Sunday Prayers for February 5

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 May the LORD come to us this day as we seek to praise and glorify Him.

People:                 Our God grants us mercy and grace, so we can approach Him and worship His ways.

Pastor:                  May the LORD bless us as we take delight in lifting up His Sacred and Wonderful Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Sovereign Lord, as we gather in Your House of Peace and Prayer, allow us to honor You as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. We hope to please You with our praises and want to serve You with our lives. Open our hearts and minds to receiving Your Holy Spirit and sacred words.

People:                Merciful Father, we are sorry for our constant mistakes, selfish ways, and daily sins. Instead of finding joy in Your salvation, we fret over our hurt feelings and personal disappointments. Instead of trusting Your strength, we weaken our faith through being proud and angry. Forgive us for ignoring Your guidance and casting aside Your influence over our lives. Hear us now as we humbly confess and pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to confess our sins. You grant us mercy through the blessing of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our One, True, and Holy Savior. In His Hands, we place our souls, in His Name, we make our confessions, and in His words we continue to pray, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  The world still questions who Jesus was, but we know that He is all that He ever claimed to be. He is the Holy Son of God, the Savior of our souls, and the Ruler of the Universe. By Him, we are granted forgiveness and through Him, we can receive eternal life. Let us rejoice and worship Christ, 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)

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Loving God, You know the problems and pain that we experience in our lives. Sometimes we get weary and feel as though we are isolated and vulnerable, uncared for and forgotten. We look to You for compassion and help, as well as strength and healing. Send forth Your Spirit among us today and grant us Your lovingkindness.

People:                 Gracious God, lighten our burdens and save us from despair. When our hope diminishes, heal our hurts. When we are affected by fear, restore our faith. Help us to trust in Your unfailing love, so that we may rejoice in Your salvation. Be near to our loved ones and heal them from all that harms them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray.

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

Pastor:                  We will continue to praise the Lord, for He has been merciful and good to us. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, we come here to learn about the sacred and everlasting truth of Jesus Christ. Let His words and ways come to us across the centuries, from the events and experiences recorded in these scriptures. Open our hearts and minds, as well as our spirits and souls to Christ today. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by the pastor) Lord Jesus, You forgive our sins and restore us to God's love. In response, we give our lives to You and ask that You will bless them, so that we may honor God throughout our days. We also bring You our tithes and gifts. Bless these tokens for the continuing life, work, and mission of Your Church at Erin, in this community, and all over the world. In Your Precious Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ continue to strengthen us as He guides us each day; may the Father keep us thankful for His constant favors; and may the Holy Spirit bless us as we serve and glorify the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.                                  

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers - ordinary 16C - July 17

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 Let us sing to the LORD a new song; let us come to God with all Christ’s Church on Earth.

People:                 We will praise the LORD and proclaim His salvation on this holy day.

Pastor:                 Let us declare God’s glory and worship His presence among our people. Amen.

First Hymn

               

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Loving Creator of the Universe, we gladly approach You in this holy place, to worship You from our hearts, as well as seeking to please You with our praises. We happily come here to glorify Your ways and to lift up Your Name above all others.

People:                Gracious God, we know that we are imperfect and inconsiderate, selfish and sinful, as well as unreliable and unfaithful. We honor You with our words, but our deeds often display our disrespect. At times, we attach more importance to our own ways than any of Your commands. We sinfully fulfill our desires, rather than faithfully serving Your dominion. Forgive us for being vain and foolish, self-centered and insincere. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Loving Lord, our salvation comes from Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. He is our worthy Redeemer and everlasting Savior. He has the power to forgive our fallen ways and restore us to Your favor forever. In His Holy Name, we make our confessions and through His precious words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Even though we are sinners, we are lovingly brought before Christ's mercy seat. Jesus restores us to God's Kingdom and brings us back into His fold. He is all merciful and powerful, all compassionate and forgiving. Let us glorify and praise His everlasting Name. 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)

Children leave for Planet Worship

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Even in the midst of a world that is beset with cruelty and suffering, evil and calamity, God is still in control. His wonders inspire us and His power sustains us. God leads us through troubled times and carries us in the midst of our worries. He remembers our weakness and frailties. He completely knows our circumstances and fears.

People:                 Loving Lord, heal us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Enable our loved ones to overcome their problems and issues, as well as any illness or anxiety. Grant our world the presence of Your Holy Spirit, as well as allowing us opportunities to share Your peace and love throughout our community. Hear us now as we quietly pray.

