Here’s one of the challenges of preaching off-lectionary: I can’t hit up my go-to sites for liturgy pieces. I’m being forced to exercise my worship writing muscles, which are admittedly a little weak. However, since I have benefited so much from the creativity of others in my worship prep, I figure I’d better pay it forward, so whenever I craft a piece of liturgy, it will get posted here. Please feel free to use it in your congregation or in your preaching and worship class as an example of what not to do, as you deem appropriate. Credit would be appreciated (unless you’re using it for the latter, in which case I’m totally fine remaining anonymous).
Here’s this week’s offering, based on the first story of creation, Genesis 1:1-2:3 (I will also later post the script I’m putting together for the reading of this long text).
Call to worship & Prayer of invocation, Gen. 1:1-2:3
Leader: This is the day our God has made!
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
L: Gathered here in holy mystery, we pray:
All: Creator God, as your Spirit blew across the waters of Creation, may it flow through us today, inspiring our worship and giving birth to greater awe and wonder at your works. Amen.
Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon, Gen. 1:1-2:3
Crafter of Creation, we admit that we have failed to appreciate the goodness of all that you have brought into being. We trample upon the earth as if it is ours to use however we want to fulfill our own desires. We act like the animals, plants, seas, and skies are “other,” forgetting that we, too, are part of your created works. We mistreat, ignore, and dismiss people as if they were not made in your image. Forgive us, Compassionate One. Remind us again of the depths of your love, mercy, and desire for right relations between all parts of your world. Help us to see the glory that surrounds us, a reflection of the Divine.
Sisters and brothers, may you remember that you are made in God’s image. Your existence has been deemed “very good.” You are loved, you are forgiven, you are renewed. Hear this Good News, and share it. Amen.
Benediction, Gen. 1:1-2:3
Go, now, into the dark and the light, the night and the day. Go, giving praise for the earth and the seas, the sun, moon, and stars. Go out to celebrate the wonder of all the living things God has created in the universe. Go forth to love and care for Creation, so God may continue to say, “It is very good!” Amen.
birch & raven 