Seventh Sunday Of Easter
Worship
A Call To Worship
Worship Aids, Lectionary Year B
Call To Worship (based on Acts 1:6-11)
Men: The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Women: He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
Left: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Right: When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
One: While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
All: They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Unison Prayer
Jesus, you reign in heaven, and we on earth recognize you as Lord. Not all the world sees this as clearly as we would like, so we pray today that you will strengthen us in spite of our weakness, so that we will not stand idly, gazing into heaven for your return, but look towards our sisters and brothers that we might serve them, and be served by them, instruct them, and learn from them as well. You are never far from us. Keep us safe, even as we walk away from the comfort of our pews into the front lines of a world that needs your gospel. Guide us. Inspire us. Save us. Amen.
Morning Prayer (based on Psalm 1)
Lord, we are happy when we do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread. When our delight is in your law, when we meditate on your law day and night, we become like trees planted by streams of water, yielding our fruit in its season. Our leaves do not wither. In all we do, we prosper according to your will.
God of history, we see that so often like chaff, the wind drives the wicked away. Though they seem powerful, their works come to nothing. Lord, watch over our way. Call us to be your righteous people. Amen.
Children's Benediction
You will be my witnesses.
Men: The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Women: He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
Left: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Right: When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
One: While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
All: They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Unison Prayer
Jesus, you reign in heaven, and we on earth recognize you as Lord. Not all the world sees this as clearly as we would like, so we pray today that you will strengthen us in spite of our weakness, so that we will not stand idly, gazing into heaven for your return, but look towards our sisters and brothers that we might serve them, and be served by them, instruct them, and learn from them as well. You are never far from us. Keep us safe, even as we walk away from the comfort of our pews into the front lines of a world that needs your gospel. Guide us. Inspire us. Save us. Amen.
Morning Prayer (based on Psalm 1)
Lord, we are happy when we do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread. When our delight is in your law, when we meditate on your law day and night, we become like trees planted by streams of water, yielding our fruit in its season. Our leaves do not wither. In all we do, we prosper according to your will.
God of history, we see that so often like chaff, the wind drives the wicked away. Though they seem powerful, their works come to nothing. Lord, watch over our way. Call us to be your righteous people. Amen.
Children's Benediction
You will be my witnesses.
