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 Prayer for Ordinary 19C - Aug 7th

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 Great is the LORD in the universe; He is exalted from every realm of Creation.

People:                 We will praise His almighty and everlasting Name for God is awesome and holy.

Pastor:                 Let us worship and glorify our Creator. Let us magnify and bless the Lord! Amen.

First Hymn

               

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                 Everlasting God, Your power sustains the Universe and Your will permits life on Earth to continue. We come here to this sacred place to praise Your wonderful deeds and to give thanks for Your acts of grace in our lives. We are blessed by Your faithfulness and encouraged with Your love.

People:                Gracious Father, we sometimes question Your words and set aside Your counsel when making crucial decisions in our lives. We sometimes think too highly of ourselves and allow pride to diminish our Christian faith. Forgive us for ignoring Your authority and for succumbing to our selfish temptations. Hear us now as we express our regret and repent of our sinful ways.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, without the ministry of Your Son Jesus Christ, we would have no opportunity for forgiveness or restoration, repentance or reconciliation. Therefore, we thank You for His supreme sacrifice by pledging our lives to Him. In Christ's Name, we make our confession and with His holy words, we further pray, saying, “Our Father...THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

               

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Every day we break God's Law and disrespect His commands. We put ourselves under His divine judgment, from which only Jesus can save us.  Christ alone has the power to pardon and restore us to God's grace and Kingdom. Let us therefore rejoice and be glad in His Name. 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.

Anthem 

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

Children leave for Enrichment

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Lord, You have searched our spirits and know us completely. You see all that we do and perceive our thoughts, worries, and concerns. You are familiar with all of our ways. You understand all that we currently experience. Before we even voice our prayers, You know what we are about to ask.

People:                 When we feel pressure or suffer from stress, You lay Your loving hand upon us. Your presence is wonderful, therefore we appeal to You for healing and peace to be given to us and all our loved ones. Hear us now as we personally pray.

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

Pastor:                  We are never out of God's reach. We always belong to Him. In Jesus' Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

               

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, let God's Word move our hearts and souls, so that we may grow spiritually and become obedient to Christ Jesus in faith, hope, and love. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offertory and Offering

Dedication (unison – led by the pastor):               Lord Jesus, You know the secrets of our hearts, and yet You still allow us to come to worship You. You have permitted Your holy presence to be experienced by us in this sacred place. We thank You for these blessings and in response bring before Your our tithes and gifts, as well as our loyalty and lives. Bless them for the work of God's Kingdom and the praising of His Everlasting Name. Amen.

Communion 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ embrace us each day and fill us with His love; may the Father send us into the world with His compassion and strength; and may the Holy Spirit constantly encourage us to worship the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forever. 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 - Easter 5 - April 24

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 Loving God, You have gathered us as Your people so that we may rejoice in Your presence.

People:                 May You bless us with Your grace, O Lord, and grant us Your promise of salvation.

Pastor:                 Come, let us humbly approach our God to worship and glorify His Sacred Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, Your dynamic wonders surround us and Your glorious works inspire our souls, therefore, we gather before You to praise and honor Your majestic ways. Your peace calms our restless spirits and Your love strengthens our faithful hearts, so we cheerfully worship and gladly adore Your holy Name.

People:                Gracious Father, we regret our past mistakes and lament the sinful ways we have lived. We seek pardon for all our faults and Your mercy for all our misdeeds. Helps us to heal the wounds we have caused and enable us to forgive the injuries we have experienced. Pardon our foolish prejudices and stubborn pride. Absolve us of our ungrateful and unloving ways. Hear us now as we silently pray to You for forgiveness and reconciliation.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Loving Lord, accept our admissions of failure and receive our repentant prayers. Wash our souls in Christ's blood and cleanse our spirits from all our sins, for He alone can save and restore us. In Jesus' Name, we make our confessions and continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Christ inspired His people to repent and return to God. His teaching and words often expressed the reality of God’s everlasting love. Today, we receive Christ’s blessings of mercy and grace, as well as pardon and forgiveness. Let us rejoice and exalt in the name of our Savior Jesus, both now and 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

Minute for Mission

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Let us trust in the Lord, whose love and strength endures forever. May He surround and embrace us in the midst of our worries and cares. May He heal us of our broken ways and help us to reconcile our differences. May God bless us with His peace and allow to begin again.

People:                 May the Lord's goodness touch our lives and all whom we love. May our heartfelt prayers and innermost pleas be compassionately answered. May God strengthen our loved ones, and all for whom we now pray.

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

Pastor:                  As we turn to the Lord for help and healing, may He banish all our fears and grant us His peace. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.    (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 125)

Singing of 'Sanctuary’.

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, help us to receive these sacred words and consider their lessons carefully. Enable us to recognize what challenges these words reveal to us, as well as the changes that need to be applied in our daily lives. In Christ’s Holy Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison- led by pastor):         Lord Jesus, we bring before You our personal gifts and humbly ask that You will bless them for the life, work, and ministry of our church, in this community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ inspire us to be His disciples each day; may the Father bless us for being His people; and may the Holy Spirit help us to faithfully serve and love the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Easter 2 - April 03

Approaching God

Welcome & announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 The Lord embraces the weak and needy; He watches over those who are poor and oppressed.

People:                 God presides over all the Earth; He judges the nations justly and fairly.

Pastor:                 Let us humbly enter the presence of the One, Triune, and Living God, to give Him our praises. Amen.

First Hymn

Guide:                  Lord of hope and blessing, God of peace and joy, we gather in Your sacred house to offer You our worship and adoration, as well as our prayers and petitions, knowing that You gladly hear and receive them. In the midst of anxious and troubled times, You embrace and care for us in many mysterious and personal ways.

