Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1

Advent through Pentecost

Kimberly Bracken Long

• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9780664238056
• eBook ISBN: 9781611641752
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Ministry

The Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume One, is the first of six volumes (two for each lectionary year) in a new series for worship leaders and pastors. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), this book is an invaluable aid that provides all liturgical pieces needed in preparing for worship each week. A team of eleven ecumenical and seasoned liturgy writers, under the creative leadership of Kimberly Bracken Long, offer a multitude of poetic prayers and responsive reading for all parts of worship. In addition, drawn from the lectionary each week are a question for reflection and household prayers for morning and evening so churches can include them in their bulletin for parishioners.

During times of the year when two different tracks of Old Testament texts are offered by the RCL, this resource offers an entire set of materials for each track. Also, a CD-ROM is included with each book and easily enables planners to cut and paste relevant readings, prayers, or questions into worship bulletins.

Epiphany of the Lord

Isaiah 60:1–2	Ephesians 3:1–2
Psalm 72:1–2, 10–14	Matthew 2:1–2

OPENING WORDS / CALL TO WORSHIP

Arise, shine; for your light has come.

Isa. 60:1–3

The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

Come, worship the Lord of glory.

Proclaim God’s praise among the nations.

CALL TO CONFESSION

In the light of Christ,

we see the shadows of our world and of our hearts.

Trusting in God’s grace,

let us confess our sins before God and one another.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God,

Ps. 72:1–7, 10–14

you have given light to the world in Jesus Christ,

but we have preferred to live in darkness.

Your justice protects the weak and the distressed,

yet we seek the shelter of privilege and power.

Your righteousness redeems the poor and the needy,

yet we seek the status of wealth and possessions.

Your peace upholds the oppressed and the defenseless,

yet we seek the security of weapons and retribution.

Forgive us our sins, and lead us to true repentance,

that we may trust you in all things;

through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

This is the good news:

Christ is the light of the world,

who grants forgiveness and healing of our sins.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God, you placed a star in the sky

Matt. 2:1–2

to draw wise folk to the place of Christ’s nativity.

There you revealed the mystery

of your eternal purpose for all humanity:

God made flesh, born of Mary,

opening to all the world the promise you made

to Abraham and Sarah.

Empower your church to be as the light of the star,

that we may draw the world

to the glory of Christ, our Lord, through whom we pray. Amen.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Spirit of God,

in the proclamation of your Word,

reveal to us the hidden mystery of your love in Christ,

and strengthen our faith

that we may approach you with boldness. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

In confidence let us pray to the Lord, saying,

God of Wisdom, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

Loving God,

Through Christ you call us all

into your covenant with Abraham and Sarah.

For your church throughout the world,

that it may be a faithful witness,

declaring your wisdom to all authorities:

Eph. 3:10

God of Wisdom, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

The wise men came to King Herod in trust,

but he betrayed their trust and perpetrated unspeakable evil.

For the leaders of the government,

that they reject the way of Herod

and exercise their authority in truth, justice, and mercy:

God of Mercy, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled before the wrath of Herod

and became refugees in Egypt.

For all those who suffer from political oppression,

injustice, or war, and especially for refugees:

God of Justice, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

Joseph dreamed a future for his son,

and obeyed your will for his family.

For all families that they may live in peace

according to your will,

God of Peace, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

The Holy Family lived with neighbors,

and received help from strangers.

For our neighborhoods,

that they may be communities of human flourishing,

offering kindness to strangers,

God of Harmony, Glorious Light, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, Gracious God,

and grant us to live as heirs of your promise;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

INVITATION TO THE OFFE...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Introduction
• Advent
• Christmas
• Epiphany
• Lent
• Holy Week
• Easter
• Additional Resources
• Scripture Index