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Sunday,  September 22, 2024
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Mark 9:30-37  | "Position"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 54)
One: Let us humble ourselves as we seek the presence of the Sovereign God.
Many: God is our helper, the upholder of life. 
One:  The Holy One saves and delivers, vindicates and redeems, listens and responds.
Many: God is our helper, the upholder of life. 
One: Give thanks to Holy Love and worship our Maker.
Many: God is our helper, the upholder of life.  

Invocation
Good God, make yourself known among us. We lift our voices in song, our hearts in prayer, our minds in consideration, our lives in adoration toward you. We acknowledge that your Spirit leads, comforts, and challenges us as we follow you. Amen. 

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy Love, we confess that too often we become fixated with our position in the world. We love the exercise of our own power and exert it over others rather for the benefit of the common good and your kindom. Transform our hearts to crave you as the source of our power and love the only good and fulfilling demonstration of it. Make us your instruments of peace, joy, and hope in the world and agents of new life. Amen.

Words of Grace
Image bearers of the divine, grace and mercy follow you in anticipation of your repentance. Turn toward the ways of justice and righteousness. Let Wisdom guide you and Holy Love use you for the glory of God and the blessing of our neighbors in humanity and in creation. 

Invitation to Generosity
Like the words of Psalm 54:6, we proclaim: “With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, Holy One, for it is good.” Let us give with the generosity of love made real, available, and free.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Gracious God, we give you thanks for all the gifts we receive from you and pray you receive our gifts for your kindom. May they be a blessing and gift in our extended community and the world. Amen.

Benediction 
May you go into the world renewed and refreshed
With humble and expectant peace
To witness to the love of God
The joy of the community of faith
And the hope of new life in Christ. Amen.

Position: Service Prayers for the Eighteenth 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.