Sunday Prayers January 10 - Epiphany 1

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  Come, let us seek the peace of Christ and love of God.

People:                 May the Lord give us strength in this place of praise and prayer.

Pastor:                  Let us worship and glorify our Everlasting King. Amen.

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Creator, we gather in Your Holy House to praise Your Greatness and honor Your Name. Your works and mighty acts have blessed our people for generations. Your ways and sacred words have inspired our spirits across the centuries.

People:  Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that we are unworthy of Your blessing. You are righteous, but we are sinful. You are powerful and truthful; we are weak and deceitful. Our lives are imperfect because we allow pride, greed, and anger to contaminate our souls. Forgive us for being shallow and selfish, as well as faithless and false. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Lord, may You make smooth our rough ways and level out our unbalanced lives. Allow Christ to make our ways straight and lead us on the right path. With His mercy, we are restored to You forever. With His grace, we are completely forgiven. We eternally thank You for Jesus, in whose Name we make our confessions and continue to pray saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Long ago, many disciples rejected Jesus because of what He said and did. The Christian life is never easy and we are expected to have higher and holier standards than the rest of the world. When we fail to live up to Christ’s teaching, we need to seek His forgiveness. When we confess our faults and sincerely ask for His pardon, Jesus immediately forgives us. So let us rejoice and be glad, for we have been shown great mercy and are restored to God’s favor and love. 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.

Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Hear, O LORD, and answer us, for we are poor in spirit and in need of Your care. Guard our lives and protect us from illness, for we are devoted to You. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, for we call to You alone for health and healing. Grant joy to us, Your servants, as we lift up our prayers and bring to You our burdens.

People:                 O Lord, You are compassionate and good, abounding in love to all who call on You. Hear our prayers, and listen to our personal concerns. Heal us and each of our loved ones from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 In the day of our trouble we will call to You, O Heavenly Lord, for You will compassionately answer us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                        (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 86)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, encourage us through the reading of these sacred scriptures and open our hearts to receive God’s word. Encourage us with this teaching and enable us to embrace all that God fulfills in the life of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, we read and pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have given us faith, hope, and everlasting love, so we can never repay You for the eternal debts that we owe. In faith, we gather this offering and bring to You our gifts. With hope, we ask for Your blessing on these tokens. Through love, we seek Your favor and pray for guidance to use this offering for the preaching of the gospel, the sharing of the scriptures, and the praising of our God. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction (unison):  May Christ help us to live faithful lives which are worthy of His Name; may the Father encourage  us to share our faith through charitable acts; and may the Holy Spirit fill us with compassion and love, to make the world a better place, both now and evermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday January 03 prayers - Christmas 2C

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  The Lord our God has said, “Behold I make all things new!”

People:                 We pledge our hearts to Him and devote our lives to God’s Kingdom.

Pastor:                  May we glorify the Lord with our thoughts, words, and deeds. In Christ’s Name. Amen!

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting God, to whom this world owes its existence and through whom the whole universe is sustained, we seek to serve You with our worship and hope to please You with our praises. We humbly approach You as Your people, opening our hearts to Your gracious love and focusing our minds upon Your holy presence.

People:                 Merciful Father, we know our own weaknesses and our habitual mistakes. We acknowledge our faithless ways and inconsistent devotion. We have trampled on the feelings of others with thoughtless words, harmful deeds, and selfish choices. Forgive us now as we humbly and sincerely confess our grievous faults to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Almighty God, we know that only Jesus can pardon our sins and grant the forgiveness that we continually need. Only Your Precious Son can restore us to Your Favor and reclaim our souls for Your Kingdom. In His Holy Name, we bring our confessions and make these prayers, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ speaks to us individually through His teaching of God’s Holy Word. He calls us to repentance and seeks to save our souls by sacrificing Himself. When we honestly confess our sins and sincerely depend upon Him to rescue us, we will be completely forgiven and eternally reconciled to God. In Christ’s Name, we gratefully pray. 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.

Anthem

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Loving Lord, may Your favor be graciously shown to Your people by restoring our health through Your holy power. Forgive our faithless fears and diminish our doubts. Please strengthen our bodies and bring peace to our minds.

