January 22, 2023 Liturgy (Matthew 5:1-20)

Narrative Lectionary: year 1, week 23

Call to Worship: (from Psalm 1:1-3)

Leader: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,

People: Our delight is in the law of the Lord, and on God’s law we meditate day and night.

Leader: The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

People: Meet us in this time of worship, O God, help us find delight in you and prosper through the living water we have received from you.

Call to Confession:

Jesus taught his disciples what it means to live the God intends. He encouraged them, and us, to live as salt in the world, so that others might know what the kingdom of heaven looks like. Unfortunately, we lose our saltiness on a regular basis. We forget his commands and hide the light of the gospel under a bushel basket. Confession is our opportunity to acknowledge our need for grace, and to ask the Holy Spirit to restore us and fill us with Christ’s own righteousness. Please join me in the prayer of confession…

Prayer of Confession:

God of the pure in heart, and the poor in spirit, we praise you for the words Christ spoke on the mountain. Through him we have been promised mercy and comfort, and have been shown what it means to live as citizens of your heavenly kingdom. Sadly, we recognize that we have failed to be the light this world needs. We have ignored those who mourn, violated the peace you intend, and persecuted your people. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Remake us once more in your image and allow your light to shine through us so that others may praise your holy name. Amen.

Words of Assurance:

Friends, the Lord watches over all who call upon God’s holy name. Through Jesus we have been planted near the stream of living water. Jesus’ promise is that all who turn to him will receive mercy and comfort. As the body of Christ, we are the light of the world. We have been forgiven and made new. Our saltiness has been restored. Rejoice and be glad. Amen.

Passing of the Peace:

Jesus invited his followers to comfort those who mourn. He taught them to be peacemakers. He also taught them to rejoice. Here in this sanctuary there are some trapped in grief, there are some from whom we are estranged, and there are still others celebrating the blessings they have received from God. Let us seek to offer peace, mercy, comfort, and joy to those worshiping with us today through the passing of the peace.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-20

Communion Prayer:

Jesus, you promised all who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled. You proved just how far you would go to fulfill that promise through the gift of your own body and blood. In this sacrament we have tasted that message firsthand. Thank you for filling us with your grace and mercy. Empowered by this sacrament, send us out now to let our light shine before a world that needs to know your love and righteousness. Amen.

(Permission is granted to use or adapt this liturgy with credit given to Rev. Mike Williams)