Sunday Worship Prayers - Advent 1 - First in Advent - Nov 27

Approaching God

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Song

Lighting of Advent Candle

Family: Today, the prophet Isaiah describes a future shaped by peace for all nations as they walk in the light of the Lord. We wait in hope for this prophecy to be fulfilled.
Congregation: We light the candle of hope to proclaim that God's light is coming into the world

A purple candle is lit.

Family:           God of all nations - You spoke to Isaiah and You empowered him to speak welcome words of peace and hope to the people of his time.

Congregation:            We need to hear Your word anew to us today as the darkness of despair is still experienced wherever peace and hope are absent.

Family:           Strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be Your prophets in this day and age - teaching Your ways to release people from darkness through words and work of love, peace, and justice.
Congregation:            In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

First Hymn:

           

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                         Divine Maker of all creatures and Mighty Sustainer of every life, we humbly bow before Your holy presence and peacefully place our lives into Your hands. Living God, who knows all of our ways and whose love has never let us go, we gather together as one people, who are thankful for Your blessings and grateful for Your goodness.

People:            Gracious Lord, in the midst of our hardships and distress, we sometimes make rash and selfish decisions. We allow fear and anxiety, anger and pride to undermine our faith and diminish our devotion to You. When we treasure our troubles or nurse our wrath, when we gloat over other people's mistakes or neglect to help those in need, forgive us and pardon our sins. Here us now as we personally pray to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                         Almighty God, You have given us Jesus to be our Burden Bearer and Sin Receiver. He has borne Your wrath and endured the punishment due for our sins. He alone has the power to free us from our unprofitable and unworthy ways.  Without Jesus, we have no everlasting hope. Without His mercy and grace, we have no future life in eternity. In His Name, we bring our confessions and continue to pray in His precious words, saying, “Our Father...THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

           

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                         The Law of God demands justice and punishment for our sins. Jesus is our only Redeemer and His testimony before God, on our behalf, releases us from oblivion, and restores us to the everlasting favor of God. To Christ, be glory, thanksgiving, and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri(sung 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:             Please answer us, when we call to You, O Righteous God. Grant us relief from our distress and hear our prayers. Forgive us, Lord, for doubting Your compassion, because of our emphatic fears and worries.

People:            O Living God, be merciful and listen to our heartfelt pleas. Enable us to set aside our anxieties by trusting in Your holy power. Search our hearts and deliver us from all that stops us placing our lives into Your care.

Pastor:             Help us to focus our prayers on You and to put all that concerns us into Your hands. Let the light of Your face shine upon us and all our loved ones, O Lord.  Heal all of us from everything that harms us in body, mind, heart and soul. Hear us now as we quietly pray.

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

Pastor:             The Lord fills our hearts with hope and joy, strength and peace. In Christ's Name, we make these prayers. Amen.                        (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 4)

           

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close."

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:            Holy Spirit, let the promises of God touch our hearts and transform our lives through His Sacred Word. May Christ take possession of our minds and souls through His message and teaching.  In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, throughout the ages Your word has come alive in the hearts and minds of millions of people. Today, we join with them through the giving of our lives to the holy service of Your sacred kingdom. Bless the tithes and gifts that we bring before You. May they be used for the ministries and missions that You have appointed to this congregation.  In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ's grace be experienced by all of us and made evident in our daily lives; may the Father's peace endow our hearts with fortitude and strength;  and may the Holy Spirit grant us courage and compassion, so that we may effectively witness to the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology        May God's Blessing & Postlude

First Sunday in Advent Prayers - Advent 1 - November 28

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Family:            This is the First Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new journey of faith.

All:                  Our hope is in the Lord and we await His Return.

(Lighting of the First Purple Advent Candle)

Family:            This hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Amen.

Gathering & Prelude

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration & Confession

Guide:                         Almighty Lord of Life and Creator of the Cosmos, You have called us by name and we have responded to Your voice. In this house of praise and prayer, we seek Your presence and yearn for Your favor.

People:            Faithful Father, whose words bless our lives and whose ways grant us hope, we turn to You as our Counselor and Comforter, our sacred source of goodness and holiness, of strength and love.  We are also weary of our sins and regret our past mistakes; we are sorry for our failings and apologize to You for our imperfections.

Guide:                         Merciful Majesty, when we choose to ignore Your voice and follow our own counsel, forgive us. When we rebel against Your word and neglect to do good, pardon us. When idolize ourselves and cast aside Your ways, have mercy upon us. Hear us now as we humbly pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Gracious Lord, Your love sustains us and Your grace restores us. Your Son Jesus bled for our sins and died for our selfish deeds. We will always be indebted to You for grace. We will always be thankful to You for saving us.  We place our lives into Your hands and give our hearts to Jesus. By His authority we are forgiven and in His words, we now thankfully pray, saying, "Our Father..." THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:             Christ taught us about God and showed us how to live our lives. He was sent to save humanity and restore the entire world to God's Kingdom. His truth endures and we are forgiven of our past mistakes. We are returned to God's love and favor. So let rejoice forever, for we are Christ's people and through Him, we are God's favored servants. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung/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, You are the most important part of our lives and we have promised to obey You. Today, we seek You with all of our hearts; be gracious to us and hear our prayers.

People:                        Help us to reconsider our ways and look to You for strength and salvation. Enable us to adhere to Your sacred will and accept Your holy words.

Pastor:             Though fear and frustration, pain and perplexity may disturb our souls, we will not forget Your mercy. We give You thanks for the possibilities of prayer; we humbly ask that You heal us, our families and friends, of all that is harmful to our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves.

Pastor:             The Earth is filled with Your love, O Lord; teach us Your gracious ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Heth)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw me Close.'

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:             Holy Spirit, we have gathered from different places, both near and far, to be with our families at worship. Strengthen us by Christ's mighty words, and inspire us to receive, follow, and apply His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, when we ask You to guide and help us, You always answer our needs and prayers. In response to these blessings, we bring to You our tithes and offerings, as symbols of our thankfulness and tokens of our faith. Receive this offering and bless it for the continuing life, work, and mission of Your church in this community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison):              May Christ boldly challenge our lives and change our ways; may the Father constantly remind us of His love and mercy; and may the Holy Spirit keep granting us grace, so that we may encourage other people every day to glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology        Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude

Sunday prayers: First in Advent - Advent 1 - Nov 29

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Gathering Song & Prelude

Call to Worship

Advent Guide:              Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Hope Bringer of the Universe, whose gracious promises strengthen our faith and brighten the spirits of our people.

All:                  You bring justice and righteousness to the Earth. You save the world from sin and free us from our fears.

(Lighting of First Purple Advent Candle)

Advent Guide:              Lord Jesus, Your Everlasting Light restores our eternal hopes. You are our Righteousness and Redeemer forever. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Immortal and Almighty Lord, Most Powerful and Everlasting Majesty, we sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your strength is undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled.

People:  Lord of Salvation and Grace, we adore Your Holy Presence and devote ourselves to Your Sacred Kingdom. We are sometimes sinful and selfish people. We follow our own stubborn ways and damage our faith with pride, greed, and neglect.

Guide: Merciful Majesty, come into our hearts and help us to seek forgiveness so that we may find salvation in Christ alone. Hear us now as we humbly pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no hope of being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to declare our guilt, and be completely pardoned by Your grace and favor. In Christ’s 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 feed 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): 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.

People:                        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. Give us patience to wait for Your healing; grant us mercy for all of our requests.

Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.

Let all our loved ones be graciously touched by Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

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

Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close.”

