Sunday church prayers - Ordinary 12C - June 23

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights above.
People:                 Praise Him all His people; praise Him throughout the world.
Liturgist:               Praise the Name of the Lord, for He alone is to be exalted. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                 Gracious Lord, throughout our lives we seek opportunities to serve and worship You. On this holy day, accept our praises and thanksgiving. You are our strength and salvation, as well as our source of hope and healing. Each day, we place our lives and dreams into Your hands. Each time we do this, You do not disappoint us.

People:                Merciful Father, we know that our disobedience diminishes our faith. We understand that our spiteful words and hurtful deeds distress others and disappoint You. Forgive us for being self-centered and full of pride. Pardon our vain and shallow ways. Help us to turn to You for mercy and grace; forgiveness and pardon. Hear us now as we pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Eternal Father, we are indebted to You for sending Jesus into our world. He has given His life as the everlasting sacrifice for all of our mistakes, regrets, and sins. We pledge our lives to Him and place ourselves under His authority. Hear us now as we pray in Christ’s own words, “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)    

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ is the answer to all of our questions, and He is the One who fulfills all our obligations. In Him, we have the perfect Savior, the most merciful of all Lords. We will rejoice and declare our allegiance to Him alone. Forever and ever. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Hasten to us, O God; come quickly among us and give heed to our prayers. We seek Your love to remedy our fears; we ask for Your compassion and grace.

People:                 In the midst of our troubles, support us. In times of illness and crisis, be ever faithful. May we know of Your complete joy; may we be strengthened by Your kindness.

Pastor:                 Almighty God, we are human and frail, prone to worry and sickness, fear and depression. Be near to us and all our loved ones. Heal us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 O Living Lord, You are our help and redeemer. Come quickly to us, O God. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                  (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 70)

Singing of '”Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, build up Your church and enhance our knowledge about God’s ways. Let the words that we read seep into our souls, softening our hearts, and reshaping our lives.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, You are the source of our eternal well-being and the One who forgives our sins. We will always be indebted to You, therefore we gather this offering to honor and glorify You.  Help us to be generous with our gifts and responsible in our stewardship. Bless the tithes and gifts we place before You. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison):    May Christ’s mercy fill our lives with favor and blessing; may the Father’s compassion bring us purpose and meaning; and may the Holy Spirit keep us from despair and lead us to a greater glory, through our service, worship, and devotion to the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude