21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany, Year C

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Jeremiah 1:4-10)
Before the light of dawn broke through my darkest night,
You knew me.
Before I wandered off to do my thing,
You knew me.
Before I tripped and fell from grace,
You knew me.
Before you formed me in my mother's womb,
You knew me.

Before my birth
You set me apart
And said, "Never be afraid"
"For I am with you."

Then you touched me
And put your words into my mouth
Until I thundered
To the very nations.

Before I ever realized that you were God, You knew all about me.

Call to Worship
(Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
One: Love, without it we are like clanging cymbals,

All: Love!

One: We can speak like prophets, but we still have to

All: Love!

One: We can build great buildings, but we need to

All: Love!

One: We can preach and pray, thank God everyday, but we must

All: Love!

One: Be patient and kind, with no envy in mind,

All: Love!

One: Don't be rude or resentful; don't insist on your own way,

All: Love!

One: How can we live without it?

All: Love!

One: How can we sing without it?

All: Love!

One: Who can serve God without it?

All: Love!

One: We just stopped by today so that God could remind us to

All: Love!

Suggested Song: "Love" by Kirk Franklin

Prayer of Confession
(Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
Gracious God, how often does selfishness wash through our good intentions? How often do we speak bold, sophisticated words to impress others? How often do we forget that we are what we are because of you? Remind us that our abilities are your gifts to us. Remind us that you loaned us some possessions in hopes that we would help others with them. If we are guilty of living only to impress others, forgive us. If we gain status only by putting someone else down, forgive us. If we do things only for applause, forgive us. If all we do sounds like clanging cymbals and noisy gongs to you, call us to repent. Humble us enough to serve. Humble us enough to pray. Humble us enough to love you and people who may never say thank you to us. Words of Assurance God sent pure love to us through Jesus Christ. Embrace the love of the Lord ?? now. Receive God's forgiveness for any selfishness masquerading as good intentions. Jesus' love heals us, forgives us, and accepts us without hesitation. Lord, we profess that we are your forgiven people. Inspire us to love others as thoroughly as you love us. Amen.

Benediction May the love of God surround you. May the love of God uplift you. May the love of God stand with you through the challenges ahead. May the love of God convince you, in every situation, to love. Go now to love others, even as Christ loves you.

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About the Author: Kwasi I. Kena is a former staff member of Discipleship Ministries.