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader:             Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all 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

Sermon

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication(unison): Lord Jesus, there have been many times when this church has become a sanctuary to us and we have been protected and supported by the love of Your people. We trust You to work among us each week and we hops 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 this congregation and to the wider community. In Your Name, we give and pray, both now and forever. 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         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow & Postlude

Sunday prayers: First in Advent - Advent 1 Nov 30

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering Song

Lighting of First Advent Candle

Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(First candle is lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Immortal and Almighty Lord, Most Powerful and Everlasting Majesty, we sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your strength is undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled; we adore Your Holy Presence and devote ourselves to Your Sacred Kingdom.

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

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no hope of ever being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to declare our guilt, and be released by Your grace and favor.

People: For we pray this 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 feed 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 : 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

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.
People: 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. Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.

Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: The Lord will feed us with hope 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)

Anthem

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all 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 & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) 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, both now and forever. 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

Sunday Worship Prayers : Advent 1

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering

Advent Candle prayer (liturgy from the Uniting Church in Australia)

Family: Today is the first Sunday of Advent - the time when we prepare once again for the coming of Jesus.

Congregation: We light a candle each week to remind us that Jesus brings light into the dark places of the world.

Family: Today, the prophet Isaiah describes a future shaped by peace for all nations as they walk in the light of the Lord. We wait in hope for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

Congregation: We light the candle of hope to proclaim that God's light is coming into the world

A purple candle is lit.

Family: God of all nations - You spoke to Isaiah and You empowered him to speak welcome words of peace and hope to the people of his time.
Congregation: We need to hear Your word anew to us today as the darkness of despair is still experienced wherever peace and hope are absent.

Family: Strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be Your prophets in this day and age - teaching Your ways and lifting people's darkness through words and work of love and peace and justice.

Congregation: In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession

Guide: Loving God, who established the heavens and the earth, we come before You as people of Christian faith, seeking to please our Lord and King.

People: We raise up our prayers and praises to You alone. We worship You with our lips and cherish You in our hearts.

Guide: Almighty Father, we have come into Your holy house, so that we may learn Your sacred words and be thankful for Your merciful ways.

People: We remember that You judge us, so we confess our sins to You alone. We regret our past mistakes and disputes. We are sorry for our selfish choices and foolish decisions. We seek Your pardon and need forgiveness. Hear us now as we personally pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Gracious Lord, thank You for sending Jesus into our world and for the hope and peace that He brings to our lives. He is our Loving Savior and we are restored to Your favor through the blood of Christ.
People: We live and walk in the light of Christ. By His own words, we conclude our confessional prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Our salvation is bought dearly by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are clothed in His righteousness and redeemed forever by His truth. Let us rejoice and celebrate our everlasting forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Lord . Amen.

Gloria Patri: 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: Contend, O LORD, with those things which harm us; defend us against all illnesses which weaken our bodies, minds and spirits.
People: Receive our heartfelt prayers and personal pleas for healing; arise, Heavenly Father, and come to our aid.
Pastor: Brandish Your power against those viruses and diseases, sicknesses and cancers which threaten our health. Grant peace for our troubled minds and bring strength to our souls by becoming our complete and effective shalom.
People: Permit our loved ones to rejoice in Your healing, LORD, and bring them to recovery through Your total deliverance.
Pastor: May our whole beings exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor in spirit from sickness and despair. You deliver the anxious and needy from the fears which overwhelm them.”
People: Enable us to give You thanks in this congregation for answered prayers; from within our hearts and souls, we bring You our petitions for hope, health and healing.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: May we delight in our deliverance and shout for joy with gladness; may our loved ones joyfully say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His people." In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, awaken us from our spiritual slumber and make us more aware of what Christ is doing throughout this present age. Help us to ponder upon these scriptures and openly receive God’s teaching in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication: Lord Jesus, the day of our salvation is nearer than we know. In Your Holy Name, we gather together our tithes and gifts. Bless them for the holy work of Your Church, the preaching of the Gospel, and the saving of souls throughout the earth. Amen.

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Christ clothe us in His righteousness each and every day; may the Father teach us His ways, so that we may continue to walk in His paths; and may the Holy Spirit shower us with the light of eternal love, so that we may continue to worship and glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude