Epiphany 5 – February 9
Salty, Bright and Good:
Service Prayers for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany
February 9, 2020
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) • Psalm 112:1-9 (10) • 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) • Matthew 5:13-20
Call to Worship
Let the Mystery of God draw us in:
Beautiful, Just, Merciful!
Let the Wisdom of God surprise us:
Vulnerable, Powerful, Searching!
Let the Glory of God shine through our work:
Salty, Bright and Good!
In the Mystery, the Wisdom, the Glory of God
Let us worship!
Invocation
Wonderful God,
We gather today to celebrate your presence
in the lives of faithful people.
Send your Spirit to meet us here
and guide us into your depths
that we may begin to glimpse your grace:
what eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived–
all you have prepared for those who love you.
We pray this in the name of Jesus,
your Mystery, your Wisdom, your Glory.
Confession
Isaiah reminds us that our prayer, fasting and pious ritual
must be lived out in compassion and justice:
When we forget the fast you desire—
To do justice, and stand up for the powerless:
Lord, have mercy.
When we forget the prayer you love—
To show compassion, and care for those in need:
Christ, have mercy.
When we forget the rituals you require—
To create relationships of righteousness and peace:
Lord have mercy.
Assurance of Grace and Peace
Friends, the love of God revealed in Jesus
forgives us, heals us and sets us free
to rebuild, restore, and
raise up foundations for new generations.
With thanksgiving, let us offer one another a sign of Peace.
Passing of the Peace
Offering Call
Christ calls us to let our lives and our work
—salty, bright, and good—
give witness to the reign of God in our midst.
Let us generously offer our gifts
of time, talent and treasure,
that the glory of God
may be recognized and celebrated in our world.
Dedication
O God, please take these gifts and multiply them;
let them be a means to create the justice and peace
you long for in this world.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Benediction
Let the Mystery of God send us into the world:
must be lived out in compassion and justice:
Beautiful, Just, Merciful!
Let the Wisdom of God surprise us in the world:
Vulnerable, Powerful, Searching!
Let the Glory of God shine through our work in the world:
Salty, Bright and Good!
In the Mystery, the Wisdom, the Glory of God
Let us rejoice!
Salty Bright and Good: Service Prayers for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany were written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister for Worship and Gospel Arts, UCC.
Copyright 2020 Justice Local Church Ministries, Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.