Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Lord our God, you have revealed yourself as One who wishes to bring about justice and  true peace among people.                                                                                                                                                                                       In a world that looks away from injustice, you cast your eyes on the destitute, the poor, and the wronged. You have called us to follow you, to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind, to set  at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the time of your  blessing.                                                                                                                                                                              All singing: Lord, listen to your children praying,                                                                                                              Lord, send your Spirit in this place                                                                                                                    Lord, listen to your children praying;                                                                                                             Send us love, send us power, send us grace.                                                                       Be present with your church, Lord, as we respond to your call. Open our eyes to the downtrodden.               Fill us with compassion for the plight of the alien, the refugee and the  immigrant. Lead us into ministries that help the hurting, strengthen the weak, care for  the grieving, give hope to the despairing, and offer a hand up to the beaten  down.                                                                                                                                          All singing: Lord, listen to your children praying,                                                                                                              Lord, send your Spirit in this place                                                                                                                    Lord, listen to your children praying;                                                                                                             Send us love, send us power, send us grace.                                                                   Give us courage to block the paths of the ungodly who exploit the poor. Set us free from pious exercises that prevent us from doing what you require which is: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you.  May we become avenues of your blessing for the poor in spirit, may those who mourn find our camaraderie a comfort.  May your righteousness like an overflowing stream satisfy all longing, and your peace be manifest  through all who make it.                                                                                                               All singing: Lord, listen to your children praying,                                                                                                              Lord, send your Spirit in this place                                                                                                                    Lord, listen to your children praying;                                                                                                             Send us love, send us power, send us grace.                                                                      Lead our footsteps to stand with the poor, that we might stand with you.   Have mercy, O God and hear us as we together pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen.