Ready Wisdom
Service Prayers for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost 
November 12, 2017

Call       Wisdom of Solomon 6: 12-16

One:	Call upon God’s Wisdom
All:	She will answer!

One:	Seek God’s Wisdom
All:	She dwells in the midst of life. 

One:	Follow God’s Wisdom
All:	She leads in the paths of light and generosity.

Gathering Prayer

Holy God, 
We hear echoes of your Wisdom in Christ Jesus,
The One you sent to dwell in our midst 
and lead us to abundant life. 
Keep us alert to the call to follow, 
ready to respond with justice and joy
in your holy moment, 
which is always Now.

Confession  Amos 5: 18-24

	Though we may delight to be here, together, in worship, 
let us remember that 
	the Prophet Amos offers us a word from God 
to challenge any complacent comfort.
Our praise, our worship, our singing, 
however beautiful and heartfelt, 
must be accompanied by the work of justice in community.

What pleases God is to have justice pour from our lives like waters, 
and righteousness from our work, like an ever-flowing stream.

So let us pause for a moment: 
what parts of our lives, our community, our world, 
are thirsting for waters of Justice and Righteousness?

Silence

Assurance of Grace

God’s grace flows through our lives, refreshing and making all things new. 
Let this grace flow from us as justice and righteousness, 
that our lives and work may bless our world,  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
Invitation to Offering

Readiness for Mission is one way to interpret 
the diligence of the Wise Bridesmaids. 
Their lamps are filled and available to be sparked into light
at the moment the Bridegroom appears 
to begin the wedding feast of justice, love and peace.

Let us be ready, too, with our tithes and offerings, 
to support the work of our congregation and the wider church.

Dedication

Let us pray.  
O God, we have come, and given generously of our gifts.  
Take, bless and multiply them 
so that they may be a blessing in your world.
In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Benediction

Keep your lamps filled and your hearts open, 
ready for the call of God. 
Go in peace, counting on 
the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the love of God, 
and the sweet communion of* the Holy Spirit. 
Amen!

Service Prayers for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation, UCC. 

Copyright 2017 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.