Sunday, August 11, 2024
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 in conversation with Psalm 130 | “For Redemption”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalms 34 and 130:7)
One: Give praise to the Holy One at all times and bless their name.
Many: Hope in the Holy One! For with the Sovereign God, there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
One: Let God’s radiance pour out upon you and make you shine brightly in the presence of the Most High.
Many: Hope in the Holy One! For with the Sovereign God, there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
One: O experience and recognize the goodness of our God with all our senses and be glad in the safety of God. 
Many: Hope in the Holy One! For with the Sovereign God, there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.

Invocation
Everlasting God, we come before you at this moment in time. We bring the concerns of the day, the burdens of our hearts, gratitude for your presence, and hope for the future. We gather as people in need and with abundance, in despair and with joy, in uncertainty and with confidence. We rest in the assurance that wherever we are on life’s journey, you receive us with love, compassion, and acceptance. Embolden us to be as welcoming and hospitable to one another as we gather in your name, to hear your voice, and to give you praise. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Redeemer, forgive us. We confess to our words and actions that grieve you. We speak words that divide and alienate rather than words that heal and invite dialogue. Help us to move past bitterness, anger, and resentment toward reconciliation, gratitude, and hope. Make us new not only for ourselves. Renew us for life in community with our neighbors, friends, and foes. Guide us in the path of life and love. Forgive and release us from the bonds of guilt and shame so that we can be free to change and grow, free to receive your power and new life, and free to be your agents of transformation in the world. Holy One, in your mercy, hear our plea. Amen.

Words of Grace
Redeemed, the Holy One hears your cries and responds to your call. New life in Christ awaits you. Receive the redemptive power of the Spirit at work with you and through you to a world that can and will be redeemed and restored in the name of our Blessed God. 

Invitation to Generosity
Ephesians 4:25 reminds us that we are members of one another. That is true of the church, humanity, and all creation. The gifts we receive to sustain us have been given for our common good. When one member lacks, we all lack. When one flourishes, we all share in the abundance. Let us give generously to ensure all needs are met, the Generous One is glorified.   

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Holy God, thank you for the gift of generosity. Make us bold stewards of the resources you provide. Increase our offerings, expand our territory, and let our ministry testify to your goodness, nurture, and care for all. Amen. 

Benediction 
May you move forward from this time of worship assured of your redemption and empowered to be agents of redemption….transforming despair to hope, pain to joy, and endings to beginnings

For Redemption: Service Prayers for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Year B was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay who serves as Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.