21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, Year B

Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 111:1-6)

Leader: Let us praise the Lord in the assembly of the upright!

People: Let us praise the Lord in the congregation of the faithful.

Leader: Let us praise the Lord, for the works of the Lord are great.

People: Let us praise the Lord, for he is gracious and full of compassion.

Leader: Let us praise the Lord, for he has declared to his people the power of his works.

People: Let us praise the Lord with our whole heart!

Hymn of Praise: "Soon and Very Soon" (UMH 706)

Prayer of Confession
(Based on John 6:51-58)

Brother Jesus, you have said in your word that you are the bread of life sent down from heaven.
Forgive the quarreling and spiteful ways we abuse your gift of life to us.

You said in your word that you alone are eternal life to those who believe.
Forgive our unbelief and unfaithful actions.

You said in your word that you alone give us life.
Forgive our searching for life in dead and lonely places.

You said in your word that if we abide you, you would abide in us.
Forgive us when we, like lost sheep, have sought comfort in far away places.

You said in your word that you gave your life so that the world may have life.
Forgive us when we have failed to tell that good news to those around us and to one another.

Bread of heaven, come down again, feed us, and rest in our hearts.
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Benediction

Go forth, knowing the works of the Lord are sure;
The commandments of the Lord are light and life to those who believe;
The knowledge of the Lord is forever,
the presence of the Lord is awesome and certain;
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
And, the power of the Lord can change your life forever. Amen.

Eugene Blair serves as the District Superintendent of the Flint District of the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Blair is a former Dean of the Upper Room Chapel.

21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: "Worship Resources for the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost" Copyright 2009 Eugene Blair. All Rights Reserved. Posted with Permission on the Discipleship Ministries website.