Liturgical Resources

Call to Worship

We gather today in the midst of busy lives and hectic schedules that mirror the chaotic pace of the world around us.

We come to set our minds on the guidance of the Spirit.

We gather as people inundated with constant information, fast-moving news cycles, and ever-present alerts vying for our attention.

We come to set our minds on the guidance of the Spirit.

We gather as people seeking to anchor ourselves in the faith as the world around us is blown to and fro by waves of fear, scarcity, and reactivity.

We come to set our minds on the guidance of the Spirit.

Beloved, come. Come to find rest, grounding, and guidance in the Spirit who dwells in you.

We come to set our minds on the Spirit who guides us and draws us together toward life, peace, and flourishing. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2026.

Opening Prayer

Loving God, you created life in us and all around us. Open us to receive your gifts of your world and your word that we may be not just hearers of the word, but doers also. Amen.

Written by Rev. Ruth Garwood and posted on the Worship Ways website at https://www.ucc.org/worship-way/pentecost_6_july_12/.

Prayer of Confession

O God who loves us, hear our prayer. So often we come to you at a loss – at a loss for the right words, the right deeds, the right feelings. We know all is not right, but we cannot say with certainty what is wrong. There are deep divisions between us and others. There are too many who live in poverty and fear. There are too many horrific stories, and not enough hopeful ones. So we pray to you, our Creator and Redeemer, to make things right, and to make us right with you and each other. Turn us around from that which destroys toward that which heals and brings joy. And hear us again, as we offer you our confession in silence.

Silent confession

Assurance of Forgiveness

Friends, let us proclaim the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Let us go out into the world as people made new by God. Amen.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, “Hold Fast to What Is Good.” Used with permission. https://holdfasttowhatisgood.com/liturgy/prayer-of-confession/

Benediction

May the Spirit who dwells in you bless you with open minds to receive God’s wisdom, open hearts to follow God’s guidance, and open doors that we may together build God’s kingdom of life and peace on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2026.