People:                 Gracious God, restore us to Your mercy and let Your holiness abide within our hearts. Please allow Your unfailing love to be experienced by our families and friends. Grant them deliverance from illness, depression, or pain. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May the LORD indeed give what is good, so that our lives will experience healing and strength. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.    (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 85)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, help us to accept the fact that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, for there is no other being under heaven given to us by God, through whom we can be saved. May today’s scriptures enhance our spiritual awareness and plant this precious teaching in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

Sermon

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, we do not fully understand all that happens in this world but we know that Your Spirit continues to inspire many people to do good, help the poor, and support the weak. May our gifts be blessed and used to advance Your ministry, life, and work throughout this church, our community, and across the world. In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison):  May Christ’s light brighten our hearts each day; may the Father’s love inspire and encourage us to bless our loved ones; and may the Holy Spirit guide and help us to become effective servants of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and evermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers Dec 27 - Christmas 1C

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  As the Lord’s Name is praised over all the Earth, may we also offer Him our worship.

People:                 May we come into His presence, singing songs of salvation and declaring His deeds.

Pastor:                  Let us rejoice, for Christ is our Redeemer and we are united to Him forever. Amen.

Hymn   

               

End of Year Litany Prayer

Guide:                  Eternal God, we exist in Your universe and are sustained by Your grace.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Forgive us for the sins we have selfishly committed throughout this year.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Pardon us for any pain we have caused; for any harm we have done.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Forgive us for telling lies, speaking harshly, and expressing anger.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Pardon our moments of pride and stubbornness; our times of bitterness and rancor.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Forgive our greedy and selfish ways; our self-centered moments and self-absorbed lifestyles.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Pardon our neglect of those in need, as well as our uncharitable thoughts and deeds.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Forgive our prejudices and judgmentalism, as well as our lack of love and understanding.

People:                 By Your mercy, we are forgiven; with Your love, we are restored.

Guide:                  Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

Silence

Guide:                  By Your mercy, we are forgiven.  All: With Your love, we are restored. Amen.

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus is the Savior of our souls and the redeemer of our lives. His presence make a vast difference concerning who we are, what we do, and what we have still to accomplish. He restores us to God because He sacrificed His life on our behalf. Therefore, let us be glad and rejoice, for Christ is our Everlasting Lord and Mighty King 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.

Anthem

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  O Living Lord, whenever we have been foolish and disappointed You, please forgive us. If we have been selfish and angered You, be merciful to us. Gracious Father, help us to be aware that sometimes we suffer sickness and experience illness because of our selfish ways and sinful habits.

People:                 O Loving Lord, moments of pain and isolation, fear and anxiety, even guilt and worry, overwhelm our spirits, damage our souls, weaken our bodies, and stifle our minds. Our faith can be feeble and our confidence is sometimes crushed. We need You, Lord, to save us from all that attacks us, and heal us from all that harms us. Hear us now, as we silently pray.

               

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  Come quickly to us and help us, O Lord, our God and Savior. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 38)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts and minds for the promises of the Lord, which are revealed to us through these sacred scriptures. Help us to accept the wisdom of God’s ways, so that we may apply these lessons to our lives and teach them to each succeeding generation in this church and community. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

Sermon

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):                       Lord Jesus, despite our weaknesses, You still love us. Despite our failings, You still forgive us. In response to the abundant riches of Your Grace, we gather before You these gifts of our gratitude. Accept and bless them for the holy work of this church. Sanctify this offering for Your ministries and missions, which You have called upon us to begin, continue, and fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.   

Hymn                                   

Benediction (unison):                    May Christ continue to bless us loving and faithful ways; may the Father guide us in His goodness and love; and may the Holy Spirit inspire us each day and direct our devotion toward the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude     

Sunday Prayers for Advent 4C - December 20

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Advent 4 Reader: “As soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

All:    In the beginning was the Word—spoken and breathed, a promise made and kept. God’s promise is true! The Word was in the beginning, and through Him all things come into being.

Advent 4 Reader:     Eternal and near at hand, already and not-yet, God’s promise is the foundation of all life. Trust in God! Wait with faith, giving voice to Christ’s love for all.

~3 purple candles and pink Joy candle are lit~

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Eternal Lord of Life, we come before You as people seeking Your favor, and as servants devoted to Your Kingdom. We personally place our trust in You, for You are our rock and refuge, our shield and salvation, as  well as our gracious redeemer and loving guide.

People:                 Heavenly Father, we have wandered from Your ways and rebelled against Your righteousness. We have sometimes chosen to embrace our pride and greed, as well as living out our fallen ideals and selfish sins. We have placed our faith in our own strength and set aside Your truth. Forgive us for being faithless and foolish, unholy and unworthy. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful God, we regret our past mistakes and humbly look to Jesus for our salvation. We turn away from our guilty sins and seek Christ to renew our lives. Help us to remain united with Him. 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 of being 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 eternally pardoned, therefore we will 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.

