Sunday,  August 25, 2024
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43 in conversation with Psalm 84 | “For Confirmation”
Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 84)
One: O Holy one of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. 
Many: We long to be in your beautiful assembly. Our hearts sing for joy! 
One: O Holy one of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.  
Many. You keep the sparrow and the spring. You sustain the splendor of creation. .
One: O Holy one of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. 
Many: In you, we go from strength to strength. You hear our prayers, bestow blessings and honor, and withhold no good thing. Praise our God!

Invocation
Lovely God, you abide with us. We acknowledge your presence among us with peace, trust, and thanksgiving. It is good to be with you. It is good to be with one another. Fill us with your Spirit and revel in our worship. May this time give you honor and fortify us as your people, your ambassadors, and your agents of love and hope in the world. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious and Holy God, speak to us. So often our prayer time is consumed by our words…when what we need most is your gentle nudges and your bold challenge. Let us hear from you. (Moment of silence.) As you continue to speak, prepare our hearts and minds to receive your wisdom, correction, and confirmation. Transform us for your glory, for our hope, and for the world. Amen. 

Words of Grace
Beloved, even when God seems silent, God is still speaking, listening, and moving in our lives. Know that every moment of attention we center upon the Holy One is faithful stewardship of our time. God, the Redeemer, will honor our seeking, trusting, and listening with blessing, hope, and grace. 

Invitation to Generosity
Ephesians 6 encourages us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand.” (vv. 10-11)  Let us stand against the powers of evil that would create barriers to our compassion and generosity to meeting the needs of our community. Let us stand against the powers that would convince us that we lack time to love and serve God with the talents, skills, and passions endowed to us by Creator. Let us stand in solidarity and perseverance with the Living God who gives generously, lovingly, and abundantly. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Strong and Giving God, receive our gifts of time, talent, and financial resources for the building of your kindom on earth as it is in heaven. May we give with a spirit of courage, trust, and empathy. May our faithful stewardship receive confirmation through changed lives and renewed communities for your glory. Amen.  

Benediction 
Go in peace,
Holding onto steadfast hope in a God who does good things
Who calls us as ambassadors and witnesses to the kindom
Who sustains and supplies us
Whose work is done through our hands, our voice, and our lives
And who remains with us now and forever.

For Confirmation: Service Prayers for the Fourteenth 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.