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

Pastor:                  Let us be thankful to the God of Heaven and Earth, for His love endures forever. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

               

Unison Singing of 'Sanctuary’.

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, help us to turn our attention to God's word and teachings. Bless us with His wisdom and understanding, so that our lives may be challenged and changed, as well as shaped and influenced by His love. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have called us to believe in Your words and to seek Your purpose for our lives. Before Your presence, we gather our offering, as a sign of our faithfulness to You and our thankful support to this church. Take these gifts and bless them for the life, work, and mission of God's Kingdom on Earth. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ keep us obedient to His ways; may the Father fill us with joy and goodness; and may the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom and discernment, so that we may continually glorify the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

                

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 24B - September 13

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  Let us come into the Lord’s holy presence to worship and glorify His Name.

People:                 We will rejoice in this House of God; we will celebrate our Loving Savior.

Pastor:                  May our prayers and praise be acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. Amen.

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Eternal Creator and Immortal God, whose power is displayed throughout the universe, we come before You as Your people, servants, and followers, hoping to please You with our words and delight You with our deeds. You fill our lives with blessings, bounty, and beauty. Your words sustain and direct us. Your mercies sanctify and correct us. Your love welcomes and embraces us.

People:                 Sovereign Lord and Sacred Savior, forgive us for allowing our faith to diminish and our sins to multiply. Pardon our foolish ways, our vanity and pride, as well as our selfish choices. When we avoid helping others or discard opportunities to support their needs, correct our neglect, and change our ways. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Gracious Lord, we know that only Jesus can restore us to Your joy and reconnect our lives to You. Even though we often yield to temptation and succumb sin, He still redeems and restores us to Your blessing and favor. In Christ's Name, we gratefully pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ's teaching came directly from God, so the words of forgiveness that He spoke from the Cross apply to all who seek His mercy and believe in His Name. Therefore, we are glad and will rejoice, for Jesus is the Restorer of our souls, and the Savior of our lives, both now 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.

Choir Anthem

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 The Lord personally knows who we are and loves us completely. God blesses all who revere and glorify His Holy Name. May the LORD increase our strength and that of all our loved ones. May we each experience the gracious gifts of encouragement and healing from the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

People:                Everything belongs to You, O LORD; our lives, our loved ones, and our church are in Your hands. Heal us and all our loved ones 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:                 We will praise and bless the One, Triune, and Living God, whose compassion conquers our fears and whose faithfulness diminishes our concerns. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 115)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, help us to receive what Christ is giving to each of us through these sacred words. Challenge our opinions and ideas; change our wayward lives and selfish ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.                  

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, You are present with us, calming the worries of our hearts and granting peace to our troubled minds. We place these gifts before You, as symbols of our service and tokens of the truth that You proclaim. Take our lives and sanctify them so that we may serve, honor, and worship You every day. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray.  Amen. 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):  May Christ grant us faith and endurance for all that we may face this week; may the Father bless us with encouragement as we seek to fulfill His purpose; and may the Holy Spirit bestow unity, harmony, and peace upon us as we worship, witness, and work to the glory of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always.  Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for Ordinary 18B - August 02

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  We have gathered in God’s House to praise and glorify His Holy Name.

People:                 We are glad to be in this sacred place and blessed with the Lord’s presence.

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

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Lord God of hosts, we come to this precious place to honor and magnify Your Holy Power. Your will sustains our lives and Your words strengthen our souls. We humbly come before You to offer our service, devotion, and praise.

People:                 Eternal God, we know that we sometimes push back against Your counsel. We recognize that we are sometimes conceited and selfish, vain and sinful, as well as uncaring and unloving. We foolishly contend against Your faithfulness with our stubborn ways and churlish choices. Hear us now, Gracious Father, as we humbly confess our sins to You.

Silent Confessions

Guide:                  Loving Lord, we seek Your forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Without His Cross, we have no communion with You. Without His Sacrifice, we have no salvation. We therefore make these prayers in the precious Name of Jesus, the Lamb of God and Savior of our souls. In His words, we further pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Many people looked to Jesus throughout His lifetime, in order to experience God’s hope, faith, and love. We are also given those blessings for, by His grace, we are forgiven, and through His mercy, we are restored to God, both now and evermore. 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:                 O Sovereign LORD, be favorable to us for Your Name's sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver us. When we are poor in spirit and need Your encouragement, heal the wounds of our hearts and grant us Your peace.

