Advent 4C – March 30

March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32 | “Squandered”

Call to Worship
One: Have you come far to be here today?
Many: You enlarge our gathering: welcome!
One: Have you come from around the corner?
Many: You anchor our gathering: welcome!
One: Do you seek sanctuary? Do you seek inspiration?
Many: May this worship meet you.
One: Do you come with purpose? Do you come with questions?
Many: We welcome you as you are!
All: Let us worship God together!

Invocation
Holy One, we come into your presence and the presence of this fellowship. We are seeking a little light, some hope, healing. Open us to know you, to receive you and find here your transforming love. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Dear God, your gifts are generous and yet we often fail to appreciate what we have been given. We demand more, but squander what we have received. Forgive us for taking for granted what we receive from you. When we fail to accept what you offer, or fail to steward those gifts, bring us back to awareness of you. Amen.

Words of Grace
However far we wander, God is always ready to receive us, to enfold us in love and grace. In the name of Jesus, you are forgiven.

Invitation to Generosity
Remembering the gifts we have received, let us make our offerings to God’s work through this church.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Gracious God, bless these gifts and our lives to your service.

Benediction
May you trust that God’s unfailing love and blessings go with you this day and always. Amen.

Squandered: Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent was written by the Rev. Ruth Garwood, a transitional pastor in the Heartland Conference, a certified facilitator of Sacred Conversations to End Racism, and a certified InterPlay leader.