Call to Worship

Beloved, what worship does God desire of us?
To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.

In our life together as the body of Christ, what worship does God desire of us?
To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.

When we share the good news with all creation, what worship does God desire of us?
To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.

Come, let us worship God with justice, kindness, and humility!
We come to worship God with our voices and our lives. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, July 2025

Opening Prayer

Oh God,
Our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer-
How do we thank you?
How do we show our gratitude?
Do you want signs and sacrifices?
Do you want gold and cattle?
Can we turn over our children to you?
Would that repay our debt, make everything right?
Tell us, what do you require in return for all your goodness?

Oh God,
Our teacher, example, companion—
You have shown us what is good,
and call us to remember
that what you require is not
repayment of debt
or settling the score,
but obedience.
Show us, God,
When to do justice,
how to love kindness,
and where to walk,
humbly,
with you.
Amen.

Written by Dana Cassell, a former BVS volunteer. Posted on the Church of the Brethren website, https://www.brethren.org/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/prayer-micah-6-6-8.html.

Prayer of Confession

Micah reminds us that our prayers, fasting, and pious ritual
must be lived out in compassion and justice:
When we forget the fast you desire—
To do justice, and rise up for the powerless:
Lord, have mercy.
When we forget the prayer you love—
To show compassion and care for those in need:
Christ, have mercy.
When we forget the rituals you require—
To create relationships of righteousness and peace:
Lord have mercy.
Assurance of Grace and Peace
Friends, the love of God revealed in Jesus
forgives us, heals us, and sets us free
to rebuild, restore, and
raise up foundations for new generations. Amen.

Adapted from Rev. Susan A. Blain, posted on the Worship Ways website at https://www.ucc.org/worship-way/salty-bright-and-good-service-prayers-for-the-5th-sunday-after-epiphany-year-a-february-9-2020/.

Benediction

May the holy wisdom of God
Guard your ways and guide your paths
May the living truth of God
Enlighten your hearts and open your minds
And may the living Spirit of God
Give you life, and life to the full!
Amen!

Posted on Literature & Liturgy, https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2018/09/blessing-wisdom-of-god.html.