Christmas 1 Sunday prayers - Dec 28

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Herald:                 The LORD is our shepherd, we shall not be in want.

People:                 He guides us to this place of peace; He leads us into His sacred presence.

Herald:                 The Lord restores our souls and guides us every day. Let us worship and glorify God! Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Father, in whose Name we gather and to whom we dedicate our lives, accept the praises of our lips and the prayers of hearts. Your power is beyond our imagining and Your ways are often mysterious; today we seek Your blessing and long to experience Your Holy Presence.

People:                 Gracious Lord, at times we fail to accomplish Your bidding. There are moments each day when we fall foul to temptation, pride, anger, and greed. We concentrate on fulfilling the grand dreams for our lives, yet fail to complete little acts of kindness and compassion on a daily basis.  Forgive our sins of indifference, intolerance, and ignorance. Cleanse us of our careless ways and heal us of our heedless paths. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving God, we realize that without Jesus, we would have to pay the eternal consequences of all our mistakes. We thank You for sending Him into our world and we praise You for His Sacrifice which grants us forgiveness, hope, and peace forevermore. We make these prayers in Jesus’’ Name, and through His Words, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ came down from heaven to feed us with faith, heal us through hope, and liberate us with love. we are made precious in God’s sight through Christ’s obedience, sacrifice, and grace. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and we are restored to God’s love, both now and forevermore. 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:                 O LORD Almighty, we gather in this dwelling place to experience peace and healing. We yearn for Your grace and love; we cry out and pray for Your mercy and favor.

People:                 In this holy house, we humbly ask that You bless us with strength and compassion. In Your sacred sight, renew our hearts and restore our souls to Your peace.

Pastor:                 Turn our tears into smiles; change our sorrow into gladness; replace our fears with faith and let our loved ones experience release from suffering, freedom from distress, and recovery from any illness, injury, or instability.

Hear us now as we silently bring to You our personal prayers for healing.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 The LORD God is our sun and shield. He alone honors our prayers and favors our requests. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                 (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 84)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, encourage us to embrace Christ’s words and receive His teaching. Help us to be drawn to Him through the power of these sacred scriptures. Allow us to build our lives upon His truth, life, and way. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, we are the children of God’s grace and the heirs of His Kingdom. We humbly bring before You our offerings and ask that You will continue to bless them for Your work in this church and throughout this community. We pledge our hearts to You and dedicate our lives to the One, Triune, and Living God. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ enhance our understanding of His plans for today’s world; may the Father awaken our spirits to His works of compassion and care; and may the Holy Spirit lead us each day to witness to the glories of salvation and the grace of the One, Triune, and Holy God, both now and evermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Advent 4 prayers - Dec 21

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Lighting of Advent candles

Herald:                 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s Kingdom; faith, hope, and love dwell in the hearts of His people.

People:                 May we rejoice in the name of Christ forever; may His love continue to bless our days.

Lighting of four candles

Herald:                 Let us sing of the Lord’s great love forever and make His faithfulness known throughout this place. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Immortal Creator of the Universe, we come before You as servants of Your Kingdom and seekers of Your Truth. You are our Rock and refuge, our shield and salvation, as well our gracious God and loving Guide.

People:                 Heavenly Father, we have frequently wandered from Your ways and ignored Your righteousness. We have chosen to cherish our pride and greed. Forgive us for being hypocritical and hypercritical, faithless and fallen, as well as unkind and unworthy. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, we regret our past mistakes, so we look to Jesus for salvation. We turn away from our guilty sins and seek Christ to renew our lives. In His Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ was sent by our Heavenly Father to save the world from sin. He sacrificed Himself so that we may be given the opportunity to be forgiven and restored to God’s favor and grace. Without Jesus, we have no hope of avoiding the wrath of God. With Christ, we are spiritually purified and totally pardoned. We rejoice in His power and Holy Name, both now and forever. 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:                 O Lord, from this sacred sanctuary, our souls yearn for Your Favor, and our hearts cry out for healing. Bless us for having set our faith in You and trusting You for strength.

