Gathering Meditation and Call to Worship for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

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

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 agree only 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 God’s name.

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

Men: Sing to the Lord, sing praises to God

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

Men: Glory in God’s holy name.

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

Men: Seek God’s strength.

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

All: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

From the Africana Worship Book for Year A. Used with permission.