Call to Worship

         Do you remember the story of Mary and Martha? When Jesus visited their town, Martha welcomed him with open arms, and hosted his disciples in her home. There was much work to be done to prepare and serve a meal. Do you recall what her sister did? Instead of helping out in the kitchen, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened, which bothered Martha. "Doesn’t she see all the work that needs to be done?" Martha may have thought, echoing the resentment that continues to flow through many homes today
         When she could take it no more, Martha came to Jesus. "Lord, don’t you care that I’ve been left with all the work to do. Please tell Mary to help me." Was he insensitive to the cry of her heart, or did he know her better than she knew herself? when he said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset by so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her..."
         Sisters and brothers, worship is like a meal. Here we sit and eat, whether from the manna of God’s Word, or from the bread and cup of communion. Our feet and lives are dusty from the road we have traveled this week. We may be weary from our journey, or anxious about the preparation we have made for this time. The One who is both our host and our guest calls each of us by name and says, "only one thing is necessary. Choose what is best. It will not be taken away from you."
         Just now, let’s sing the first verse of #457, "Be present at our table, Lord." As we sing, let’s open the door to this home and welcome him in.

Opening Prayer

         Lord, we are worried and upset by so many things. And yet we are here, now, seeking that which is most essential. It is hard to release our grasp upon that which bothers us. We turn to you, right now, and let go of these "things" into your hands, that you might provide what we truly need today. From you we receive the ability to deal with the source of our anxieties. Help us, O Lord, to be open to what you freely give. This we pray, in the name of Jesus - your JOY to the world. Amen.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings (Psalm 23:5)

         In the words of that familiar Psalm: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." As you return your gift, ponder how your cup overflows. Perhaps you think it’s only half full. But is that the truth? Are you blessed more than you realize? Give out of God’s abundance. Live out your thanks.

Unison Prayer

Blessed are you, God of heaven and earth.
In mercy for our fallen world you gave your only Son,
       that all those who believe in him should not perish
       but have eternal life.
We give thanks to you for the salvation
       you have prepared for us through Jesus Christ.
Send now your Holy Spirit into our hearts,
       that we may receive our Lord with a living faith
       as he comes to us in his holy supper.

               (May be concluded with the Lord's prayer)

Copyright©1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, c/o Augsburg Fortress.