These opening words for worship were created to accompany the sermon series “Let’s Party: A Tour through the Bible’s Best Celebrations.” 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: “Let’s Party“
(If you’re feeling brave, you can also use this version, which includes seven calls to worship that diverge and reunify.)
On the day of Pentecost, they were all gathered in one place
and there was sound like a rushing wind.
Flames of fire appeared above them.
What Jesus had promised was coming true:
they began to speak in other languages,
and the Spirit gave the crowd the ability to understand;
the Spirit was truly being poured out on all people.
As one people, we call on the name of the Lord!
Week 2: “God’s Guest List”
Listen! The triune God is inviting you to worship.
God has created us for praise.
Christ has set the table for us.
The Spirit is making us one.
Answer your invitation, people of God.
Today we take our place
at the great divine party.
With courage and joy, let us praise the Lord!
Week 3: “God’s Invitation“
Come to worship, beloved of God.
We come with prayers and praises rising!
The Word is open; the table is set.
We will celebrate the goodness of the Lord!
Week 4: “Why God Parties“
One day, Jesus’ friends asked him:
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Jesus called a little kid over to sit with them, and said,
“The kingdom of heaven belongs to people
who can become like children—curious, growing, and trusting.
Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me.
Whoever welcomes God’s kingdom like a child will be great there.”
Week 5: “God’s Potluck”
We gather to bring our best to God—
our time and attention, our music and prayers.
We gather to receive the best from God—
grace that tastes like bread, forgiveness from a cup.
We gather to become the best of the church—
loving kindness, doing justice, and walking always with God.
Week 6: “Party On”
The Word sings out, “All of you who are thirsty, come to the water!
Whoever has no money, come, buy food and eat!
Why spend money for what isn’t food,
and your earnings for what doesn’t satisfy?
Listen carefully to me and eat what is good; enjoy the richest of feasts.
Listen and come to me; listen, and you will live.”
Deep Well Worship 