Sunday, November 23, 2025
Reign of Christ Sunday - Year C
Luke 23:33-43 | “Today”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 46)
One: In this present time, no matter what passes before us,
Many: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 
One: As earth shakes and nations are in an uproar,
Many: God is present with us and is our refuge in times of trouble.
One: As the world trembles in fear and worry,
Many: May we find stillness and peace, knowing God is God of all.

Invocation
Holy Redeemer,
In the dusk of this liturgical year, we recall the beauty of our days together.  The blessedness of Christmas love and the light of Epiphany move us to bring illumination to our neighbors.  The hope of Easter and the strength of Pentecost inspire us to bring the Good News of God’s love to this world.  All of this is to create God’s Realm here on this earth, where we follow the steps of Christ, knowing the endurance of the Holy Spirit abides with us today and always.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Divine Grace,
Jesus promises paradise to his neighbor on the cross.  No matter what transgression the person had carried out, Jesus still promised a future filled with hope, mercy, and filled with your love.  And yet, even when we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we like to limit paradise for our neighbors.  We quietly ask: What have they done in their lives that they must ask for help, receive assistance, and lack health?  Yet what we don’t realize is that their misfortunes are not for us to judge.  Beloved God, open our hearts wide to mercy - both in receiving and in extending it to others.  May we shun judgment and open our hearts to a paradise here on earth where all your children can abide in peace and wholeness.  Amen.

Words of Grace
Through the words and acts of Jesus, we experience peace, hope, and grace.  God’s love is beyond limits and will move us to open ourselves to the beauty of infinite mercy.

Invitation to Generosity
What would happen if we were to set aside our worries and begin to create paradise on earth - here and now?  What if we shared just a little extra of our time, talent, and treasures so that others can experience paradise on this side of heaven?  When we share our gifts, the universe begins to transform for our neighbors, creation, and ourselves.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
God of All Time and Space,
You call us to transform the world through the extension of your grace to all of creation. May we find new and creative ways to share our treasures, talents, and time in order to create your Realm here on earth. May we work to create paradise beginning here today. Amen.

Benediction
As we transform our universe into God’s paradise,
May the Spirit of Strength give us courage to care for our neighbors.
May the Christ of Mercy give us peace in each time and space.
May our Creator of Hope inspire us to love in new ways.
Fellow companions on this journey: we are called to build God’s Realm, creating heaven on earth for all. Amen!

Today: Service Prayers for Reign of Christ Sunday was written by Rev. Michelle L. Torigian , an ordained UCC minister in Belleville, Illinois.