People:                 Hear our prayers, Almighty Father, and listen to our pleas. Look upon us as Your people, gathered here in Your Name. Bless us with mercy and compassion; fill us with hope and help us through this day.

Pastor:                 Gracious God, grant us Your benign grace; heal our loved ones of their sickness and pain, anxiety and depression, as well as their illnesses and injuries. Hear us now as we inwardly pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 O Loving Lord, blessed are those who trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 84)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, enable us to receive Christ’s teaching in our hearts and minds, through the reading and hearing of these sacred scriptures. May we experience our lives being re-born, this day and forevermore. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, You are the Perfect One and our lives are transformed by Your mercy and grace. In return, we pledge to You our lives and dedicate our time, talents, and tithes to You alone. Take these gifts and bless them for Your work in the world and Your ministry among us. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ enable us to love our neighbor each day; may the Father help us to support one another with mercy and grace; and may the Holy Spirit lead us to fulfill God’s law through being servants of His Kingdom and disciples of Christ, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for Advent 3 - Dec 14

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Lighting of Advent Candles

Herald:                 The Lord has done great things for us, so our hearts are filled with love.

People:                 May this sacred place be filled with gladness; may our lips sing out with joy.

Lighting of 3 candles (including Joy candle)

Herald:                 May Christ restore us to the One, Triune, and Living God. May we joyfully worship Him forever. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting God, who upholds the universe and sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. You know and see all things, therefore we thank You for sharing Your wonders with us and we glorify You for granting us a life filled with learning and love.

People:                 Gracious Lord, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your love for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We ask this in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. 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:                 O Lord our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing.

In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God. When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation.

People:                 Lord, when we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior. When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace, and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all our loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart, and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the Earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, call us to account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, through the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work, and ministry of our church. You know all that God requires us to do and You also know that we have been given all of the resources of time, talents, and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune, and Living God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for Advent 2 - Dec 7

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Lighting of Advent Candles

Herald:                 Revive us again, O Christ our Savior, so that we may rejoice in Your grace and peace.

People:                 Show us Your unfailing love, O God, and grant us Your salvation.

Lighting of 2 candles

Herald:                 May peace be experienced in our hearts as we worship and glorify the Lord. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting God, who watches over all Creation and who understands our thoughts and fears, open our hearts to Your Holy Presence and enhance our spirits to experience Your Living Power. In this sacred place of prayer, may we know Your peace. As we gather in Your Name, may we sense Your Precious Love.

People:                 Lord of all Righteousness, we confess our failings and weaknesses. We are sinful and selfish creatures. We are bitter and resentful beings. We are greedy and stubborn people. We are careless and faithless servants.

Have mercy on our souls and deliver us from Your displeasure. Forgive us and cleanse us of our past mistakes, shameful acts, and broken promises, through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, our Lord. Hear us now as we personally pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Compassionate Father, we thank You for Jesus. His obedience and service, as well as His crucifixion and death have paid the penalty due for our sins. We are completely in His debt and totally grateful for His Grace.

We uplift our prayers in Christ’s Name, and through His Sacred words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  The broken body and the lifeblood of Christ atoned for our sins and acquits us of our guilt. We are set free from God’s condemnation and given the perfect opportunity to be restored to His favor and grace. We cannot do this by ourselves, for only Jesus can completely restore us to God’s Kingdom, both now and forever. 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:                 God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies, and nurturing our spirits. May He constantly defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health. In the midst of our weaknesses, may the Lord grant us His strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith.

People:                 Lord, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers. Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry and reinforce us with Your peace. Heal us and all our loved ones from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May the Lord positively respond and grant all of our requests. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 82)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, fill us with Your sacred presence and rule our hearts and minds. Let Christ’s teaching be personally experienced by all of Your people gathered here today. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, Your love never fails and we are blessed by Your grace. We gather these tokens in Your Holy Name and ask for Your blessing upon them. These tithes and offerings are the gifts of grateful people. We pray that You will enable us to honor God’s Kingdom by using them to proclaim the Gospel, help the needy, and serve God’s Kingdom in this community and throughout the world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ enable us to honor our daily debts to Him; may the Father keep us loving one another; and may the Holy Spirit fulfill our lives through continuous service to the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and throughout eternity. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for Advent 1 - Nov 30

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering Song

Lighting of First Advent Candle

Herald: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel and Christ of our People, come among us and save us.

People: Restore us, O God, to Your Kingdom and renew the Hope that we have in Jesus, Our Lord.

Lighting of 1 candle

Herald: O God Almighty, let Your face shine upon us as we worship and glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Immortal and Almighty Lord, we come here to sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your ways are undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled; we seek Your Holy Presence here and devote ourselves to worshiping You alone.

People:                 Lord of Salvation and Grace, we are sinful and selfish people. We are sometimes distracted and become unworthy servants. We follow our own desires and damage our faith with pride, greed, and neglect. Tear down the walls of stubbornness and foolishness that we have built against You. Come into our hearts and help us to seek Your forgiveness.  Hear us now as we personally pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no way of ever being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to acknowledge our guilt, so that we may be pardoned by Your grace and favor. We make our prayers in Jesus’ Name and through His holy words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER.” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  When we come to the Lord and rely upon His words, He releases us from the wrath of God. When we ask Jesus to cleanse us by His blood, He restores us to God’s holiness. So let us truly rejoice and give thanks, for Christ is our Savior and we are completely forgiven, from this day forth and forevermore. 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:                 Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works! Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns. In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers.

People:                 Loving God, give us patience to wait for Your response; grant us mercy to all of our requests.

Subdue our fears and protect us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your gracious power. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 The Lord will bless us with recovery and strength; with His goodness and grace, we shall experience healing, hope, and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.   

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all of our questions about life. Show us how powerful God’s love is, and enable us to apply these lessons of faith in our daily lives.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication: (unison – led by pastor)       Lord Jesus, there have been many times when this church has become a sanctuary to us and we have been supported by the love of Your people. We trust You to work among us each week, and we hope that we serve You faithfully, diligently, and sincerely. Take our tithes and offerings and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church, to help our congregation reach out to the wider community. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction: (unison)    May we give thanks to Christ each day for all that we personally owe Him; may we respect and revere God’s work throughout today’s world; and may we honor the guidance and counsel, the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, in this life and the one to come, to the glory of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Advent Call to Worship - Year B

Year B: Calls to Worship

Advent 1 (based on Psalm 80)

Herald: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel and Christ of our People, come among us and save us.

People: Restore us, O God, to Your Kingdom and renew the Hope that we have in Jesus, Our Lord.

Lighting of 1 candle

Herald: O God Almighty, let Your face shine upon us as we worship and glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.

Advent 2 (based on Psalm 85)

Herald: Revive us again, O Christ our Savior, so that we may rejoice in Your grace and peace.

People: Show us Your unfailing love, O God, and grant us Your salvation.

Lighting of 2 candles

Herald: May peace be experienced in our hearts as we worship and glorify the Lord. Amen.

Advent 3 (based on Psalm 126)

Herald: The Lord has done great things for us, so our hearts are filled with love.

People: May this sacred place be filled with gladness; may our lips sing out with joy.

Lighting of 3 candles (including Joy candle)

Herald: May Christ restore us to the One, Triune, and Living God. May we joyfully worship Him forever. Amen.

Advent 4 (based on Psalm 89)

Herald: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s Kingdom; faith, hope, and love dwell in the hearts of His people.

People: May we rejoice in the name of Christ forever; may His love continue to bless our days.

Lighting of four candles

Herald: Let us sing of the Lord’s great love forever and make His faithfulness known throughout this place. Amen.

Christmas Eve (based on Psalm 96)

Herald: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; come and rejoice in Him, all the Earth!

People: We will be glad, and all who are here will bless Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lighting of Christ Candle only

Herald: Let us sing our songs of salvation with all the Earth. Let us proclaim Christ as our King on this wonderful night of new birth. Amen.