For January 15, 2012 -- 2nd Sunday After Epiphany, Year B

CALL TO WORSHIP/OPENING PRAYER
When we awoke this morning,
God was there, watching us wipe the sleep from our eyes.
When we entered the sanctuary,
God was there, greeting us with the voice of a friend.
As we centre ourselves for worship,
God is here, filling our hearts and souls, challenging us to grow in faith
...time of silence...
Gracious God, in this time of worship,
search us, know our hearts.
God who has been with us from the beginning,
God who is with us til the end,
open our eyes, minds, and hearts this morning.
And lead us in the way everlasting. Amen.

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God, you have searched me. you have known me,
you know my thoughts, you know all my ways.
You see if there is any wicked way in me
You know the good and the bad that lives in my heart and shows in my actions.
In the good we know, strengthen us, in the ways we fall short of the goal renew us.
And lead us in the way, lead us in the way everlasting.
...time of silence...
God, who does know all our ways, who knows us so well, does lead us in the way. When we stray from the way God calls us back with words of love and forgiveness.
Lead me in the way everlasting. Thanks be to God. Amen.

COMMISSIONING:
As we rise to leave this time of worship,
God goes with us.
From the furthest East to the furthest West,
God goes with us, holding our hand, guiding us onward.
And so, go with God, as the people of God, to share in the work of God.
We go to share the Good News that we are not alone, that God close at hand, always. Thanks be to God!
And for all your days, may God lead you in the way everlasting.
So Be It! Amen!