Ecumenical Prayer Cycle

As we begin a new year, consider praying through the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. From the World Council of Churches, this guide will lead you to pray for each area of the world over the course of the year.

Epiphany

From Spacious Faith:

• Sermon on Isaiah 60
• Epiphany Call to Worship (based on Isaiah 60)
• Sermon on Matthew 2:1-12
• Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12
• Sermon on Ephesians 3:1-12
• Call to Worship and Benediction (from Isaiah 60)
• Prayer of Confession and Call to Worship
• Resources for using star words

From Other Sources:

• “Seeing Epiphany“: Images from Jerry Holsopple (Together in Worship)
• Sermon Starter from Ken Beidler (Together in Worship)
• A Prayer for the new year from Rev. Nathan Williams
• Communion Liturgy from Rev. Teri Peterson
• Call to Worship from Rev. Andrew Black
• Contemplative Epiphany Service from Rev. M Jade Kaiser (enfleshed)
• Calligraphy graphic from Psalm 72:6 by Gemma Scharnowski (Engage Worship)
• Working Preacher commentary

January 8, 2023

Revised Common Lectionary (Baptism of the Lord)

• Baptism Call to Worship
• Sermon on Matthew 3:13-17
• Lectionary Essay from Debie Thomas
• Remembrance of Baptism by Rev. Molly Bolton (enfleshed)
• Call to Worship: “Called by Name” by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing
• Working Preacher commentary (link is to Gospel commentary; see drop down menu on page for other texts)

Narrative Lectionary (Jesus’ Baptism)

• Baptism Call to Worship
• Sermon on Matthew 3:1-11
• Sermon on Matthew 3:13-17
• Remembrance of Baptism by Rev. Molly Bolton (enfleshed)
• Call to Worship: “Called by Name” by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing
• Working Preacher commentary
• Prayer: “Descend Upon Us” by Stephen Fearing

Bonus: Expecting Emmanuel (Mary: Following the Light Through Fear)

• Sermon on Matthew 2:1-12
• Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12
• Sermon on Matthew 2:13-23

January 15, 2023

Revised Common Lectionary

• Sermon on John 1:29-42
• Lectionary Essay from Debie Thomas
• Working Preacher commentary (link is to Gospel commentary; see drop down menu on page for other texts)
• Various worship pieces from Ministry Matters

Narrative Lectionary

• Sermon on Matthew 4:1-11
• Working Preacher commentary
• Video of Matthew 4:1-25 from Lumo
• A call to worship from Psalm 91 (by Joanna Harader)

As we gather for worship today,
We rest in the shelter of the Most High;
We abide in the shadow of the Almighty;
We find refuge under the wings of our Holy Parent.
We trust that the angels of God
the words of God
the people of God
the hands of God
Will somehow bear us up.
And so we come to call on God
who has promised to answer.

January 22, 2023

Revised Common Lectionary

• Call to Worship from Psalm 27
• Assurance of Pardon from 1 Corinthians 1:9-14
• Call to Worship and Prayer of Confession from Matthew 4:18-22
• Sermon based on Matthew 4:18-22
• Lectionary Essay from Debie Thomas
• Working Preacher commentary (link is to Gospel commentary; see drop down menu on page for other texts)

Narrative Lectionary

• Children’s Time based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Prayer of Confession based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Offertory Prayer based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Sermon based on Matthew 5:8
• Sermon based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Sermon based on Matthew 5:13-20
• Call to Worship from Psalm 1
• Teen version of the Beatitudes from Ontario Mennonite Music Camp
• Working Preacher commentary

January 29, 2023

Revised Common Lectionary

• Call to Worship based on Micah 6:6-8
• Call to Worship based on Psalm 15
• Children’s Time based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Prayer of Confession based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Offertory Prayer based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Sermon based on Matthew 5:8
• Sermon based on Matthew 5:1-12
• Teen version of the Beatitudes from Ontario Mennonite Music Camp
• Lectionary Essay from Debie Thomas
• Modern Beatitudes by Rev. Anna Blaedel (enfleshed)
• Working Preacher commentary (link is to Gospel commentary; see drop down menu on page for other texts)

Narrative Lectionary

• Prayer based on Matthew 6:25-34
• Sermon on Matthew 6:24-34
• Call to Worship based on Matthew 6:33
• The Disciples Prayer from enfleshed
• Working Preacher commentary