy is another. Transformation and new life descend freely from the Most High to all who would receive it. Receive the assurance of God’s grace and compassion as precious treasure made available to all. 

Invitation to Generosity
Luke 12:34 informs us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Let our hearts direct the use of our resources, our time, and our talents. May our generosity meet God’s abundance in attending to the needs and hopes of our community.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous One, receive the gifts we bring as we return a portion of your treasure to the use of your kindom. May your will be manifested and your creation restored through sharing these offerings. Amen.

Benediction
Live in the abundance of God’s treasure, spreading the love and peace of Christ in the world to the glory of God. Amen.

Treasures in Heaven: Service Prayers for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost were written by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, United Church of Christ.

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