Here’s a
contemporary call to worship and opening prayer based on Jeremiah 31:7-9. It was written by Rev. Bonnie Tarwater.
Call to Worship
(inspired by Jeremiah 31:7-9)
One: Sing aloud with gladness:
Many: God is gathering the people!
One: From the farthest parts of the earth we
come:
Many: All who struggle; all who labor with new life!
One: Those who are weeping, God will console;
Many: Those who get lost find a clear path home.
One: Let us worship the God who gathers us!
Prayer of Invocation
Ever-calling
God,
We give
thanks that you have gathered us into your church
and graced
us with your faithful presence.
We ponder
our history, ancient and still developing,
and marvel
at the many expressions of your church.
Grant us
the vision to be a part of a new reformation for the Church
that will
bring ever more joy and justice to the world.
Continue to
gather us, the diverse lot of us,
into Jesus’
vision and dream
that your
faithful people may be one in you. Amen
~ written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/