RESPONSIVE READING

Lord of all creation, we worship you this day with great adoration,
As a people chosen by you to bear witness to your Kingdom.
Enlightened by the Spirit, we acknowledge that all are invited to participate in this Kingdom,
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.” (Psalm 86:5)
We see throughout the Bible you often champion those who reside at the fringes of society,
Just as you called Israel out of slavery in Egypt; just as Jesus dined with the outcast.
Open our haughty hearts that we may see the plight of those considered “worthless;”
Remind us that you see us all as your children; no one is beyond the reach of your redeeming love.
Inspire us to seek justice for excluded peoples, whether that includes us or our neighbors;
Show us how to extend your compassion to all who call upon your name.
We seek your guidance in gathering those excluded, those whom the world labels “others;”
We listen when you say, “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
Preserve us from passing judgment upon others on the basis of color, sexual orientation, or class;
And grant that we may keep your Church open to all who seek your Name.
Amen.

(by Jason R. Jenkins)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Wise and wonderful Creator of infinite variety,
Forgive our petty striving to squeeze You and Your creation into our conventions.
God of mercy and compassion for the oppressed, the excluded, the ignored,
Forgive the many ways we pass judgment on others different from ourselves.
Though You created us with wondrous diversity,
We have tried to restrict one another into limited ways of being and doing, and we are all the losers.
Forgive us and heal us of our racism, heterosexism, classism, sexism and all other evils that keep us
From appreciating Your abundant, manifold creation.
Amen.

(Adapted from Jann Aldredge-Clanton’s prayer, “Wise and Wonderful Creator of Infinite Variety,” in Courage to Love: An Anthology of Inclusive Worship Material, compiled by Geoffrey Duncan, 2002.)

SEXUAL JUSTICE

Sexuality is God’s gift and our responsibility.
We celebrate our sexuality as central to our humanity and as integral to our spirituality.
We suffer because of the pain, brokenness, oppression, and loss of meaning that too many experience about their sexuality.
We celebrate the goodness of creation, our bodies, and our sexuality.
We suffer when this sacred gift is abused or exploited.
We celebrate sexuality which expresses love, justice, mutuality, commitment, consent, and pleasure.
We suffer because of discrimination against people because of sex, gender, color, age, bodily condition, marital status, or sexual orientation.
We celebrate when we are truth seeking, courageous, and just.
We suffer because of violence against women and sexual minorities, and the HIV pandemic.
We celebrate the full inclusion of women and sexual minorities in our congregational life.
We suffer because of unsustainable population growth and over-consumption, and the commercial exploitation of sexuality.
We celebrate those who challenge sexual oppression and who work for sexual justice.
All: God rejoices when we celebrate our sexuality with holiness and integrity.

(adapted from Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing, “Religious Declaration,” www.religiousinstitute.org/d eclaration.html)

PRAYER FOR THE SPIRIT

God, source of all life, we pray:
Fulfill your promise and bless us with your presence.
Without you we cannot live as a new creation.
Only you lead us into the truth.
Only you broaden our horizon and our heart
So that we can accept each other
With empathy and without prejudice—
Whatever our culture and tradition,
Our gender, our sexual orientation,
Or our age and education may be.
Each day transform us so that we may become more human,
More friendly towards our neighbor
And all your creation.
Make us co-workers and partners
In your work of love and liberation.
May evil be overcome with good in us and around us.
May your will prevail.
For your endless mercy hear our prayers
And accept the grateful praise of your name.
Amen.

(by Jana Opocenska, “Prayer for the Spirit,” in Courage to Love: An Anthology of Inclusive Worship Material, compiled by Geoffrey Duncan, 2002.)

RESPONSIVE READING – An Epiphany Prayer

Eternal God, we remember that in the story of the wise men Jesus is acknowledged by people who knew nothing of him beyond what the silent stars told.
Lord, help us to move beyond the narrow faith that wants to confine Jesus to the church and fails to see you as Lord of the universe.
Give us humility and strength, that we may trust you even when we do not understand.
And as we, like the wise men, take again the road that always goes on, help us to see beyond the perils of the way to the horizons of your love, and to the goal to which you call us.

(adapted from Terry Falla and Eduard Schweizer, www.stephens.org.nz/bulletins_2004/bulletin_11Jan2004.PDF )