People:                 When our health is weak and fear overtakes our minds, deliver us from being consumed by worry, stress, or exhaustion. When we buckle under pressure and lose our strength in troubled times, help us to refocus our faith and look to You for healing.

Pastor:                 Heavenly Father, when others around us are in need of help, be their salvation. When our loved ones suffer illness or injury, insecurity or anxiety, please grant them healing and wholeness, protection and peace. Help us and all whom we pray for, O LORD our God. Save us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now as we personally pray.

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

Pastor:                 Through our humble requests, we honor the Lord. Because we are called to be His people, we will praise His holy grace forever. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 109)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, encourage us with the living words of Christ. Accept us as His devoted disciples, seeking to embrace today's message, as well as understanding the meaning of our Master's teaching. In Jesus' Name, we ask. Amen.                          

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You speak to us in many ways - through music, to reach our hearts; through scripture, to feed our minds; and through prayer, to heal our souls. In response, we offer You our gifts. Take and bless this offering for the work of God's Kingdom in this church, across our community, and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction(unison):  May Christ strengthen our beliefs each day; may the Father approve of our daily deeds; and may the Holy Spirit liberate our souls by encouraging us to freely worship the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Lent 2 - March 01

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Herald:                 Let us sing to our God and praise His holy Name.

People:                 Our hearts adore the LORD, therefore we will glorify and serve Him forever.

Herald:                 Let us give thanks to the LORD and worship our God! Amen.

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Lord of power and peace, we approach You as servants and disciples, seeking Your favor and looking for Your love. You have called us from the comfort of our homes to experience Your presence in this sanctuary. You have brought us to this peaceful place to cherish our hearts, challenge our lives, and change our ways.

People:                 Heavenly Father, we know that we are imperfect and unholy; we recognize that we have weaknesses and faults. We seek Your pardon and grace; we confess our mistakes and wrongdoing. Forgive us for neglecting our faith, ignoring Your commands, and permitting our sins to separate ourselves from You. Hear us now as we personally confess and pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful God, without Christ’s compassion, we could not approach You for grace. Without His perfect sacrifice, we could not come into Your Holy Presence to ask for mercy. We therefore dedicate our lives to Jesus and we unite our hearts to His, through the saying of Christ’s prayer, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ tells us that no one can come to God unless it is through Him. God has brought us to this place to be received by Jesus, to be renewed in spirit, and restored to the Heavenly Kingdom. As we confess our sins and give our lives to Jesus, we understand that we are completely forgiven and reunited to God’s love, 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

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Lord, we dwell in Your shelter and rest beneath Your comforting shadow. You are our refuge and our strength, the God in whom we trust

People:                 We seek You, Lord, to free us from our fears and protect us from all evil. Cover us with Your love; heal us from all that harms us in body, mind and soul.

Pastor:                  The faithfulness of God grants us freedom; the passion of the Lord brings us peace. May He save us from anxiety or fear, depression or disease, and also illness or injury. We ask this for ourselves and all our loved ones, in our silent prayers.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 The Lord is with us in times of sickness and trouble. He has promised to deliver us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.                  (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 91)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, remind us that Christ’s ways are radical and that His words often challenge our ideas. Enable us to receive these holy verses into our minds and hearts, so that we may apply this teaching in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we ask. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, You have once again given us a sacred opportunity to hear Your voice and to follow Your ways. We bring these gifts and tithes as a witness to the effectiveness of Your power over our lives. Please take these gifts and bless them for the advancement of Your Kingdom and the enhancement of Your Church on Earth. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ encourage us to be good and worthwhile servants; may the Father enable us to master our weaknesses and overcome our sins; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith, so that one glorious day, we can proudly stand in the presence of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 30A, Proper 25A, Pentecost +20 - October 26

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering

Call to Worship

Herald:                 Let us trust in the unfailing love of God.

People:                 Our hearts rejoice in His salvation of us.

Herald:                 Let us sing to the Lord for He has been good to us. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, we praise You for bringing our world into existence, as well as for sustaining our lives with Your love. We gather in Your Holy Presence and present our heartfelt prayers in Your Sacred Place.

