Tag: call to worship

Nov 21st Isaiah: A Child is Born

Isaiah 9:1-7

John 8:12

Call to Worship

God says, those who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.

We rejoice before you!

God promises a child will come to us, his name shall be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace

Come, we will rejoice with the joy of the harvest!

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that sometimes we don’t feel like we have seen the great light. All too often we feel like we still stumbling in the dark. We long for the day we can proclaim wonderful counselor and peace, but right now, we are weary and bleary eyed. Open our eyes, help us to know what the next right step is, we pray. Help us to let the light in, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the Good News: Jesus Christ already knows and forgives, so let us proclaim the truth that has already happened: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Prayer of Dedication/the Day: Holy Spirit, you remind us again that the fruit of our labors, the harvest, all comes from you. And though we do not have the eyes to always see what seeds are being planted, help us to have faith, to seek peace, and to trust that the work is just and good, and give us the strength we need to carry on today and everyday we pray. Amen.

Hymns: We Gather Together, Let All Things Now Living, For the Fruit of All Creation, Joyful Joyful we Adore Thee, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, We Plow the Fields and Scatter

Children: Humans are like plants but more complicated. Talk about what plants need to grow, then talk about what humans need to be healthy and grow. Talk about the importance of care and how Jesus promises to light the way and to take care of all of creation of the world, and wants us to be partners in caring–for plants and each other.

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

More Narrative Lectionary Year 4

Nov 14 Amos: Justice Rolls Down

Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

John 7:37-38

Call to Worship (John 7:37-38)

Jesus says, let anyone who is thirsty come

Here we are, thirsting for the Lord

Scripture says, all who believes can drink

Come, out of our hearts, let the rivers of living water flow!

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we are thirsting for you, so thirsty that we are dry to the bone. We are uncertain that justice will flow. We do not know if there are even drips of justice in the world. We confess, that we don’t know if justice will flow like water–but we also confess that we long for that day. Help us to not give up our justice seeking we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus promises that Jesus will make all things right, so we can proclaim to one another the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God sometimes we feel like our offerings are not enough, we’d rather give you big festivals or more solemn worship services–but you ask us to simply seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your. Help us to do that today we pray. Amen.

Hymns: Be Thou My Vision, Crown Him with Many Crowns, We are One in the Spirit, Best Be the Tie that Binds, Come Live the Light, For Everyone Born, Live Into Hope

Children: Thirsty, discuss how we are often thirsty before we even know it and that we really need water to drink, that is how we need justice. Talk about how justice is not just equality or sameness, its the nutrients we need, and that every single body needs something different, and that Jesus knows that.

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

Justice Rolls Down: A Prayer

More Narrative Lectionary Year 4

Oct 31 Solomon’s Temple

1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-3

John 2:19-21

Psalm 148

Call to Worship

Praise the Lord from the heavens and in the heights

Praise God, all his anger, all his host!

Praise God, sun and moon and all of the shining stars!

Let us praise the name of the Lord, for God commanded and they were created!

Let us praise God, men and women, young and old together!

Come, Let us praise the name of the Lord together!

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we sometimes are searching for wholeness, sometimes we want to build a temple or find a special spot, when the truth is, you are with us the whole way. Show us how you have the whole world in you hands we pray . (Silent Confession) Amen. 

Assurance of Pardon: God is with us, guiding us and forgiving us. Let us proclaim the truth to one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication: God, that you are always holy, and that holiness does not need to be trapped or contained. Help us to share your holiness with the world we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: Holy, Holy, Holy, Immortal Invisible God Only Wise, Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me O Christ the Great Foundation

Children: Here is the church, Here is the Steeple Open the door and see all the people but change it to Here is the church, here is the church here is the church

More Year 4 Narrative Lectionary Resources

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!

God Calls David

Living Into this God Given World: Judgement

1 Samuel 16: 1-13; Psalm 51:10-14

John 7:24

Call to Worship:

God, we approach you asking that you bless us

Let us bless one another, and bless you, God

Come Let us worship the Lord

Come, let us worship, God together!

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we are far too eager to judge based on appearances–actually we are far to eager to judge period. This is not our job but yours. Unburden us from judgement, and remind us that most of our work is to bless and be a blessing we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Our God promises always to forgive us. Let us remember: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God, you remind us that kings and government and justice do not always go together, but God and grace always does. Help us when we are uncertain or afraid or judgemental to lean into your grace, so that we might handle things with more patience, clarity and equanimity, and remind us always to work towards a kingdom of justice and peace we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Children: Justice isn’t fair! Talk about how being the oldest is different than being the youngest or being an only child is being different than being an only child. Discuss how it is really, really hard for things to be equal in human world–and that humans are not very good at being fair. Then talk about God’s justice and mercy, and the good news is that God’s justice and mercy isn’t about everyone getting the same thing, but instead everyone getting what they need according to their needs and talents. Justice is much better than fair.