Anthem

Minute for Mission

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Eternal Lord, in the midst of this sanctuary, our souls yearn for Your Favor, and our hearts cry out for healing. Bless us, Living God, for we have set our hearts on You and trust You for recovery and strength.

People:                 Hear our prayers, O LORD God Almighty; listen to us, O God of Jacob. Look upon Your people, O God, gathered here in Your Name. Look upon us with mercy and compassion.

Pastor:                 For You, Heavenly Father, fill us with hope and help us through each day. Do not withhold Your power from us, and graciously heal our loved ones from their sickness and pain, anxiety and depression, illnesses and injuries. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Everlasting God, 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 be open to Christ’s teaching through the reading of these sacred scriptures. Heal us of the past and lead us now by His active presence in our lives. May we experience Christ being born in our spirits this day and forevermore. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

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

Hymn

Benediction(unison):  May Christ enable us to truly love our neighbors 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

Prayers for Advent 3C - December 13

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Advent 3 Reader:             “Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done gloriously; let this be known in all the Earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

All:    In the beginning was the Word—spoken and breathed, a promise made and kept. God’s promise is true! The Word was in the beginning, and through Him all things come into being.

Advent 3 Reader:     Eternal and near at hand, already and not-yet, God’s promise is the foundation of all life. Keep going! Persevere in joy, giving voice to God’s presence yet again.

~2 Purple candle and pink Joy candle are lit~

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty and Everlasting God, who sets the stars on their courses and sustains the entire universe, we praise and worship You from the depths of our hearts. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning, and love.

People:                 Loving Lord, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. 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:                  Gracious Father, keep us constant in our faith and committed 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. In His Holy Name, we pray saying:  “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)”

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  By accepting Jesus as the Savior of our lives, we can be 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.

Anthem

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Lord our God, do not be far from us or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls with Your presence and strengthen our hearts with Your promises.

People:                 Gracious Lord, when we are unsettled and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face distress or discomfort, as well as pain or sickness, be our Comforter and Savior. 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:                 O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the Earth and have the power to answer and fulfill our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, hold us accountable 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 grants to us. In the Name of Jesus, we humbly pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, we freely give these gifts to enable us to support the life and work of our church. Empower us to do everything that You require of us in ministry and mission. Help us to prayerfully and cheerfully give of ourselves, as well as our assets to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. 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 - Advent 2 - Dec 6

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Advent 2 Call to Worship

Advent 2 Reader:             “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.””

All:    In the beginning was the Word—spoken and breathed, a promise made and kept. God’s promise is true! The Word was in the beginning, and through Him all things come into being.

Advent 2 Reader:     Eternal and near at hand, already and not-yet, God’s promise is the foundation of all life. Speak out, giving voice to God’s peace that passes all understanding.

~2 Purple Advent candles are lit~

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Eternal God, whose power is absolute and abounds throughout the universe, we gather before You in this peaceful place of praise and prayer. We have set apart this time in our lives to worship and adore You. We have responded to Your call and continue to bless Your Holy Name.
People:                 Precious Father, we confess all of our sins to You. For years, we have stored up bitterness in our hearts and allowed pride to damage our souls. We have hurt other people with our spite and disappointed You with our misdeeds. We have sinfully fulfilled our selfish desires by casting aside Your sacred commandments. Forgive us, Gracious God, for we repent of our ugly ways and tarnished faith. Hear us now as we personally seek forgiveness from You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, You permit us to call upon Your Son Jesus for help, healing, and wholeness. He alone grants us forgiveness and salvation through His sacrificial death on the Cross. In Christ, we are pardoned and forgiven, reconnected to Your Kingdom and restored to Your everlasting favor. In Christ’s own precious words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus is the King of Creation and the Lord of our lives. We did not give this honor to Him. God bestowed upon Jesus all authority on Earth and in Heaven to forgive our sins, to restore us to God’s blessing, and to be welcomed into His Eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our One, True, and Only Savior, both now and always. 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.

Anthem

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor:                 Your healing love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your strength is like the mighty mountains, and Your justice like the great deep. We humbly pray that You will preserve our lives and our loved ones. Your unfailing love and mercy is precious to us. May our families and friends find refuge in Your presence and the healing of all that harms them.
People:                May we regain our health and strength from the abundance of Your power; may You grant us our petitions and delight us with Your grace. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light; through Your peace, we are released from pain; by Your love we are set free from our fears. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others.

Pastor:                 Living and Gracious Lord, continue sending Your love to those who need You, and allow Your healing to be granted to those most cherished in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)


Prayer for Illumination
Reader :               Holy Spirit, challenge and change us through the truths that these sacred scriptures reveal. Move our hearts and show us how to fulfill Christ’s message in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You know us completely and perfectly understand everything about our lives. We often fail to fulfill our service and devotion to You, and yet You still allow us to receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. With humble and sincere thanks, we offer You our time, talents, and money. Take these tokens of our gratitude and bless them for the continuing life, work, and ministry of Your Church in this community, across this nation, and throughout the world. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ protect us from our sinful nature and keep us on His Holy path; may the Father continually cultivate our faith through His Love and Grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to go out into the world to effectively witness to God’s kingdom, glory, and power. Both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Prayer for Christ the King Sunday - November 22

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  We have come to God’s Holy House to bless His Name and venerate His ways.

People:                 We will open our hearts and minds to the Lord’s presence and teaching.

Pastor:                  Let us worship and glorify the Lord God and Christ our King! Amen.

Hymn:

Prayers of Adoration & Confession

Guide:                  Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we gather before You as worshippers of Your ways and servants of Your truth. We long to please You with our lives and hope to honor You with our praises.

People:                 Loving Lord, we know that we are unholy and imperfect. We admit to making mistakes, surrendering to sin, and yielding to temptation. Pardon our pride and forgive our fallen ways. Hear us now as we silently confess our past mistakes to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful God, we rely upon Jesus to save us from ourselves. We look to Him to cleanse our souls, acquit us of our sins, and restore us to Your favor. In His Holy words, we unite ourselves in prayer, saying: “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Only Jesus, our King, can give us eternal life through the forgiveness of our sins. He truly guides us each day and leads us to the point where we can completely rely upon His grace. His body was broken for our mistakes; His blood was shed for our sins. He is our Lord and Redeemer, 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.

Choir Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Minute for Mission: PW Thank Offering

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Hear us, O Living Lord as we call upon Your Name. Be our shepherd and guide us in the midst of our troubles. Come amongst us, Gracious God, and touch us with Your Healing hands. Save us from our sickness and deliver us from despair. Restore us, O Lord, to health and strength. Look favorably upon us and grant us hope with peace. Hear our prayers, LORD God and give us patience to wait upon Your answer.

People:                 Listen to the cries of our hearts and heal us, as well as all our loved ones, from everything that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. In the midst of our discomfort and pain, grant us rest. At the time of our greatest anxiety and deepest concern, be our strength and source of healing. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Restore us, O God Almighty, to health by granting us Your shalom; make your face shine upon us, that we may be healed. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 80)

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, no matter who we are or what we have done, You will always have a message for us, each time we read the scriptures. Today, we humbly pray that You will touch our hearts and minds with God’s Word and Christ’s Teaching.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your precious love and for the many ways You protect us from evil. We rejoice in Your Life, we celebrate Your Truth, and we are here to support Your Way. Take these gifts and bless them for the continuing ministry that You have ordained for our church. May these gifts bring blessing to our community and glory to Your Most Holy Name, both now and forever. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction(unison):      May we serve Christ our King each day with love, faith, and devotion; may we worship the Father as His dedicated disciples and devoted servants; and may the Holy Spirit govern our choices and guide all of our decisions, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 33B - November 15

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  May we dedicate this time to God, as well as devoting our lives to His Son.

People:                 We will sing praises to the Living Lord and offer our prayers to Him.

Pastor:                  Let us freely and cheerfully worship the One, Triune, and Living God! Amen.

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Lord of every bounty and blessing, we have come to Your holy house of prayer, seeking refuge in Your presence and looking for hope from Your words. We lift up our hearts and voices to praise and honor You. We know that we are called to be disciples and servants of Your Kingdom, so we rejoice in this sacred place of peace and power.