People:                 Immortal Father, whose promises are never broken and whose words are always fulfilled, we confess to our weaknesses and mistakes, our sinful ways and stubborn pride, as well as our diminished faith and foolish decisions. We deserve Your punishment for our rebellious and unchristian acts, yet You choose to offer us forgiveness and mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord. Hear us now as we silently confess and personally pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Lord, You have removed the disgrace of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. We dedicate our hearts to Him and place our lives into His Hands. With His Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Across the centuries and throughout the generations, Jesus has provided us with the means to salvation. He sacrificed Himself, so that we may be restored to God’s favor. He advocates on our behalf, so that we may receive the crown of eternal life. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our way, truth, and life for ever 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

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people. The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing. God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring. In the midst of our fears, He stands beside us. In times of anger and frustration, He is our strength and peace.

People:                 Heavenly Lord, heal us and all our loved ones; free us from pain and suffering; restore us to health and strength. Rise up, O Living God, and save us from all our anxieties and afflictions. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May the LORD God hear our prayers and fulfill them; may He send us the gift of healing and release us from our fears. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.            (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, challenge our souls through Christ’s teaching from these scriptures. Proclaim in these holy words, the authority and power of Jesus over our lives and across the world. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, all that we have, belongs to You. All that we own has come from Your blessings. Take these gifts and use them to enhance and expand Your life, ministry, and work in our church, our community, and across the countries of the world. In Your Holy Name, we lovingly give and cheerfully pray. Amen. 

Hymn:

Benediction (unison):  May Christ encourage us to follow His ways; may the Father establish His word in our hearts; and may the Holy Spirit lead us to the kingdom of God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers Oct 12 - ordinary 28A, proper 23, Pentecost 18

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to worship

Herald:                 Let us trust in God’s unfailing love.

People:                 Our hearts rejoice in His salvation.

Leader:                                 Let us sing to the LORD, for He has been good to us. Let us worship and glorify His Name! Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Lord, Maker of Mystery and Sustainer of Life, we come before You as servants seeking Your wisdom and as children cherishing Your love. We yield to Your authority and yearn for Your holiness; we freely submit to Your will and faithfully surrender to Your Word.

People:                 Everlasting God, You have the power to shape the patterns of our lives and influence our choices. You have the right to scrutinize our life styles and to reject our selfish ways. We know that we have sinned against Your Sovereignty and rebelled against Your rules. We have covered our sins with pride and contaminated our souls with deceit. We are guilty of greed and full of faithless ways. Hear us now as we personally confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Father, without Jesus we would not know the joy of salvation. Without Christ’s sacrifice, we would not have any future or everlasting hope. We acknowledge that we are sinners and that only He is the Divine Savior of our souls. In the Name of Jesus, we make these confessions and through His holy words we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  Jesus is the Bread of Life, which means that He is the Only One who can sustain our spirits and nourish our souls. He has the authority to forgive our sins and the right to restore us to God. Let us celebrate and be glad, for Christ has come into our lives and we are fully forgiven of all our sinful and selfish ways, 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.

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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 We give thanks to You, O God, for You are ever present and we glorify Your wonderful deeds. We pray that this sacred moment will become an appointed time of holiness and healing.

People:                 When we experience fear and confusion, or anxiety and worry, You steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds. Wherever we are, You are with us. Whatever we face, You support us.

Pastor:                 Heavenly Father, examine our hearts and minds, as well as our bodies and souls; heal us of all that harms us. Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all our loved ones. Restore us to health and strengthen all those for whom we now silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Let us declare the goodness of the Lord forever. May we sing and celebrate His wonderful ways. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.    (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 75)

Unison singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                               Holy Spirit, come among us and enable us to hear Jesus speak through these sacred scriptures. May His teaching and action challenge our ways and may we cherish His words by applying them in our daily lives. In the Precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, we freely and confidently give our tithes and offerings to You, asking that You will lovingly bless these gifts by allowing our church to use them to finance, aid, and support the many ministries and missions that You want us to advance and accomplish through the faith, lives, and resources of our congregation. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May we submit to Christ’s compassion and share His love throughout our lives; may we fully serve and obey our Father in Heaven each and every day; and may the Holy Spirit establish faithful hearts and devoted souls within all of us as we serve the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers - October 5 - Ordinary 27A, Proper 22, Pentecost 17

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Herald:                 The LORD is King for ever and ever, so let us come and worship Him.

People:                 God encourages us to praise Him; we are embraced with His love.

Herald:                 May the LORD listen to our songs of salvation and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, Creator of the majestic mountains and Maker of the spacious sky, we come before You as humble servants and devoted seekers of Your ways. You have the power of Life and so we look to You for help and strength, guidance and counsel, as well as purpose and meaning for our lives.

