21st Century Worship Resources for Epiphany 1C (Baptism of the Lord)

Call to Worship
(based on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 )

Leader: We come today to remember.

People: We come to remember Jesus' baptism and ours with thanksgiving

Leader: We come today to remember. . .

People: The day that the heavens opened, when the Holy Spirit's dove rested on Jesus and a heavenly voice declared God's pleasure.

Leader: We come to remember . . .

People: That the One greater than John, greater than all of us is coming again.

ALL: We come to worship and give thanks that we are known, and loved, and precious in God's sight.

Prayer Litany for Times of Distress

Psalm 29:11: May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Leader: Lord, give strength to your people!
To working mothers and working fathers
To babysitting grandparents and children with stress

People: Lord, give strength to your people!

Leader: To shuffling feet pounding the pavements looking for work
To those with overdue bills and stressed-out credit cards

People: Lord, give strength to your people!

Leader: Give strength to all who were in dire need before the recession ever began.
Be merciful to the homeless, and the hungry, those who have given up hope,
and those outside the reach of their families.

People: Lord, be merciful and give strength to your people.

(Silence)

Leader: Lord, bless us with peace!

People: Lord, bless us with your peace.
Give us grace to weather the storms of this season.

Leader: Lord, bless us with peace!

People: Calm our anxious hearts;
Lift hung-down heads and drooping knees;
Encourage students of every age who study in hope.

Leader: Lord, bless us with peace!

All: Today, may we hear a reassuring word from you that brings us peace. Amen.