Sunday, August 2, 2026
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost | Year A
Genesis 32:22-31 | "Wrestling"

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 17)
One: The Holy One wondrously demonstrates steadfast love. Seek refuge at God's right hand. 
Many: Let God's love meet us and flow through us.
One: The Holy One attentively hears the just cause. Seek justice and righteousness for God's name sake.
Many:Let us be steady and vigilant for the kindom of God.
One: The Holy One faithfully vindicates our lives. Seek the path God paves for us. 
Many: Let us worship, honor and praise the God who delivers, redeems, and restores. Praise the Holy One!

Invocation
Faithful and persistent God, we turn to you with who we are, with what we have, and with all we hope. We call upon you because you care and are attentive to our cries of concern and shouts of joy. We come to pray, sing, and wrestle with you, O God. We also come to receive clarity and discernment, to receive and give testimony of your persistent love, and to receive and affirm the beauty of your path. Hold us securely by your Spirit and never let us go. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy One, we strive to be your people and reflect your goodness in the world. Yet, the way of wickedness is not far from us, and we have not passed every test. Fortify us in your word and drench us with your compassion so that we may find the courage to repent and repair. Help us acknowledge the harm we have allowed and the pain we have caused. Empower us to make things right with our neighbors and with ourselves. Let your grace and mercy liberate us to be agents of reconciliation and restoration in our families, communities, and world. Amen.

Words of Grace
Blessed of God, receive God's transformative and liberating grace. Be made new in Christ, and make a new way in mending broken relationships and forging new ones. Let the love of God be your guide and assurance that the One who is gracious and merciful, is good to all, and abundant in compassion has planted those seeds in you, upholds all who fall and remains near to you. 

Invitation to Generosity
The Holy One gives good and generous gifts so that creation radiates with abundance. As we share in the blessings and gifts of God, let us give so that all will be filled and all needs will be met to the glory of God. 

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Creator, thank you for the opportunity to share in your abundant and renewing work. Use these gifts for the kindom. Sow wisdom and discernment as we support the ministry of this church in your name. Amen. 

Benediction 
Hold fast to the persistent, abiding, and enduring love of God
May it surround and fill you
With hope, courage, compassion, and strength
To bless the world with the blessings you receive 
As a tangible testimony and demonstration
That Love prevails

Wrestling: Service Prayers for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.