September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
“Made Equal”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 145:1-8)
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: Great is our God and greatly to be praised. 
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: This generation will tell the next generation so they may tell the next generation of the Holy One’s magnificent and mighty acts.
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: We declare the abundant goodness, gracious righteousness, and holy love of our God. Praise the Holy One!

Invocation
Might God, we enter your presence with thanksgiving and hope. You have formed us as your people. You join us on the journey of life through valleys, upon mountains, and on the plains. We set our attention and seek your wisdom, encouragement, and grace. Reveal your will and display your glory among your people as we worship your holy name.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
God of abundance, forgive us for embracing a worldview that capitalizes on scarcity. Help us to know that you have given us enough for our journey. You have created us wonderfully and uniquely. Forgive us for comparing ourselves with our neighbor when we are called to love them. Help us to embrace how you have made us as individuals who may bring our singular gifts to our common life.

Words of Grace
Beloved, you are enough. God loves you as you are for who you are. We, collectively, have enough and may share in a common life where all may flourish and live in harmony as our Creator intended and designed. You are forgiven and free to embrace the life that is uniquely yours. 

Invitation to Generosity
Philippians 1:2 encourages us to “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” May we live generous lives that reflect the fullness of the gospel, unity of the spirit, and faith in our God and God’s church. 

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Great God, please receive our gifts for the glory of your name and the blessing of your people. May we be dedicated stewards of your abundance and use these gifts for the benefit of your kindom. Amen.

Benediction
May the love of God assure you, the hope of God guide you, and the peace of God sustain you as you go receiving and extending God’s grace in the world.

Made Equal: Service Prayers for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost were written by The Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, United Church of Christ.