Sunday Worship Prayers - Easter 7C - May 12

Approaching God

Welcome & announcements

Prelude

Gathering

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               Praise be to the Lord, our Rock, who teaches us His holy ways and leads us in the world.
People:                 The Lord is our loving God and living strength. He is our shield and deliverer.
Liturgist:               Let us worship God, in whom we take refuge. Let us serve Him together as one people before His Holy throne. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Guide: Everlasting Father, in whose presence we exist, we come before You looking for peace and love, as well as for wholeness and strength. We seek security in this sanctuary and acceptance in Your arms. We aim to please You with our praises and delight You with our songs.

People: Almighty Lord, You fully know our hearts and completely understand our minds. You have seen the secrets that make us sick and the sins that cause us shame. When we have gone astray or deliberately defied Your purpose for us, please forgive us. When we have rebelled against Your words and selfishly chosen to make bad choices, please pardon us. Hear us now, as we inwardly confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Gracious God, we know that we can only find rest and redemption, as well as forgiveness and assurance in Christ Jesus our Lord. Without His mercy, we are lost. Without His grace, we are cast away from You forever. Grant His peace to our hearts and minds, as we unite our spirits with Him, through the praying of His precious words:

“Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)     

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Christ works within us each day to show us God’s ways in the world. By forgiving us of sin, He grants us a new opportunity to begin our lives and to faithfully serve His kingdom. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and we are completely assured of salvation, 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.

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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Let us approach the Lord with our prayers and petitions; let us look to Him to fulfill His promises. As we bring to the Lord our worries and burdens, He will listen to our cries and pleas for help.

People:                 We come before God with our requests, remembering His glorious deeds and powerful ways. The Lord graciously hears the prayers of our hearts. He knows and understands all of our anxieties, and all of our cares.

Pastor:                 O Lord, we cherish You and ask for Your mercy. Heal us and all our loved ones. Grant strength and recovery, rest and renewal to those who are weary, ill, and troubled. Listen to our silent prayers, O Lord. Hear the deep and personal petitions from our hearts and souls.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Praise be to God, who has not rejected our prayers or withheld His love from us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.       (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 66)

Singing of '"Sanctuary" (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, do not hold our sins against us, but rather open our hearts and minds to Christ’s message that will change us today. Prepare us to accept and apply His words at this holy time and throughout our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we ask. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, we live in a material world that is obsessed with possessions. Each week, You give us an opportunity to cast off the chains of greed and avarice, insecurity and selfishness by contributing tithes, gifts, and alms to this congregation. Allow us to be open handed and generous, so that Your work in this church will be supported, augmented, and fulfilled.  In Your Holy Name, we joyfully give and cheerfully pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ reveal to us His work every day of our lives; may the Father help us to recognize where we need to be in His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit remove all barriers from our hearts, so that we may fully serve the One, Triune, and Living God in this world, and the next. From this time forth and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude

Sunday Worship prayers - 7th Sunday of Easter - Easter 7A - June 4

(Please note the order of service variance during the summer months)

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Gathering

Call to Worship

Pastor:            Lord, You have been our safe haven and dwelling place for many generations.

People:            Even before the mountains were raised, or the Earth was ever created, You ruled the entire Universe.

Pastor:            From people to people, and from nation to nation, You are praised throughout this planet. We will worship and glorify You forever! Amen.

Prelude

First Hymn:

Prayers of Adoration & Confession

Guide: Everlasting God, whose Kingdom is above all the nations, and whose Dominion extends throughout all of creation, we come to worship Your ways and praise Your Sacred Name. We pray that our praise please You and that our hearts and minds are fully focused on You.

People: Gracious Lord, we are beset by temptation of often wrestle with sin. We fail to fulfill Your expectations and constantly make mistakes. Forgive our foolish choices and disappointing ways. Pardon us for being selfish and excuse us for allowing pride to overrule our faith. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Loving Father, we look to Jesus to cleanse of our past and to restore us to Your favor. He alone has the power to save our souls and sanctify our spirits. In His Name, we are fully forgiven; through His Words we are eternally united to You, and so we pray: "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus personally touched the lives of many people and invited them to become His followers. His words were full of healing and holiness, challenge and change. We have humbly come to Him with our confessions and He has graciously received our prayers. Let us give thanks and rejoice, for Christ is our Everlasting Savior and Merciful King. 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

Offering & offertory

Dedication (unison):

Lord Jesus, we give You thanks for all that You have sacrificed in order to grant us salvation. We freely bring before You our tithes and offerings, asking that You bless them for the work of Your church, the well being of our community, and the preaching of the Gospel throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

(Children exit for enrichment)

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:            When we are troubled, we pray to the Lord. When we are anxious, we come to Him with our worries and fears. We believe that God hears the cries of our hearts and looks after our health and strength.

