Hidden & Mixed In

Call to Worship

We come to worship the Triune God who creates, redeems, and sustains us all.
We come to worship God who never leaves us and yet whose purposes often seem hidden.

As the bulb hides the flower, as the seed hides the tree, as the cocoon hides the butterfly, so too does God bring forth life even when we cannot see it.
We gather today to learn how to watch, wait, and anticipate the season when God’s unrevealed work will come into the open.

As silence gives way to song, as night gives way to dawn, as the past flows through the present into the future, so too does God tirelessly persist in bringing about the abundant life of the kingdom of heaven.
We gather today to learn how to join in God’s dance as partners who prepare for the season when God’s unrevealed work comes into the open.

As our end meets our beginning, as our time meets infinity, as our doubt meets our believing, so too does God meet our brokenness with persevering love, unfolding a new reality of flourishing for all creation.
We gather today to learn how to love as God loves so that we may be part of bringing God’s unrevealed work into the open. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2023. Inspired by Natalie Sleet, “Hymn of Promise” (Nashville: United Methodist Publishing House, 1989), 707.

Prayer of Petition

O God, teach us not to despise small things.
Remind us that the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed.
Turn our attention to the small things that bless others.
You have planted seeds of great potential in our souls.
Help us develop our potential so that you and others can depend on it.
Turn our attention to what is small but potent.
O God, you have entrusted us with gifts and graces that can bless many people.
Help us not to overlook the smallest ability.
O God, you have placed the destiny of the kingdom of heaven inside of us.
Turn our attention to the small things that this congregation can do to make a tremendous difference in human lives. Amen.

Written by Kwasi I. Kena, The Africana Worship Book, Year A (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2006), 90.

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, remind us that we are loved when we find ourselves unlovable. Remind us that there is hope when all we see around us makes us despair. Remind us that you sent the Prince of Peace when war and violence overwhelm. Remind us that you are the merciful judge when injustice seems to prevail. Remind us that you give us all we need to do your work in the world. Remind us that you give us grace so that we can be your people. We confess our doubt, and trust in your love. Amen.

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

Benediction

Go forth today ready to catch glimpses of God’s never-ending, unstoppable, and always-present love at work in the world. And when that love feels hidden and distant, breathe deep and remember: unrevealed does not mean inactive. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2023.