Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series VII, Cycle B
First Lesson: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Theme: I Knew This Would Happen!
Call To Worship (Acts 3:19-21)
One:
Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,
All:
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus,
One:
who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.
Collect
Gracious Lord, your message saves lives and nations. You promised all nations would be blessed through Abraham! In our worship today we pledge to be your light to all the nations, whether perceived as friend or foe, that as children of Abraham, children of God, we may all be gathered into your family. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Today we proclaim that God is merciful and just, intent on the restitution of all things, aiming to reach out for Ninevites, such as ourselves. Why are we always so surprised, Lord, about your boundless mercy? Why do we always assume, God of judgment, that your boundless mercy always includes us? We repent of our idolatries of nationalism, racism, commercialism, consumerism. We proclaim one God, one Lord, one salvation, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymns
There's A Wideness In God's Mercy
Here In This Place
Low In The Grave He Lay
* * * * *
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Theme: New Rules, Old Fools
Call To Worship (Psalm 62:5-12)
One:
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
All:
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Women:
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Men:
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Younger:
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Older:
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
One:
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
All:
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Collect
Now God! If not now, when? If we cannot see your kingdom today, we can pledge to live by your rules, even where they do not fit the world around us. As your people we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
With the Apostle Paul we take a step back to see beyond today's cares to the glory that is soon upon us. We must engage in commerce, laugh, love, and grieve, attend to our aches and pains, live a life worthy of the calling. But tarry this hour, this moment, Lord of time, and grant us the vision of larger things. The present pattern of this world is passing. We are your new creation! Amen.
Hymns
Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
We Plow The Fields And Scatter
Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying
* * * * *
Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:14-20
Theme: Drop Those Nets!
Call To Worship
Praise the Lord by answering God's call! Drop those nets and follow!
Collect
Precious Lord, as we gather together today to honor and glorify your name, we pray that you will call us, and that we shall clearly hear that call, that we may drop what we are planning to do in order to follow you today, this week, this life. You are our Lord, and we are your servants. When we are tempted to judge, demonstrate your mercy. When we feel impatient with others, remind us of your patience with our own obstinate behavior. Fill us with your Spirit that we might become messengers of your salvation. In your name we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Lord, my eyes stray down as you call, hoping to avoid a trial. Pick me. Call me! Amen.
Hymns
Jesus, Stand Among Us
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore
We Walk By Faith
Theme: I Knew This Would Happen!
Call To Worship (Acts 3:19-21)
One:
Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,
All:
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus,
One:
who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.
Collect
Gracious Lord, your message saves lives and nations. You promised all nations would be blessed through Abraham! In our worship today we pledge to be your light to all the nations, whether perceived as friend or foe, that as children of Abraham, children of God, we may all be gathered into your family. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Today we proclaim that God is merciful and just, intent on the restitution of all things, aiming to reach out for Ninevites, such as ourselves. Why are we always so surprised, Lord, about your boundless mercy? Why do we always assume, God of judgment, that your boundless mercy always includes us? We repent of our idolatries of nationalism, racism, commercialism, consumerism. We proclaim one God, one Lord, one salvation, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymns
There's A Wideness In God's Mercy
Here In This Place
Low In The Grave He Lay
* * * * *
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Theme: New Rules, Old Fools
Call To Worship (Psalm 62:5-12)
One:
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
All:
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Women:
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Men:
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Younger:
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Older:
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
One:
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
All:
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Collect
Now God! If not now, when? If we cannot see your kingdom today, we can pledge to live by your rules, even where they do not fit the world around us. As your people we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
With the Apostle Paul we take a step back to see beyond today's cares to the glory that is soon upon us. We must engage in commerce, laugh, love, and grieve, attend to our aches and pains, live a life worthy of the calling. But tarry this hour, this moment, Lord of time, and grant us the vision of larger things. The present pattern of this world is passing. We are your new creation! Amen.
Hymns
Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
We Plow The Fields And Scatter
Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying
* * * * *
Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:14-20
Theme: Drop Those Nets!
Call To Worship
Praise the Lord by answering God's call! Drop those nets and follow!
Collect
Precious Lord, as we gather together today to honor and glorify your name, we pray that you will call us, and that we shall clearly hear that call, that we may drop what we are planning to do in order to follow you today, this week, this life. You are our Lord, and we are your servants. When we are tempted to judge, demonstrate your mercy. When we feel impatient with others, remind us of your patience with our own obstinate behavior. Fill us with your Spirit that we might become messengers of your salvation. In your name we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Lord, my eyes stray down as you call, hoping to avoid a trial. Pick me. Call me! Amen.
Hymns
Jesus, Stand Among Us
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore
We Walk By Faith
