Call To Worship: The Year of the Lord's Favor (Isaiah 61)

L1: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

L2: He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

C: To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

L1: To comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

L2: To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

C: They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

L1: Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

L2: You will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God.

L1: You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.

C: Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.