Learn to Do Good

Prophet Margins

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C

If there was a stage you’d probably prefer to skip, it would be this one. Isaiah seems at his grumpiest height. Sure, that’s the rep that prophets have. But it seems excessive here. Yet, as a crusader for justice, you have to ruffle a few feathers from time to time. To get something done, you need a “just saith the Lord” now and again. And Isaiah is ready to step up to the plate for this one.

By Katie Minnis

Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20 (Luke 12:32-40)

Opening Prayer

God of the Past, Present, and Future,

Seldom do we know what you’ll ask of us each day. Many times, we are in the moment when we feel the nudging of your spirit to act. As we spend time in your house today, may our souls be aligned with you, so that we may readily respond when you call!

Amen.

Call to Worship

Leader: God calls us here today.
People: We bring our full selves to God: our strengths and our weaknesses.
Leader: God calls YOU here today.
People: We offer all we are to God: our talents and our inadequacies.
Leader: God calls every part of us to bring divine love and light into the world!
People: We respond to that call, trusting that God is at work within us.
AMEN.

Prayer of Confession/ Prayer of the People

(adapted from Isaiah 1: 16-20)

God of Redemption,
You call us to wash ourselves clean, so that our transgressions fall away.
May we cease doing evil, learn to do good, and seek justice.
You call us to rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.
May we not forget these responsibilities you’ve set before us.
We are grateful for the reminder from the prophet Isaiah that,
though our sins are like scarlet, you’ll make us like snow!
Even though they are red like crimson, you make them like wool!
May we be obedient and willing followers, pleasing unto you.
Amen.

In This Series...


Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C - Lectionary Planning Notes