January 14, 2024
Second Sunday after Epiphany
“The Knowing”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 139)
One: We praise you, O God, for you are our God, and we are your people.   
Many:  Wonderful are your works, O God, we know them very well!  
One:  Search us and know us, Creator, remove us from shadows into your presence.
Many:  Wonderful are your works, O God, we know them very well! 
One: Place your hand upon us, Gracious One, as we worship you and minister in your name.
Many:  Wonderful are your works, O God, we know them very well! 

Invocation
Sovereign One, we acknowledge your presence among us. Stir up the gifts you have planted among us. Hold us in your care and present a mirror before us so that we may know ourselves as you have known us. Strengthen us in your mercy and let your grace propel us to renewal and righteousness. Lift us so that might arise in spirit and in truth for your glory. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy God, 1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us that "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial.All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything. You have created us in your holy and divine image. We pray to reflect your goodness in the world. We confess that we have engaged in actions and attitudes contrary to your kindom, and we ask for wisdom, guidance, and fortitude to be the people you have called us to be.  Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved creation of God, the Holy One knows you fully, completely, and affirmative from the secret places of your innermost parts. Receive the knowing as a gift of assurance that God’s grace is sufficient for new life. God will abide with us as we strive to follow the way of Jesus Christ.

Invitation to Generosity
The generous life rests on gratitude and trust in God’s abundance. As we give, we acknowledge that we have communally received more than enough to meet our collective needs. Our offerings serve to realize the reign of God’s kindom on the earth.  

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous God, cultivate and nurture gratitude and trust in us. May our gifts be used for the benefit of the kindom and all creation in your name. Amen.

Benediction
Go in the peace of being fully known by God.
Go in the hope that God has in you to transform the world.
Go in the love of neighbor and friend.
 Go in the assurance that God still goes with you. Amen.

The Knowing: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday after Epiphany was written by The Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, United Church of Christ.