Keep Awake

Liturgical Resources

Call to Worship

Family of God, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us!
We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Sometimes we grow weary in the waiting, and we wonder if we are watching and working for nothing.
We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Sometimes God surprises, and we are overwhelmed by joy and wonder at all God is doing among us.
We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Family of God, whether you are weary or energized, worried or wonder-filled, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us!
We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Thanks be to God! Amen.

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

Opening Prayer

You do not want us 
to be ignorant of your 
dreams and hopes for us, 
God of holiness, 
so you speak to us in parables, 
so we might pay careful attention 
to your words; 
you tell us stories about 
our grandparents in the faith, 
so we might become mentors 
to our grandchildren, and theirs. 
Filling us with the holy oil 
of generosity and grace, 
you make us ready to welcome 
Jesus Christ into our lives, 
and to open our hearts 
to those who are in need. 
 
On this day, we choose to serve you, 
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.

Written by Thom Shuman and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies website. Reposted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/10/call-to-worship-prayer-proper-27a.html.

Prayer of Confession

If only we had been more aware 
how often we meet the Lord in life! 
Let us ask him to forgive us.
(pause)

Lord Jesus, you seem absent 
when we struggle with suffering, 
but you are there with your strength: 
Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy. 
 
Jesus Christ, often we forget you 
in the cares of everyday life, 
but you are there with us: 
Christ, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, we neglect to care for you 
in our sick and neglected brothers and sisters, 
but you want us to serve you in them: 
Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy. 
 
Forgive us all our sins, Lord, 
and make us look for your presence. 
Walk with us and lead us 
to the feast of everlasting life.   Amen.

Words of Assurance

God’s grace is abundant
And meets us where we are,
Forgiving us and inspiring us
To stay awake and aware
of all God is doing among us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.

Adapted from Liturgies Alive, Models of Celebration. Reposted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/10/confession-proper-27a.html.

Benediction

Family of God, breathe in deep and remember, the kingdom of God is close at hand, as close as the neighbor in your pew/row, the warmth of the sun, the rustle of the leaves, the whisper of the wind. May God bless you with a deep assurance of God’s closeness, inspire you to participate in the goodness of God’s work among us, and encourage you through the ongoing ministry of the body of Christ to keep awake and watch for the good news at work all around you. Amen.

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