Witness to Wonders
Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday
February 19, 2012

2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

Call to Community
	One:	Gathering in this sacred place 
we anticipate new wonders each week. 
	
All:	Wherever two or three are gathered to worship, 
a holy spirit is present.    

One:	Open our eyes to witness 
the fantastic love and wondrous joy waiting to be revealed,         
even this day, even in this place.

All:	We will want to linger and camp in this sanctuary 
but when we leave today may our hearts be open 
to all the wonders of God’s beautiful world. 

Invocation
O Holy One, 
on mountaintops and valley floors 
you reveal to us the light of your love. 
Our hearts desire is to bask in the amazing glory 
of the divine presence. 
With each encounter we are changed and transformed. 
Draw us nearer that we might receive a double portion of your Holy Spirit. 
Help us, O Holy One, to live our lives as a reflection of divine glory. 
May we walk among our brothers and sister as a blessing, 
bearing light into dark places, 
hope to displace despair, 
and love that casts out hate. 
Our world is hurting 
and we need the followers of Jesus to follow more closely. 
Maybe then we will hear your voice speaking to us and saying, 
… “listen to my Child, the Beloved!”  Amen. 

Confession
Forgive us, God, when we linger too long by the waters, 
and on the mountain tops, 
enthralled with the glory that flows from you. 
When we fail to listen to your voice, leading and guiding us, 
shake us from our contentment 
and send us forward endowed with your power.   Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
The God of Elijah, the God of Moses and the God of Jesus 
desires mercy more than sacrifice 
and a contrite heart rather than burnt offerings.  
Love God and do the right thing 
and forgiveness shall be your friend 
and mercy your true companion. Amen.

Offering Invitation
Peter offered to build a tabernacle on the mountain with Jesus. 
But God does not dwell in houses made with human hands. 
Let us offer ourselves in service to those God loves. 
Let us offer our sacrifices to build community, 
bring peace, and be a double blessing 
to those in need throughout the world. Amen

Dedication
With these gifts we proclaim not ourselves but Jesus 
and commit ourselves to follow a way that leads to love and life. 
May our sacrifice be witness to our love for each other 
and the God who loves us all. Amen

Benediction
Now may the God who said, 
“Let light shine out of darkness” 
and has shone in our hearts, 
give us light to bear to the world 
that all may see and know that God is love. Amen.

Witness to Wonders: Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday,  was written by the Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, CA  and a member of the board of directors of ProgressiveChristianity.org.

Copyright 2012 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.