The Spirit of God Is Here: A 21st Century Resource for the Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Revised Common Lectionary Readings
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 149:1 or Psalm 148 (UMH 861)
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20

Call to Worship
Leader: The Spirit of God is here and dwells in this place.

People: We are spiritually alive and our faith is well.

Leader: The Spirit of the Son is here and dwells in this place.

People: Our worship is active and alive.

Leader: The Holy Spirit is here and dwells in this place.

People: God is here, Creator, Savior, and Spirit.

Leader: Let us greet this Great God with our hymn of praise.

Prayer of Confession
Sing: "Standin' in the Need of Prayer, 110, Songs of Zion

Like Zacchaeus up in the sycamore tree, we seek a closer walk with you. For you have called us, O Lord, to come down from our hiding places, the places of our misdeeds and sin, confusion and misunderstanding, anger and despair. Welcome us into the comfort and love of your open arms. Hear us today as we pray for those whom we have wronged, the things we have left undone, and the relationships in turmoil. Walk under our tree and call us down to new life and refreshing grace. Call us down to freedom from sin and release us to live in joy. Amen.

Words of Assurance
Leader: Hear the good news! The tomb is empty! Jesus is risen and goes before us! The Spirit has come! Go forth and live as people of the Resurrection!

People: We believe it to be so! Amen.

A Litany of Praise
(Based on Psalm 149)
Leader: Praise the Lord and sing to the Lord a new song.

People: Let's lift our voices and just praise the Lord!

Leader: Let the people rejoice in God their maker, and let all the children be filled with joy.

People: Let's lift our hands and just praise the Lord!

Leader: Praise the Lord with dancing and singing, timbrels and harps.

People: Let's lift our souls and just praise the Lord!

Leader: Let the saints of God be joyful and let them sing aloud all the day long.

People: Let's lift our songs and just praise the Lord!

Leader: Let there be high praises to God in our mouths and on our lips.

People: Let's lift our shouts and just praise the Lord!

Leader: Praise God for mighty deeds of justice, righteousness, and honor.

People: Let's just praise the Lord!

Sing: Praise Him," 172, African American Heritage Hymnal

The Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair is a clergy member of the Detroit Annual Conference, where he serves as the Director of the Office of African American Spiritual Formation. Dr. Blair is a former Dean of The Upper Room Chapel.

Copyright © 2005 Eugene Blair. This 21st Century Liturgy Resource may be printed, copied, distributed, reprinted in church bulletins or newsletters, or otherwise used for nonprofit local church worship or education with the inclusion of the copyright citation: Copyright © 2005 Eugene Blair. Used with permission.
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