These opening words for worship were created to accompany the Epiphany sermon series “Rise Up.” The bolded words are spoken by the congregation. You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”
Week 1: “Rise Up”
Arise, your light has come!
We see its brightness, and feel its warmth
Christ: the daystar of our lives
The Word: the lamp to our feet
Spirit: the fire in our hearts
We rise once more to follow the light!
Week 2: “Rise Up: Jesus“
(adapted from Psalm 29)
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Worship the Lord in holy splendor.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders over mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless the people with peace!
Week 3: “Rise Up: Samuel”
Lord, you call us to listen.
Here we are, Lord.
Lord, you call us to worship.
Here we are, Lord.
Lord, you call us to action.
Here we are, Lord, for you.
Week 4: “Rise Up: Jonah“
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from the Lord.
God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my refuge is in God.
Trust in the Lord at all times, O people; pour out your heart in praise.
Week 5: “Rise Up: Peter’s Mother-in-Law”
(adapted from Psalm 147)
Praise the Lord! It is good to sing praise to the God of grace,
who heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
God determines the number of the stars, and gives them all their names.
Great is the Lord, abundant in power, with understanding we can’t fathom.
God’s delight is not in the strength of the horse, or the speed of a runner,
but in those who put their hope in God’s steadfast love. Praise the Lord!
Week 6: “Rise Up: James”
Come up the mountain
meet the Lord your God
Come up the mountain
see a world made new
Come up the mountain
hear God’s voice calling out
Come up the mountain
worship Christ there!
Deep Well Worship 