What Is Your Name? A 21st Century Africana Resource for the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Revised Common Lectionary Readings
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (UMH 749)
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21

Gathering Meditation
(Based on Matthew 14:13-21)
When Jesus went ashore, "he saw a great crowd and had compassion for them and cured their sick." When the disciples came to Jesus and urged him to dismiss the crowds, Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

So many hunger today…
(Multiple voices)
They passed over me for promotion —again.
They consume what I offer without as much as a thank you.
They don't call or write or visit me.
They tire of caring for me because I can't get well.

Jesus left the people of the world in the hands of his disciples. The people need not go away; you give them something to eat.

Call to Confession
(Based on Genesis 32:22-31) To Be Read Aloud by One.

"What is your name?" Jacob's combatant demanded. He may as well have said, "Who are you — really?" A name was often descriptive of personal traits and character in Old Testament culture.

"What is your name?" The question was a call to confession — daring an honest response. Stubborn resistance held Jacob's adversary at bay. Jacob was not losing, but he wanted a blessing.

"What is your name?"What should I to do — wrestle all night for nothing or confess and be blessed?

Jacob! My name is Jacob, trickster, deceiver…and I need a blessing today.

Prayer of Confession
Read in unison.

Lord, without saying a word, you know who I am. But you ask me to speak, to honestly confess who I am. I confess that some days I deny the genius that you have placed within me. I settle for mediocrity and avoid the responsibilities of greatness. I confess that other days I ignore Christ within me and practice ungodliness. I confess that I have answered to names that were out of character for Christians. Today I confess that I am who you made me to be: holy, righteous, just, loving, and kind.

Words of Assurance
The same God who demands honest confession provides thorough forgiveness. Receive God's forgiveness today. Live as an authentic Christian: holy, righteous, just, loving, and kind.

Kwasi I. Kena is the Director of Evangelism Ministries at the Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, TN and a clergy member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.

21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: "Worship Resources for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A" Copyright © 2005 Discipleship Ministries.