Josiah’s Reform 2 Kings 22:1-10 [11-20], 23:1-3, Luke 24:30-32, Psalm 105, Micah 4-5, Magnificat

More Narrative Lectionary Resources here

Josiah’s Reform  2 Kings 22:1-10 [11-20], 23:1-3, Luke 24:30-32, Psalm 105

Consider including the Magnificat for Josiah’s Reform or Advent 1 Luke 1:46-55

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Call to Worship (Micah 4)

In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised up above the hills.

Many nations shall come and say:
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’

Come Let us worship the Lord

Come Let us Worship the Lord. 

Call to worship: (Luke 1:46-55)

Come let us magnify the Lord

I have heard you, says God

For the Mighty One has done great things for me.

My spirit rejoices in the Lord.

Call to Worship (2 Kings 22)

God calls us to his house

Let the repair work begin!

We are called to turn around so that we might rejoice in God

Come let us hear the word of the Lord 

Call to Worship

Lord open our eyes that we mights see

Grant us visions of truth 

Open our Hearts so we might know your scripture

Open us to the Holy Spirit!

Prayer of Confession: Lord, too often we are like the kings and people of Israel. We forget your covenant. We don’t keep your commandments within our hearts and within our souls. We fall out of step. Help us to follow you we pray.

Prayer of Confession: Lord I confess, that I have no always magnified you. I have not worked with you to lift up the downtrodden, to feed the hungry good things, and I have forgotten you’re mercy. Help me to fully embrace who you are so we might not live as a people living on scraps of your grace, but instead by a people woven together by your blessings, we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: God’s mercy is to all who fear him from generation to generation, let us tell the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Assurance of Pardon: When God judges–God shall hammer swords into the ploughshares, every time. Hear the Good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of Dedication/the Day: Lord we are thankful whenever we can see your grace dripping down to earth. We are grateful when we can right the wrongs, turn to another path, and encourage one another. Help us to recognize your fire as it burns in our hearts today and everyday we pray.

Eucharist Prayer: Lord grant us the hearts we need to give thanks with a grateful heart. Remind us that your judgement looks less like a sword and more like a tool of planting. As we await the harvest, let us enjoy the fruits of your labor–this covenantal meal. Remind us of your bounty and grace and seal our hearts, once again, with the fire of your Holy Spirit. For whenever we gather from East and West into your House, you promise we will each sit under our own vine, and we will make war no more. Let us practice that peace in communion today, we pray. Amen.

With Children: Cut Out a Puzzle: Put it back together talk about it as a power of forgiveness. Glowsticks/Electric candles: The glow/power of the Holy Spirit. Study the Ten Commandments, Have a Feast: Explain how one can always go home to dinner at God’s house and/or tell the prodigal son story and explain that Josiah is another version of that story.