Hymns: There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy, Amazing Grace, God Our Help and Constant Help and Refuge, God Our Lord a King Remaining, All Hail to God’s Anointed, O God of Every Nation, This Is My Father’s World, God is My Strong Salvation, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,

More Year 4 Narrative Lectionary Resources

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!

Narrative Lectionary: Advent Year 4

Note: I have altered the readings, no you are not reading them wrong

If you need doc versions feel free to email me at Katyandtheword at gmail

Calendar: Full of Justice: A Radical Advent Calendar for Narrative Lectionary!

The Fullness of God/Fulfilled By God

Virtual Blue/Longest Night Worship

Topical Prayers

Empty Advent Prayer

Comfort My People Prayer

All I Want Magnificat Prayer

Thread of Pink: Joy in the Midst of Sorrow Prayer

Advent Comfort Candle Prayer

Christmas Prayer: What is Sacred

Kit: Advent Devotional Kit

Advent Candles: Candle Lighting 4 Weeks

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

12 Days of Christmas Full Bulletin by Rev Dr Barb Hedges-Goettl Based on the work by the Young Clergy Women International

Liturgy: If you need doc versions feel free to email me at Katyandtheword at gmail

Week 1: Full of Prophesy/Life Nov 28 Ezekiel Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-15

John 11:25-26

Week 2: Full of Purpose Dec 5 Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose

Isaiah 55:1-13

John 4:13-14

Week 3: Full of God’s Word Dec 12 Word Made Flesh

John 1:1-18

Psalm 130:5-8

Week 4: Full of Good News Dec 19 Good News!

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

Psalm 96:7-10

December 25 Shepherds Visit Christmas Eve Carols & Readings

Luke 2:8-20

Psalm 123: 1-2 or

12 Days of Christmas Full Bulletin by Rev Dr Barb Hedges-Goettl Based on the work by the Young Clergy Women International

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

Oct 17th: God Calls Samuel

Living Into this God Given World: Judgement

Samuel 3:1-21

John 20:21-23

Psalm 46

Call to Worship:

God we come to here your voice

Let us hear the call of the Lord

God we come to answer your call

Let us gather together in the name of God!

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that it is hard to hear your voice of calling, sometime we confuse it with other callings. Sometimes we think we are only dreaming. Help us to hear your voice clearly we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the good news, God never gives up on us, God calls us and forgives us every time. Let us tell one another the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God, you call to us. Let us sit quietly and hear your still small voice we pray in your most Holy Name. Amen.

Hymns: There’s a Sweet Sweet Spirit in This Place, Here I am Lord, Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

Children: Explain the Concept of Priesthood of All Believers–that everyone is called by God, not necessarily to be pastors but to be helpers in the world, brainstorm all the things that people might be called to help. Point out that Samuel is a child.

More Year 4 Narrative Lectionary Resources

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!

Oct 10 God Provides Manna

Living in This God Given World: Food!

Exodus 16:1-18

John 6:51

Psalm 104

Call to Worship

Providing God, You give us enough

We thank you for all you have given us

When we are hungry, you feed us

Come let us praise God who provides for us

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that sometimes we grumble, sometimes we worry that we do not have enough. We confess that sometimes we hoard our resources. It is hard to trust that you are an abundant God. Forgive us, teach us to appreciate your abundance, and to share what we have, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: God’s grace is from everlasting to everlasting. It has no limits, so hear the good news; In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God all that we have comes from you. Let us rededicate ourselves to you, and remember your abundance, trusting that you will give us what we need. Let us give you our thanks and praise. Amen.

Children: Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies Story https://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/3465/Awesomeness%20-%20Warm%20Fuzzy%20Story.pdf, Tell the Manna story, try to talk with them about the fact that there is enough food for everyone in the world, we just need to do a better job of sharing it.

Hymns: Here I Am Lord, For the Fruit of All Creation, Let All Things Now Living, We Gather Together, Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah,

Full worship Service Livestream including sermon preached

More Year 4 Narrative Lectionary Resources

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!

