Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

COLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19); Luke 11:1-13

THEME IDEAS

As people anticipate the “lazy days of summer,” these texts are helpful reminders of persistence and reliance, and of Christian discipleship. The psalmist proclaims the “unfailing” love and mercy of God. Hosea highlights the consequences of humanity’s attempt at self-reliance. Luke teaches that, through prayer, we can rely upon God to meet our needs. Paul reminds us that we are dependent upon the very person of Jesus Christ—for we are rooted, built up, and strengthened in him alone.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 85)

Come! Join the fellowship of God’s people—
people who gather as faithful disciples of Christ.
We seek the One who frees us
from uncertainty and doubt.
Come! Join the welcome of God’s people—
people who meet together for justice and peace.
We seek the One who is trustworthy,
the One who gives us what is good.
Come! Join the celebration of God’s people—
people of the One who was, and is, and shall ever be.
We raise our voices in praise and honor to God,
and worship the One who is faithful.

Opening Prayer (Colossians 2)

God of grace and God of glory,
come and be known to us
in our gathering together;
come and be present in the songs we sing
and in the prayers we raise.
From the busy byways of life,
we come to find once again
that you are always present
and always ready to receive us.
As we affirm our faith this day,
deepen the roots of our commitment,
that we may learn your calling upon our lives.
Surround us now
with the love and comfort of your Holy Spirit
and the direction and redemption of Christ. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (Hosea 1)

O Lord of mercy and compassion,
we bare our souls before you
in this hour of worship and prayer.
We have been unfaithful to you
and have forsaken the Covenant Love
you have shared with us.
For our wandering, wayward ways,
hear our confessions of sin and selfishness
and offer us your forgiveness.
We ask for forgiveness
and the strength to behave as your true children,
as your very people, the Church.
It is the redeeming Christ
before whom we bow
and before whom we confess our need.
We come to you in hope of redemption. Amen.

Words of Assurance (Luke 11)

Seek and you will find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Ask and it will be given to you.
God has promised us grace and forgiveness
in the love of Jesus Christ.
Come home again and be the people God intended.

Response to the Word (Luke 11)

Like a true friend, Lord,
you have not withheld
the wisdom of your word.
Like a true friend, Lord,
you have given us the nourishment and strength
for the living of these days.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering (Colossians 2)

Having received the grace of God in the redemption of Christ, we live strengthened in the faith, with hearts overflowing with thankfulness. From the depths of our hearts, we offer to God the very best we have. May our offering be a true act of worship and thanksgiving.

Offering Prayer

Before you, O God,
we offer our prayers, our presence, our gifts,
and our service.
We lay our gifts before you
in praise and thanksgiving
for your many blessings.
May these offerings
continue the transforming work of your Spirit
in and through our congregation. Amen.

Invitation to Communion (Luke 11)

Come and receive the answer to your prayers. This cup and this loaf contain the fulfillment of the human heart. Through this sacrament, we receive the power and direction to bring about the kingdom of God—as God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Come and receive the answer
to your prayers.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Psalm 85)

As you go forth,
know that you leave
with the unfailing love of God.
As you leave this place,
know that by God’s strength
you will be able to face the challenges
of the coming week.
As you return to your daily lives,
know that your pursuit of peace
reveals to the world
that you are God’s children. Amen.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Hosea 1)

God has been looking for you.
Where have you been off to this time?
We have been around.
There are so many distractions in our lives.
How long has it been?
It’s been too long since we were reminded
of God’s unrelenting love.
Are you ready?
We’re ready. We’re exhausted chasing
the elusive dreams of the world. We need God!
Then come home. Come back to the place
where you are loved, no matter what.
Gladly we come home. Gladly we are here.
Gladly we sing of the welcoming love of God!

Praise Sentences (Colossians 2)

Praise God for being everything we need,
for filling the emptiness of our lives!
Praise God for giving us ultimate victory
over sin and death!
Let there be glory and honor and praises
to Jesus Christ, who is our new beginning!

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From The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.