Monday, April 17, 2017

Easter 2 Prayers - April 23

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor: O Lord, You are our Almighty King, so we have promised to obey Your words.
People: We seek Your favor with all our hearts; be gracious to us according to Your promises.
Pastor:  As we consider Your ways, O Lord, help us to follow a path that praises and please You. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:  Lord of the universe and Sustainer of our lives, we humbly offer You our worship and adoration. Your mighty works are all around us. Your power and glory are revealed throughout our world, so we gather to praise Your Name.
People: Loving Father, we know that our selfish and stubborn ways offend and disappoint You. We are also sorry for our sinful choices and foolish decisions which disrespect and dishonor You. We seek Your pardon for the sins we have committed, as well as Your forgiveness for the good deeds we have left undone. Hear us now as we personally pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Merciful Lord, spread Christ's grace over us, so that we may be protected from Your wrath. Let His work of salvation restore us to Your favor and kingdom. In His holy words, we now pray, saying:  “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus grants us a permanent place in the family of God; by His sacrifice, we are reclaimed by God and called to be His sons and daughters. Let us rejoice and praise the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri (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)

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing



Pastor:  The LORD is our shepherd, therefore He knows all of our needs. He makes us rest in His presence and can grant us peace in the midst of our troubles. He can heal our wounded souls and guide us through our deepest fears.
People: Loving God, support us through all that troubles us and be with us during times of anxiety and uncertainty. Keep us from being confused or afraid. Allow Your gracious power to restore us, as well as our loved ones, to health and strength. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:  May we dwell in the holy and peaceful presence of God from this time forth and forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’


Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, encourage us to embrace these precious words of scripture. May Christ's Gospel strengthen our souls and inspire our faithfulness to Him. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.          

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by the pastor): Lord Jesus, We place all of our faith, hope, and lives into Your hands. Receive this combination of tithes and gifts that we give to Your Church. Bless them for the work of Your sacred mission, the advancement of Your holy kingdom, and the glorifying of the everlasting God. In Your Name, we cheerfully give and pray. Amen. 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May we remain loyal to Christ throughout our days; may the Father bless us as servants of His kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit anoint us, so that we may glorify and worship the One, Triune, and Living God forevermore. Amen


Doxology & Postlude