21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B

Gathering Meditation:
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (1 John 3:1, NRSV).

When the world refuses to remember
your humanity
your name
or the station you occupy on this earth…

When the author of sin
whispers
or dares to shout
that you are not worthy…

If ever you feel
homeless
or helpless
or forgotten…

Sit on your bed and ponder
the wonder of being claimed
as child
as kin
as blood relative
of the most High God.

Call to Worship:
One: When we are confused
Many: Lord, give us peace.

One: When we are afraid
Many: Lord, give us peace.

One: When we are lost in grief
Many: Lord, give us peace.

ALL: O God, meet us in this room
And grant us peace!

Prayer of Confession: "Help Us Choose the Right Thing"
"But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 3:14-15a, NRSV).

Merciful God, we confess that we have far too much in common with the crowds
that screamed to release Barabbas and to crucify our Lord.
We confess that we often
value the wrong things,
choose the wrong options,
list the wrong priorities for our lives.

Forgive us, O God,
for impatience,
for short-sightedness,
for ignoring your voice and running ahead of you.

Empower us to choose the right things for our lives and for your church. Amen.

Words of Assurance
Hear the Good news:
God forgives the repentant ones who confess their sins.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

About the Author: Safiyah Fosua is a former staff member of Discipleship Ministries.