People:            O Lord, hear our prayers and listen to our petitions. Grant healing to our bodies and bring peace to our minds. Be gracious to our loved ones and help them in the midst of their issues and illnesses.

Pastor:            Merciful God, we call upon Your Name and seek Your blessing. We place all of our hopes for healing into Your Hands. We look for strength through Your unfailing love. Hear us now as we pray for the health of our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls.

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

Pastor:            May God Himself answer our prayers and set us free from all our fears. In Jesus' Name, we humbly ask. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words and phrases from Psalm 130)

Singing of 'Jesus, Draw Me Close.’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:          Holy Spirit, persuade us by the power of these sacred words, to apply Christ's teaching in our lives. Enable us to grasp the meaning of today's message and to seek ways with which to practice its importance. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Communion

Peace of Christ

Church Mission Litany

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May we be faithful to Christ and please Him each day; may we lovingly serve the Father throughout our lives; and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide and lead us, so that we may worship the One Triune and Living God, forever and always. Amen.

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

Sunday Worship Prayer: 7th Sunday in Easter - Easter 7 - May 16

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude & Gathering

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Almighty Father, we praise You for creating Life and sustaining our planet. We thank You for gathering us as a community of faith and a church of Your Kingdom. Your ways are never thwarted and Your works declare Your glory each day. We are blessed to be here in Your Sacred Presence.

People: Gracious Father, before we knew You, we were enemies of Your kingdom, and rebelled against Your Son. At times, we have squandered our faith, and have been wasteful with our lives. We constantly struggle with temptation and often give way to our fears. Save us from our sinful and selfish ways. Help us to seek forgiveness and to humbly ask for Your grace. Hear us now as we silently confess to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Heavenly Father, without Jesus as our Savior, we would be cast away from your loving presence forever. Without His sacrifice, we would have no opportunity to be forgiven, nor would we be restored to Your everlasting kingdom. Thank You for sending Jesus to us, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides and counsels us. We make these prayers in Christ's Name and through His own words continue to pray, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus challenged the people, rulers, and leaders of His day to repent of their sins and be restored to God. Today, we face the same challenges from Christ. We have humbly confessed our sins and sought His mercy. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and we are accepted by God.

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: We revere the Lord and seek His blessings; we come into His presence and abide in Him. May the Lord grant us health and healing, strength and support. May the fruits of our prayers enhance our faith and increase our devotion to Him.

People:                        May our loved ones and siblings, our families and friends receive help and power, energy and strength to overcome their illnesses and anxieties, their troubles and worries. O Lord, we seek peace for our souls, health for our hearts, and strength for our minds.

Pastor:              Gracious God, have mercy upon as we ask for healing. May we experience Your Holy Spirit and be restored physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray, for our loved ones and neighbors, our families and ourselves.

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

Pastor:              May the LORD favor us with His blessings of health and strength. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 128)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’.

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, You inspired the disciples of long ago to spread Christ's Good News and to proclaim the victory of God's Kingdom over all the earth. Lift up our spirits in the same ways and rekindle our faith. In Christ's Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison):   Lord Jesus, we have sang Your praises and received Your message. We have been empowered by Your Spirit and embraced by God. Take these gifts and tokens, tithes and offerings as our cheerful response to Your Word and our grateful thanks for Your Love. Bless them for the continuing work of the gospel, the glorifying of God's kingdom and the praising of Your Name. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ continue to welcome us into His flock; may the Father enhance our faith and friendships in Him; and may the Holy Spirit challenge and convert our ways, so that we may glorify, worship and serve the One Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.

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

Sunday prayers - 7th Sunday of Easter - Easter 7 - May 24

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Gathering & Prelude

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Everlasting Majesty and Lord of all Creation, we lift our voices to praise Your Holy Name; we lift up our hearts to cheerfully rejoice in Your sacred presence. Throughout the whole earth, millions of people are blessing and glorifying Your power. Today, we gladly join them in the worship of Your ways and the praising of Your deeds.

People: Gracious Father, in the midst of this worship, we know that our lives are imperfect and filled with moments of disappointing mistakes. We have been selfish, proud and faithless; stubborn, greedy and insensitive; angry, bitter and spiteful.

Guide: Heavenly Lord, forgive us when temptation overcomes our lives and sin overwhelms our hearts. Pardon us for neglecting our responsibilities and casting aside our faith. To You alone, we offer these personal confessions and seek Your mercy through Your Holy Son Jesus Christ. Hear us now as we silently pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving God, without Christ’s sacrifice, we would have no one to restore us; we would have no escape from Your wrath; and no hope of entering into Your everlasting Kingdom. Humbly and thankfully, we make these prayers in the Name of Jesus, our Only Savior and True Lord. In His precious words, we unite our hearts, saying, Our Father,…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus, through the love of His Father, gives us the Bread of Heaven. By Christ’s wounded body, our broken ways are healed; through His perfect obedience, we are reclaimed by God. So let us cheerfully rejoice, for our sins are completely forgiven, both now and forever. 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.

