The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
November 13, 2022

Call to Worship
One: Steadfast One, there is no wavering in you.
Many: We come boldly, yet uncertain and unsure.
One: Fountain of truth, you reveal what is true and what is not.
Many: You help us to see and hear so we’ll know which road to travel.
One: Eternal Wisdom, your mind and heart are stayed on loving us.
Many: We set our hearts and minds to love ourselves and others, the way that you do.

Invocation
Unwavering One, we are thankful for the clarity found in you.  You welcome us into your presence, even when we aren’t sure of our approach to you. We delight in knowing that even when we come stumbling over ourselves, your love is sure to pick us up and steady us. Because you are love, you keep your promises to us. Help us walk unwavering in the love that helps us keep our promises too. Amen

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Source of Grace, we confess that at times we can be indecisive, wavering, and even suspicious concerning you. Yet, you are loving toward us even when we are not. We know that you are trustworthy, so we yield our doubts to you. You are persistent in extending grace toward us because your compassion is ever-expanding. Thank you for this moment of transformation. We give you thanks for wholeness. Amen.

Words of Grace
God is unwavering in mercy, and because we come from God, we know God’s grace is sufficient no matter our condition. Grace and mercy are extensions of God’s steadfast love and are present for us and in us. Amen.

Invitation to Generosity
God is unwavering in giving to us, so let us give to God. Let us choose to bring our gifts with made up minds to foster and build the Beloved Community. Let these resources be used to steady the work of the Kin-dom. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Divine One, receive our gifts in the love we give them. Thank you for blessing us with gifts to share, so the needs of your people can be met. We offer our gifts with made-up minds. May what we give be used to facilitate wholeness for all. Amen.

Benediction
As you depart this space, keep watch, and pray that the things you find pleasure in, do not distract you from the one who made all things for you to enjoy. Be unwavering in your openness to the promise of God’s love. Let the mind of Christ be in you. Amen.

Make Up Your Mind: Service Prayers for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost were written by Rev. Teña T. Nock, Associate Pastor of Digital Ministry, First United Church of Tampa, United Church of Christ.