Sunday, August 3, 2025
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 12:13-21 | "Rich Toward God"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 107)
One: Hallelujah! Give thanks! Give thanks to God!
Many: For the Holy One redeemed us and sustained us through the time of trouble.
One: Give thanks to the HolyOne, for God is good!
Many:For the Compassionate One heard our cry and sustained us through the time of trouble.
One: Give thanks to the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
Many: Hallelujah! Give thanks! Give thanks to God!

Invocation
Amazing God, we honor and celebrate your presence among us. We rejoice in your goodness and delight in your wonderful works. We lament the suffering of the world and take courage that you are with us. We ask that you make your presence known to us. Speak, O God, for we attune our attention for your guidance. Receive our praise as we glorify your name! Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy God, too often we seem determined to turn away from you. You, however, continually call us to repentance–to turn–back to you and your way. We pray for fortitude to remain on the path set by Jesus and embody the ministry of Christ in the world. Deliver us from the insignificant concerns that distract us and empower us to do the work you have called us to do. Most of all, grant us grace to be the people you have made us to be.

Words of Grace
Beloved, you have received an inheritance of riches in God. These treasures of hope, strength, encouragement, peace, grace, joy, rest, and love are yours to claim. They are yours to live. Receive them freely and abundantly. 
 
Invitation to Generosity
Having received the gifts of God, let us seek the kindom and return a portion of our abundance to the ministry of this faith community so that our collective offering will bless God and God's people.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Holy One, bless these offerings, prosper the work of our hands, and the gifts we bring. We dedicate them to your kindom forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction 
May God's kindom come.
May God's will be done.
Through us.
In us.
In our communities
As we go
On earth.

Rich Toward God: Service Prayers for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.