Sunday, July 7, 2024
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Mark 6:1-13 | “Deeds of Power”
Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 48)
One: Great is the Holy One who sits sovereign and near!
Many: The earth rejoices on the holy mountain, at the heights and depths of God’s love. 
One: We gather, we observe, we recognize, we ponder the wonders of Creator’s majesty!
Many: God’s name, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. 
One:  The mighty deeds of power astound and amaze. We remember and recount from generation to generation!
Many: Our Guide reigns forever and ever. Praise our God!

Invocation
Powerful One, we come into this gathering humbled by your presence among us, grateful for the companionship of your people, and eager to worship your name. As we tell your story anew, we enter your story as the objects of your attention, love, and care. May we know you more deeply and clearly. May we be transformed and transfixed by the mystery of you. May we be inspired by your deeds of power to be instruments of your reign in the world. Empower us, O Holy One. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious and Loving God, have mercy on us. We confess our own forms of rebellion and stubbornness. We seek our own way and fail to wait for your counsel, wisdom, and insight. We hold fast to hopes and dreams that do not include your kindom or our neighbors. We choose comfort over holy confrontation, doctrine over faithful discipleship and position over spiritual power. Awaken in us hunger and thirst for righteousness. Amen.

Words of Grace
Power-filled beloved, the Holy One is with you and fuels your journey. God grants you power to be the church, to be faithful, and to be active agents in the kindom. You have power to make things new in your heart, in your neighborhood, and in your community. Receive the grace to try even when your way is uncertain, to hope even when circumstances seem dim, and to love even when love does not come easily. God is with you and will be with you. 

Invitation to Generosity
In 1 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul writes, “but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Generosity does not measure the resources we have. Rather, it notes the capacity we have to give from the abundance we have received and the trust we place in God’s generosity to renew the gifts we bring. Let us give generously to meet the needs that confront our community and to demonstrate the power of our collective faithfulness. 
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Creator, all we have emanates from you and your creation. Receive these gifts we give with thanksgiving and hope for a shared future without lack, disparities, and unmet needs. Amen.

Benediction
May the power of God increase to saturate you. 
May the power of God ignite a new vision in you .
May the power of God inspire you to follow the way of Jesus h in the world.
God in peace and in power to love God and neighbor. 

Deeds of Power: Service Prayers for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Year B was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay who serves as Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.