People:                 Merciful Lord, we recognize that we are imperfect and unholy. We know that our actions can be foolish and selfish. We understand that our choices can be rebellious and wrong. We ask that You will be patient and have mercy upon us. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, the blood of Your Son Jesus has paid the price of our sins. Remove our transgressions from us and restore us to Your Kingdom. We fully proclaim that only Jesus can be completely pardon and totally forgive of all our faults and faithless ways. In His precious words, we continue to pray, saying,

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

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide:                  When we believe in Jesus, we have everlasting life. When we ask Jesus for forgiveness, He has the power to fully pardon our past mistakes. Let us rejoice and give thanks to God, for Christ is our Savior, 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.

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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O LORD, at times we wonder why trouble comes to us and why good people suffer. However, we will remember Your deeds of deliverance and Your ways of salvation. Turn towards us, O Living God, and take away our fears by strengthening our faith. Come to us now, in this holy place. Touch us with Your Presence. Heal us by Your Love.

People:                 We also appeal on behalf of those whom we cherish and love, Almighty Lord. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, soul and spirit. Do not let our loved ones give into distress or despair. Fill them with peace and hope; restore them through Your grace and power. Hear us now as we pray for them.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May God rise up and deliver us. May His Healing touch be with us throughout each day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                 (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 74)

Unison singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, lift up our hearts through these sacred scriptures, so that we may be blessed by the teaching of Christ, and with the giving of our lives to Him this day. In His Precious Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message  & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, we present our tithes and gifts to You, both cheerfully and lovingly. We ask that You will bless them for Your ministry and mission in this community and across the world. We also declare our loyalty to God’s Kingdom, and dedicate our lives to Your service, both now and forever. Amen.

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ enable and encourage us to love one another; may the Father give us compassionate hearts to care for others each day; and may the Holy Spirit help us to impact our community through acts of mercy, kindness, and love, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for September 14 - Ordinary 24A, Proper 18A, Pentecost 14

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Herald:                 O Lord, how amazing are Your works and how wonderful is Your Name!

People:                 Who are we, and why are You so mindful of us? What are we, that causes You to care for us?

Herald:                 Let us join with God’s people across the world to worship and glorify Him this day. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide: Eternal Creator, whose Universe displays Your almighty power, we come before You as seekers looking for Your favor, and as servants awaiting Your wonderful presence. We call upon You to fill our lives with Your blessings, bounty, and beauty. Your words sustain and guide us; Your mercies pacify and relieve us; Your love strengthens and nurtures us.

People:                 Almighty God, forgive us for letting our faith diminish in times of trouble and fear. Pardon us for being prideful people and selfish sinners. When we neglect to help others or ignore opportunities to support their needs, have mercy upon us; challenge us and change our ways. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Gracious Lord, only Jesus can restore us to Your joy and make our lives complete. When we have selfishly yielded to temptation and succumbed to sin, only Christ can redeem and return us to Your blessing and favor. In Christ's Name, we make our confessions and continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ's teaching came directly from God and His words of forgiveness can be applied to all who seek His mercy and believe in the power of His Name. Therefore, let us be glad and rejoice, for Jesus is the Restorer of our souls and the Savior of our lives, both now and forevermore. 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:                 The Lord knows who we are and loves us completely. God blesses all who revere and glorify His Holy Name. May He increase our strength and that of all our loved ones. May we each experience the blessings of encouragement, renewal, and healing from the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

People:                Everything belongs to You, O LORD; our lives, our loved ones, and our church are in Your hands. Please heal us and all of our loved ones 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:                 We will praise and bless the One, Triune, and Living God, whose compassion conquers our fears and whose faithfulness cares for our concerns. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 115)

Unison singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, help us to hear and receive all that Christ is communicating to each one of us through these sacred words. Challenge our opinions and ideas; change our wayward lives and selfish ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.                                 

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have come among us, calming the worries of our hearts and giving peace to our anxious minds. We place these offerings and tithes before You, as symbols of our service and tokens of thanksgiving for the truth that You still proclaim. Take our lives and sanctify them to serve, honor, and worship You each and every day of our lives. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray.  Amen. 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):  May Christ grant us faith and endurance for all that we face this week; may the Father bless us with encouragement as we seek to fulfill His purposes; and may the Holy Spirit bestow unity, harmony, and peace upon us as we worship, witness, and work this week to the glory of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always.  Amen.

Doxology & Postlude