Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 5B - Feb 8

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               May God’s everlasting love be shared with us; may we each know of His grace and salvation.

People:                 We will live together in His Kingdom; we will seek God's wisdom and teaching in His House.

Liturgist:               Let us lift up our hearts and voices as we praise the Lord, whom we worship forever. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, whose power sustains all that lives and exists, and whose promises remain unbroken, as well as undiminished across the centuries; we worship You with our hearts and serve You with our lives. Your ways are infinitely beyond our own, and Your works are gloriously displayed throughout the universe; therefore, we pledge our loyalty and allegiance to You alone.

People:                Gracious Father, there are moments when we pursue our sinful desires and selfishly make bad choices; there are also times when we cast aside Your holy words and choose to follow our own understanding. Forgive us for being unfaithful, ungrateful, and unworthy of Your grace. Pardon us for separating ourselves from You, and forgive us for allowing pride, as well as greed, to dictate our self-centered decisions. Hear us now as we silently pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Loving God, we look to You for our salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we find peace and pardon, faith and forgiveness, as well as restoration and redemption. We are thankful for His sacrifice and in His Holy Name, we continue to pray, saying, "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER" (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus shows mercy to us and restores us to God's kingdom forever. We rely upon His love and grace. We do not deserve these wonderful gifts, but we are truly thankful and eternally grateful for these blessings. With Christ, we are reunited to God's everlasting favor. To Him be the glory and power, 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

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Lord, in all of our hearts we know that You are with us. In each of our lives, we experience Your love. Look upon us, O Lord, and grant our prayers. Have mercy upon us as we seek Your favor and compassion.

People:                 We turn to You for help to diminish our fears. We call on You for healing, and to release us from pain. When our strength is at its lowest, grant us Your power. When our health is weak and fragile, be our support and shield. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:                  May the Lord restore us physically and mentally, as well as emotionally and spiritually. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.                 (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 14)

Singing of 'Sanctuary.’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, You have called us to be here today. You want us to receive Christ’s message, and to apply His teachings in our daily lives. Open our hearts and minds to all that God gives us through His sacred words. 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 have called us to be Your followers, even though we are sometimes the least faithful among Your people. With this offering, we express our desire to re-dedicate our lives to You, and pledge our service to God’s Kingdom on Earth. Take our tithes and gifts, and use them for the continuing work of Your Church throughout the world. In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (in unison):               May Christ make each of our lives a living testimony of faith; may the Father's love keep us focused on His ways; and may the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom and shower us with grace. To the glory and honor of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.     

Doxology & Postlude