People:                 Almighty Father, You know everything about us. You are aware of our sinful deeds and selfish ways. You have witnessed our bitterness and shallowness, as well as our indifference and lack of compassion. Forgive our sins and pardon our foolish mistakes. Save us from temptation and rescue us from doing wrong. Hear us now as we humbly approach You with our personal confessions and individual prayers.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Everlasting God, we are eternally indebted to You. Only Your Son can heal the breach between us; only Jesus can restore us to the joy of Your Kingdom. We place our lives into His hands and seek the blessing of His forgiveness. In His words, we now pray saying:  “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus saves us from our sins by giving His life as a ransom for our own. His blood cleanses us from all our mistakes. His sacrifice on the Cross allows us to be forgiven and restored to God’s favor and grace. So, let us rejoice and be thankful, for Christ our Savior has fulfilled all that was needed to save our souls, 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.

Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 How long, O LORD, must we endure pain and experience discomfort? How long will our illnesses continue? Please do not leave us without hope. May Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are in real need of Your compassion. Graciously send forth Your Holy Spirit to touch us and all our loved ones with Your healing power, Your bountiful blessing, and Your everlasting love.

People:                 May the cries of our hearts and the prayers of all our loved ones come before You; may You strengthen and preserve them, delivering them from despair and healing them from all that harms them in body, mind , heart, and soul. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Living Lord, We are blessed to be Your people, therefore we will praise You forever. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 79)

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, come among us today in this sacred place and enable us to encounter Jesus through these holy words. Penetrate our hearts and minds with the true meaning of these scriptures, and help us to apply their eternal truths in our daily lives. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, from the bounty of our resources, we give back to You these gifts. You have blessed us each day and encouraged us to offer our time, talents and treasures to the glory of God. We seek Your approval of our gifts and offering, praying that we may use them for the life, work, and ministry of this church in Your Sacred Name, both now and forever. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction(unison):  May we submit to Christ’s authority each day; may the Father preserve us from evil by giving us His grace; and may the Holy Spirit keep us conscientious and faithful as Christian people, who worship, glorify, and adore the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 32B - Nov 08

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  Let us come into the holy presence of God to worship His Holy Name.

People:                 We are called to be here, where we can praise and honor the Lord.

Pastor:                  May our hearts be filled with God’s love and our lives be blessed with His grace. Amen.

Hymn

               

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Father, who created the land, sea, and air, we gather here to worship Your wonderful ways and praise Your Everlasting Name. You are the King of Glory, whose words produce Life, and whose thoughts sustain the entire Universe.

People:                 Gracious Father, become a river of life to us, cleansing us of our past mistakes, freeing us from our personal sins, and pardoning us of our selfish deeds. We know that we have disappointed You with our poor choices and mistaken ways. Hear us now as we personally confess our faults to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Father God, without Jesus, we have no hope of forgiveness. Without His sacrifice, we have no way to be forgiven. We therefore place our sinful selves into His Hands, and pray that His power will restore us to Your Favor and Eternal Kingdom. In Christ’s own words, we pray, saying “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins, to purify our souls, and to give us God’s blessings. When we truly believe that He is the Son of God and place our lives into His Keeping, we are guaranteed absolution for our sins and given God’s everlasting love. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our One, True, and Living Savior, both now and always. 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.

Anthem

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  We will exalt you, O LORD, for You lift us out of the depths of our despair, and will not let our troubles overwhelm us. We cry out to You for help, for You alone can truly heal us. We feel secure in Your Presence and safe in Your Love. Strengthen our faith and diminish our fears. Fill us with peace and free us from pain.

People:                 O Lord, show Your favor to our friends and families. Grant them health and healing; release them from dismay and depression. Bring to them hope and happiness. Be merciful to us and all our loved ones, for You alone have the power to help us. Turn our worries into cheers; remove our sadness and replace it with joy. Hear us now as we silently pray.

                               

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  O LORD our God, may our hearts constantly sing to You and never be silent. May we give You praise and thanks forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 30)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, You know the future of each of our lives. You know the joys we will celebrate and the problems we have yet to encounter. Prepare our hearts and minds for those forthcoming times by enabling us to hear Christ’s words, to receive them in our hearts, and apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

Sermon

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):                       Lord Jesus, may we all give of our lives to Your ministry in this church, community, and nation. May we freely give to You of our time, talents, and money in ways and means that will honor and glorify Your Name. May You favorably bless these tokens and pledges, these gifts and offerings for the life, work, and mission of Your church at Erin, and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. 

Communion

Hymn                   

Benediction (unison):    May Christ enable us to go out into the world in service, ministry, and mission; may the Father establish strong and firm roots of faith in our hearts, souls, and minds; and may the Holy Spirit empower us with godly gifts, so that we may witness to Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s compassion, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude