Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Pentecost +6
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 45:10-17
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Call to Worship (in response to Mt. 28-30)
L: Gathered to worship God, some are joy-filled, some are weary.
P: All of us look to the wisdom of Jesus.
L: It’s Jesus who invites all to experience rest which comes as we
focus on his desire to gently teach of God’s love and care.
P: When we follow Jesus’ teachings, putting on obedience,
we find his way easy, and the burden is light.
ALL: So we come!
Let’s listen, learn, sing praise, pray and feast together.
Let’s worship God!
Opening Prayer
Generous God, we focus our hearts and minds on you.
May we breathe in the gift of your presence in this place,
and in each one of us.
Inspire us to learn how best to be followers of Jesus,
whom we know as the Christ.
Fill us with your love
and your desire for each and all of your creation
to know you more fully.
Help us rest in you even as we prepare
for service and witness through the coming week.
AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In Romans 7, Paul writes in language so many of us recognize as self-descriptive! He describes the constant push-pull between what our body (our flesh) yearns for, and what our inmost self desires. This reality shows up in many ways – including when it comes to deciding how to use our time, our talent and our treasure.
There is a part of our own psyche that desires to act on the model of Jesus: sharing generously. And there is another part of each of us which instinctively seeks to hoard, hold on to, and/or hide.
How grateful I am for the weekly call in worship for us to be cheerful givers, regularly providing our “first fruits” as an act of love.
Here is a Biblical truth! God provides ALL we have, and in response to God’s loving gifts we share a portion of what we’ve received!
Today, I challenge you to step into the image of God (imago Dei) in which you were created. Lean into the best part of your identity, even as you turn away from the hoarding/holding on/hiding desires most of us know exist within.
Here! Now! With glad and generous hearts, let us offer our gifts to the God who has created us, redeemed us, and will sustain us in every moment.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
With gratitude, God,
we offer these gifts as signs and symbols
of our desire to live as children
formed in your image.
Receive this offering.
Inspire us not only to share gladly,
but also to put these gifts to good use.
Help us practice the teachings of Jesus,
reaching out to share your love
with those doing the very things they hate. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
Paul uses clear language in his letter to the Romans, sharing his understanding of the inner battle known to many of us. Caught in the struggle, he writes, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Week by week, as we gather at the Lord’s Table, we see the answer in the form of bread and juice.
Out of death, God brought life!
Out of despair, we can find redemption!
All are invited to participate in this simple meal. It will not fill your belly, but it will bring rest to your spirit and provide energy for you to turn toward the Light and Life we know in Jesus, the Christ.
Even in our brokenness, Jesus binds us together in one body.
With this cup, we receive a transfusion, strengthening us for the ministries to which we are all called.
Come! Find here the power to take on the yoke, and turn once more to follow Jesus in heart, mind, and spirit.