Sept 26: Jacob’s Dream

Living Into this God Given World: Dreams and Blessings

Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17

John 1:50-51

Psalm 121

Call to Worship:

God of unlikely blessings, be with us today

Help us as we journey, give us what we need

God of dreams, go where we go

Let us journey with God today.

Confession: God, we confess that sometimes our blessings and dreams confound and confuse us, like Jacob. At times we are uncertain what it is God wants us to do next. Help us on journey. When our steps falter, be with us. When the future is uncertain, comfort us. When the world is overwhelming, help us to rest. When we realize we are imperfect, equip us. Remind us that you are our God no matter what, and help us along the way we pray, Amen.

Prayer of Confession: God, I confess that sometimes, I am like Jacob. Sometimes, I am not even asking for help, and yet you are there. Present with dreams and blessings that I did not know I needed. Please continue to give me what I need I pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Be assured, your help will always come from the Lord. Know the truth, In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God you are mighty in your mercy. You do not need to be tricked into blessings, for they are abundant. Let us go into the world assured of your blessings. Amen.

Children: Talk about how Jacob thought he was tricking a blessing out of his father, but actually God gave bonus blessings to Jacob and that was the real trick. Perhaps use the illustration of an overflowing cup as to how blessings work. God fills our cup til overflowing and then it is our job to use our cup to fill other people’s cups

Hymns: There is a Wideness to God’s Mercy, Take My Life, O Jesus I Have Promised, Guide My O Thou Great Jehovah

Some Writing on Jacob being a Heel

More Narrative Lectionary Year 4

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!

Narrative Lectionary Prayer Resource Year 4 John; Fall 2021

Living Into this God Given World

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing! I have already Successfully funded year 1, and am now working on Year 2!s

Sept 12 Creation by the Word

Living Into this God Given World: Creation

Genesis 1:1-2:4a

John 1:1-5

Sept 19 Binding of Isaac

Living Into this God Given World: Struggling with Trauma

Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14

John 1:29

Sept 26: Jacob’s Dream

Living Into this God Given World: Dreams & Blessings

Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17

John 1:50-51

Trickle Down Grace, A Prayer

Oct 3 God’s Name is Revealed

Exodus 2:23-25; 3:1-15, 4:10-17

John 8:58

Living Into this God Given World: Food

Oct 10 God Provides Manna

Exodus 16:1-18

John 6:51

Living Into this God Given World: Calling

Oct 17 God Calls Samuel

1 Samuel 3:1-21

John 20:21-23

Living Into this God Given World: Judgement

Oct 24 God Calls David

1 Samuel 16: 1-13; Psalm 51:10-14

John 7:24

Living Into this God Given World: Holy

Oct 31 Solomon’s Temple

1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-3

John 2:19-21

Living Into this God Given World: God’s Voice

Nov 7 God Speaks to Elijah

1 Kings 19:1-18

John 12:27-28

Extended Advent?

Living Into this God Given World: Justice

Nov 14 Amos: Justice Rolls Down

Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

John 7:37-38

Living Into This God Given World: A Savior (Promised)

Nov 21 Isaiah: A Child is Born

Isaiah 9:1-7

John 8:12

Living Into This God Given World: Hope

Nov 28 Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14

John 14:27

Advent Resources: The Fullness of God/Fulfilled By God

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

Pentecost Prayers

Call to Worship
Spirit of the living God, visit us on this day of Pentecost.
Come, Holy Spirit.
With rushing wind that sweeps away all barriers,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With love that overlaps the boundaries of race and nation,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With power from above to make our weakness strong,
Come, Holy Spirit.

Call to Worship
What are your dreams people of God?
To be filled with laughter, To cry with joy, not sorrow.
What are your hopes, people of God?
To be free of the chains that bind us
Rejoice, God makes our hopes and dreams come true.
Let us rejoice in God!

Based on: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/contemporary-call-to-worship-psalm-126.html

Prayer of Confession: Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith.  We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us.  We do not listen to your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ. Have mercy on us, O God.  Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. (Silent Confession) Amen

From the Book of Common Worship (1993), of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Prayer of Confession: God we confess we have been too tired to prophesy or have visions or dream dreams. Instead we are in survival mode. Please breathe on us some of you energy and inspiration as we go into the world. Help us to see the future through your Holy Spirit we pray

Assurance of Pardon: Friends the Good News of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication: God, we pray that we might rededicate our lives to you. Send your Holy Spirit among us to inspire and sustain us. Holy Spirit Come, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication: God send your Holy Spirit upon us to love us and sustain us. Refresh us in the Holy Spirit we pray in Your Son’s most Holy Name Jesus Christ. Amen.