Sunday, July 14, 2024
EighthSunday after Pentecost
Mark 6:14-29 | “Lawful, Righteous, Holy”
Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 85:8-13)
One: Let us turn our hearts to hear from the Holy One! 
Many: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will embrace.
One: Let us turn our hearts to gain insight from the Holy One! 
Many: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
One: Let us turn our hearts to receive from the Holy One! 
Many: Righteousness will go before them, and will make a path for their steps.

Invocation
God Among Us, your ways are perfect and your laws are just. We gather today in your name and for your kindom. May it  come wherever and whenever two or more gather in your name. May our hearts open and our understanding expand with the vision of righteousness. May our worship please you, transform us, and bear witness to your love. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Righteous God, you have created us in your image to reflect your holiness. You have affirmed the goodness within us. We struggle to be the people you call us to be. You have given us the guidance of the Law and the wisdom of the Prophets and the gift of your Presence. Still, we struggle against the pull to go our own direction without your counsel. We fail to extend the grace and compassion you give to us. Be merciful in your judgment while holding us accountable for your justice as we strive to live the fullness of life in you. Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved, you were not made to be perfect; you were created to be good. In hope, we affirm that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Lean into the power of God to do the work that we cannot, to meet us at our point of need, and to lead us into the path of new life. 

Invitation to Generosity
God has planted generosity within our beings. The gifts we receive are not for holding and creating idols, they are for the work of the kindom, the building of beloved community, and manifesting God’s abundance so that all may be well and whole. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Holy One, we thank you for the gifts of life and living. We give thanks by bringing our resources to community, to be shared and used for your kindom, in our ministry, and for the world we inhabit. Bless and facilitate our generosity beyond our imagination. Amen.

Benediction
Be assured of the Holy One’s abiding love for you and all creation. Hold fast to hope and share the blessing of the Spirit’s direction, Christ’s presence, and the Sustainer’s peace. 

Lawful, Righteous, Holy: Service Prayers for the Eighth 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.