21st Century Africana Worship Resources for the Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Genesis 29:15-28)
Who Tricks the trickster?

Tricked! I have labored long and hard only to be denied what is due me. Tricked! The "powers that be" took advantage of me, and I could only agree to more labor ...because I loved what the powers possessed. I can endure much for love's sake. I can live on promised hope for years.

Still I am not forever duped.For my name, Jacob, means trickster. I can be fooled only once. Perhaps I refrain from retaliation because I appreciate the guile of Laban. Given the same opportunity, I may have done the same. Ask my brother Esau.

Lord, only you can free me from the vicious cycle that transforms me from prey to predator.

Call to Worship
(Based on Psalm 105:1-11,45b)
Men: O give thanks to the Lord. Call on his name.

Women: Tell the world the great things he has done.

Men: Sing to the Lord, sing praises to him.

Women: Let your soul look up in wonder and sing, "How I Got Over."

Men: Glory in his holy name.

Women: Let every heart that seeks the Lord declare God's glory.

Men: Seek the Lord and his strength.

Women: Seek the Lord continually. Let praise spring from your lips.

All: Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Unison Prayer
O God, teach me not to despise small things.
Remind me that the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed.
Turn my attention to the small things that bless others.
You have planted seeds of great potential in my soul.
Help me develop my potential so that you and others can depend on it.
Turn my attention to what is small but potent.
O God, you have entrusted me with gifts and graces that can bless many people.
Help me not to overlook the smallest ability.
O God, you have placed the destiny of the kingdom of heaven inside us.
Turn our attention to the small things that this congregation can do to make a tremendous difference in human lives. Amen.