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

 

Prayers for Health and Healing

 

Pastor:            Have mercy upon us, O God, have mercy upon us, for in You our souls take refuge. We cry out to You, O God Most High, for You fulfill the purposes of our lives.

People:            Loving Lord, send forth Your mercy from heaven; release us from our fears through the power of Your faithful love. In the midst of our anxieties and troubles, grant us peace. From the discomfort of our illnesses and the suffering we endure, heal us, O Lord. .

Pastor:            Let Your goodness and grace, greatness and glory be experienced in our lives and of all our loved ones as we seek healing from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Deliver us and all whom we pray for from distress, disease and despair. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:            Great is Your love, O Lord, reaching from the farthest heavens into the very substance of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 57)

Anthem

A Time to Remember & Silence

The Message Part #1:

Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, may we walk through the Scriptures and be led to a beautiful place. May we be filled with wonder and amazement through all that Christ has done. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message: Part #2 & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, we all have special gifts and talents, and we all have different resources and treasures. When we combine them and gather them before You, we glorify Your work and continue to enhance Your Name. Take this offering and bless it for the life, work and ministry of our church, which You ask us to undertake, support, and fulfill in Your Holy Name. Amen.

Hymn :

Benediction (unison): May Christ keep us united to His body so that we may accomplish great things in His Name; may the Father sustain us as members of Christ’s church, so that we may honor His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit grant us a new vision, so that we may fulfill the purposes of God in this church and community, both now and always. Amen.

 

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

Sunday prayers: 7th Sunday of Easter May 4, 2008

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God and Most Powerful Lord, whose kingdom is boundless and whose authority can never be diminished, we come before Your Holy Throne to worship and adore Your ways, to honor and glorify Your deeds, to revere and esteem Your sacred words. You have called us to this place of peace and prayer. You have brought us to this sanctuary of strength and salvation, so that we may praise Your Holy Name and become renewed through Your wonderful love.

People: Gracious Lord, at times we ruin our faith through selfish and dishonest ways. There are moments in our lives when, through our pride, our greed, our longings and acts of defiance, we scorn Your sacred guidance and reject Your Holy commands. Forgive our foolish sins and redeem us from our random acts of unkindness, bitterness, indifference and intolerance. Pardon our neglect of caring for others, of forgetting to forgive our debtors, of ignoring those who need our help. Hear us now as we silently and sincerely confess our sins, our faults, our everyday mistakes.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Merciful Father, tear down the walls of sin and pride which have separated our hearts from You. Lead us to Jesus Christ Your Holy Son and help us to follow His faithful ways. For we ask this in Jesus’ Sacred Name and through His own words we pray, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER…debts/debtors

Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus performed many wonders and miraculous signs during His ministry on earth. Today, we each experience the miracle of absolute forgiveness and the wonder of being completely restored to God’s Holy Kingdom. So let us be thankful and rejoice, for Jesus is the One True and Only Savior that we will ever need. 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.

Children’s sermon

Anthem

Minute for Mission: Pentecost Offering

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Listen to our prayers, O God, do not ignore our pleas; hear us and answer us. We are troubled by our worries and made weary through our concerns.
People: Sickness and suffering has come into our lives by accident, injury, distress and disease. Our hearts are deeply troubled, and at times our minds find no peace; we are afraid of the future, so we need Your healing mercies.
Pastor: Almighty Father, enable us to face our fears, to overcome our anxieties and to vanquish all that harms us in body, mind, soul and spirit. Embrace us and help to rest; enable us to look to You for health and healing, for ourselves, our loved ones, and all whom we know. Hear us as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

All: Let us cast your cares upon the Lord, for He will sustain us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen..
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 55)

Singing of Jesus Draw me Close

Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, strengthen us through these sacred scriptures and help us to walk in Christ’s ways. Fill us with joy and gladness, so that we may rejoice in the Lord and praise all His wonderful words. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, we bring these gifts from the many different fruits of our lives, and of the diverse blessings that You have given to each of us. Take this offering and bless it for the work of God’s Kingdom here on earth, through the ministries and missions that You have called Your people to continue and fulfill. In Your Holy Name. Amen.

Communion

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ transform our lives by renewing our minds; may we discern what the Father’s will is for us and fulfill it each day; and may the Holy Spirit guide us towards all that is good, pleasing and perfect in God’s eyes, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude