21st Century Africana Worship Resources for Epiphany Sunday, Years A, B, C

Gathering Meditation Three hundred sixty four ... that's how many days I have left to praise God this year. I don't know how time slipped by me so quickly last year. I intended to be more thankful for all you've done, but one thing or another always came up. But this is a new year.

I have three hundred sixty four chances to reach a soul for Christ. Last year, I meant to call or write or drop by that hurting family that stayed on my mind for days. I don't know where the time goes sometimes. I guess I was so busy doing things that I rarely made a difference.

I have three hundred sixty four opportunities to do something for the Lord. Maybe I should get started today ...

Call to Worship Leader: Arise! Shine!
Congregation: God's light has come to reveal The Way in this New Year.
Leader: Arise! Shine!
Congregation: The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
Leader: Arise! Shine!
Congregation: God's light penetrates the darkness that covers the world.
Leader: Arise! Shine!
Congregation: Nations shall come to God's light and kings to the brightness of God's dawn.
ALL: Arise! Shine! For the Glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

Invocation Light of God, illumine the path that leads us to healing, hope, and salvation. Glory of God, fill this sanctuary and expose the darkness that stalks our souls. Light of God, shine with such brightness that we marvel in awe. Glory of God, fill each temple of the Holy Spirit present today. Light of God, Glory of God, we welcome you in this place.

Litanies/Responsive Readings Lord, you have never been ashamed to reveal your love ...
By any means necessary.
You emptied yourself and took the form of a slave ?? for us.
You suffered under oppressive rulers and powers ?? for us.
You humbled yourself and became obedient to death on a cross ?? for us.
Lord, you revealed yourself in human form
So that we could "see" what God is like.

Lord, reveal yourself to me today ... by any means necessary.
Even if it means asking me to endure suffering for your sake.
Even if it means asking me to go out of my way to help a stranger.
Even if it means asking me to give away what I "thought" I had to have.
Even if it means asking me to deny myself for the sake of others.

Lord, reveal yourself to us today
That we may reveal your love to others ?? by any means necessary!

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