First Lesson: Isaiah 63:16--64:8

Theme: Human alienation and divine absence

Exegetical Note
In this poem (or psalm) of lamentation, Trito-Isaiah describes the alienation and iniquity of his people, who have returned from Babylonian exile to a devastated, and therefore demoralized, Jerusalem. In this context, the prophet longs for divine intervention, though the possibility seems remote.

Call to Worship
Leader: Listen, people! The God of Abraham neither slumbers nor sleeps!
People: YET WE SOMETIMES LOSE TRACK OF GOD IN THE CHAOS OF OUR WORLD.
Leader: Hear, then, the Good News: Jesus is coming again to fulfill God’s Word!
People: LET US REJOICE AND GET READY FOR THAT GLORIOUS EVENT!

Collect
O God of present and future, who see and know when we feel unfulfilled, frustrated, and utterly Go…