Disability Awareness Sunday Order of Worship
By Rev. Rebecca HollandDAS order of worship by Rev-LIVE
Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 66)
Leader: Make a joyful noise to God! Sing glory to the One who made all things!
People: How awesome are the deeds of the Great Creator! We are all God’s children. We all have unique gifts and graces.
Leader: On this Disability Awareness Sunday, we especially give thanks for the gifts and graces of the disability community. May we learn from one another.
People: Holy Spirit, please enter our hearts and our time of worship. Help us to be a truly inclusive and welcoming place for all God’s children. Let all the earth worship the Lord in love and unity!
Opening Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 111)
Leader: O Holy One, you are the King of All Creation. Your praise endures forever. You created all things. The works of Your hands are faithful, just, glorious, and beautiful. We pray this day that You would help us to welcome the diverse gifts and abilities that You have given to Your people.
Response: May we welcome everyone into the body of Christ. Help us to show mercy to those who are in need and not cast judgment upon the downtrodden. May we thirst for righteousness when we see the marginalized being mistreated. May Your house be an accessible and inclusive home for all people. Amen.
Opening Hymn
“Joyful, Joyful” UMH #64 (written by Beethoven after becoming d/Deaf)
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed (Unison)
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayer for Illumination
“O Holy One: May Your Word be a lamp to our feet that guides our way. May Your Holy Wisdom nourish our hearts and feed our hungry souls. As Your Scriptures are read and Your Word is proclaimed, may we receive with joy what you have to say to us this day. Amen.”
Suggested Scriptures
OT: Leviticus 19:11–16 – dignity and love include people with disabilities.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 – all parts of the Body of Christ are important.
Psalm: Psalm 73 – God receives our questions, pain, and sorrow.
Gospel: John 9:35–41 – physical blindness is not sin; spiritual blindness is the greater danger.
Preaching Note: Preach disability without using it as “inspiration fuel.” Disabilities may define us, but we are all more than our disabilities—we are all children of God.
Hymn
“Blessed Assurance” UMH #369 – by Fanny Crosby (who was blind)
Prayer of Confession (Inspired by Luke 17:11–19)
Leader: O God, we confess that we have sinned…
People: We confess that we are tempted to judge… Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus.
Leader: O God, help us to turn back toward You…
People: Forgive us for judging others by appearance, ability, age, gender, or skin color. Help us welcome all into the family of God. Amen.
Words of Assurance and Forgiveness
“Jesus said, ‘Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’ (Luke 17:19)”
Leader & People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Thanks be to God! Amen.
Hymns & Responses
Gloria Patri UMH #71
Passing the Peace
Offering & Doxology UMH #95
Litany for Disability Awareness Sunday (Inspired by 2 Timothy 2:8–15)
Leader: O God, we remember Jesus, who was raised from the dead…
People: We give thanks that true freedom comes through faith…
Leader: May we see the face of Christ reflected back…
People: O God, please help us not to judge others on the basis of ability, appearance, or socioeconomic status. Amen.
Hymn
“To God Be the Glory” UMH #98 – by Fanny Crosby
Benediction (Inspired by Luke 17:11–19)
“Let us give thanks and rejoice! God loves all of God’s children! Everyone is an important part of the Body of Christ… Let us welcome all of God’s children into the Body of Christ. May the Holy Spirit make our spaces warm, welcoming, and inclusive. May we tear down the walls that divide us and build bridges that unite us. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
📄 Pew Card Resource: Disability Awareness Sunday Pew Card (UMC)