After Epiphany 4C – February 2

Sunday, February 2, 2025
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Luke 4:21-30 | “Through the Mist”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 71)
One: In the Holy One, we take refuge; let us never be put to shame. Our praise is continually of you.
Many: In your righteousness deliver us and hear our cries for justice and peace.
One: In the Holy One, we draw strength; let us never be put to shame. Our praise is continually of you.
Many: Be a rock of refuge for the vulnerable, a strong fortress to save creation, for you are our rock and fortress.
One: In the Holy One, we receive courage; let us never be put to shame.Our praise is continually of you.
Many: Rescue us, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel, for you, Holy One, are our hope and trust.

Invocation
Emmanuel, we welcome you in our midst. You amaze and inspire, challenge and convict, comfort and fortify. May we be open and receptive to your voice and presence among us. Let your words encourage us to be prophetic, passionate, and public in our ministry as we praise and honor your name. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
God Who Knows Us, we pray that you form and shape us anew. Remind us who we are and draw us back to you. Transform us in love, correct us with compassion, and lead us with clarity into the paths of righteousness, truth, and peace. Forgive us for the ways that we reject your presence, your guidance, and your will. Redeem and restore us as your beloved creation and active citizens of your kindom. In Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved, love never ends. You reflect the goodness, creative work, and imagination of God. The Holy One knows you well and calls you good. Receive the grace of God to live a life that ever transforms and renews through the power of God’s abiding, constant, and tangible love.

Invitation to Generosity
The generous life responds to the goodness of God and the needs of the world. There is no need that our collective human resources cannot meet because of the abundance of creation. May we celebrate and honor the creation by giving without fear or suspicion as an act of faith and trust in the Holy One and in one another.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Giver of Good Gifts, may the gifts we give reflect your abundance and generosity. Use our time, talent, and treasure to serve our faith community and the world. May each offering be a seed that will grow, spread, and perfume the atmosphere with faith, hope, and love. Amen

Benediction
Beloved, be amazed and amazing in the world.
Be amazed that God goes with you.
Be amazed that the Holy One is Rock, Safety, and Trust.
Be amazed that you reflect the image of God.
Be amazing in your love of neighbor,
Be amazing in your hope for the world,
and be amazing in your faith in the presence of the Holy One at work in you, through you, and with you.

Through the Midst: Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.