People:                Gracious God, we often struggle to overcome temptation and there are moments when we fail to respect or honor You with our thoughts, words, and deeds. Forgive us when we forget to heed Your guiding Spirit, or when we neglect to follow Your commands. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, we begin each day with the best of intentions, but always seem to fall short of Your expectations. Today, we ask forgiveness from Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son, whose sacrifice purchased our salvation, and whose blood cleansed our guilty past. In His Sacred Name, we make these prayers and continue with His words, saying, "Our Father …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus often confronted the people of His time with God’s Truth, which they did not always want to embrace or understand. Today, we are given His same message, which seeks to challenge and change our ways. Christ forgives us of all our sins, but He also expects us forgive one another. Let us rejoice in His grace and praise His Holy 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

Minute for Mission?

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

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Let us rejoice in God's sacred house; let us receive His strength and blessing. This is where we come, as people of God, to praise His name and glorify His greatness. We pray for His peace to come into our lives; we await His holy presence.

People:                 O Lord, we seek Your mercy and grace; hear us as we pray. We need Your compassion and care. Heal us, and all for whom we pray, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul.

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

Pastor:                  May there be peace and hope, strength and recovery for each of our lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.                  (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 122)

Singing of 'Sanctuary’.

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, You bless us with guidance and encouragement, as well as comfort and counsel. Open our hearts and minds to the message of these scriptures and enable us to apply their lessons in our daily lives.  In Jesus' Name, we ask.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have risen from the dead to show us the way to eternal life. You have given us absolutely everything from God; we know that we can never repay our debt to You. With grateful spirits and cheerful hearts, we bring before You our treasures, talents, and time. Take these gifts for the work of Your ministry, the spreading of the Gospel, and the glorifying of God’s Name.  Amen.

Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction:      May Christ come into our hearts to challenge our ways and change our lives; may the Father bless us with joy and love; and may the Holy Spirit continue to refresh our souls and renew our commitment to the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore.  Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - First Sunday in Lent - Feb 14

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 May the Lord's unfailing love come among us; may we know of His promised salvation.

People:                 We come here freely to praise God and to seek His wisdom and teaching.

Pastor:                  Let us lift up our hearts and spirits as we worship the Lord, whom we eternally adore. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Loving God, whose power sustains all that lives and whose promises remain unbroken across the centuries, we worship You with our hearts and seek to serve You with our lives. Your ways are infinitely beyond our own, and Your works are gloriously displayed throughout the universe. Today we pledge our faith and confidence in You.

People:                Gracious Father, we still have sinful desires and selfishly make bad choices. We sometimes neglect Your holy words and choose to act upon our own understanding. Forgive us for being foolish and inconsistent, insensitive and ungrateful. Pardon all of our sins, and forgive us for allowing our pride to dictate our thoughts and deeds. Hear us now as we sincerely pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, we look to You for salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we find peace and pardon, as well as redemption and restoration. We are thankful for His sacrifice and we glorify His Holy Name. Hear us now as we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus could truly judge us and cast us out of God's Kingdom forever. We rely upon His mercy and grace to restore us to God’s love. Without them, we are lost forever, but with Christ we are given 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.

Choir Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Loving Lord, within our hearts we know that You are with us. In each of our lives, we experience Your compassion and grace. Look favorably on us, O Lord, and help us to understand Your ways. Have mercy upon us as we pray and seek Your blessing.

People:                 As we turn to You for help, Heavenly Father, calm our spirits and subdue our fears. When we call upon You for healing, release us from any anxiety, illness, or pain. When our strength is at its lowest, grant us Your presence. When our health is weak and fragile, sustain us with Your love and grace. Hear us now as we silently pray for ourselves and others.

Silent Prayers. A candle is lit.

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

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, You have brought us here to be in church today. You want us to receive God’s message, so that we may apply His teachings in our daily lives. Open our hearts and minds to all that God gives us through these sacred words. 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 follow You and to faithfully serve Your Church on Earth. Through worship, in service, and with faith, we give to You our lives, as well as these tokens of our gratitude. Take and bless them for the sacred work of Your ministry and mission in our congregation, community, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ make our lives effective testimonies of faith; may the Father's love keep us focused on His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom and grace. To the glory and honor of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.        

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers Jan 31 - Epiphany 4C

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 O Living God, You are our King from ancient times, to the present day, and into the future.

People:                 You bring salvation to the Earth and we are blessed to be Your people.

Pastor:                 This day is dedicated to You, as are our lives. May we worship and glorify You forever. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                 Almighty Lord and Ruler of all Creation, whose wonders we behold, and whose works we adore, receive these praises from our lips and prayers of devotion from our hearts.  Your Word sustains our lives and Your ways strengthen our spirits, therefore we gather in Your sacred presence and offer our total service to You.

People:                Gracious Father, Your patience is often tried and tested by our sinful and selfish acts. We have not maintained Your purpose for our lives and have even set aside Your Holy Counsel. Forgive us for being faithless and defiant, as well as foolish and sinful. Hear us now as we silently confess our faults to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  God of mercy and grace, You have empowered Your Son Jesus to forgive all of our sins and restore us to Your favor. By His blood, we have been fully pardoned; by His sacrifice, we have been completely cleansed of the past.

We rejoice in our Savior Jesus Christ and through His perfect words, we unite our hearts in prayer with Him, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus has entered our hearts and become personally involved in our lives. He intends that we should follow Him, by accepting His teaching, sharing His ways, and devoting our lives to His ministry. He has taken all of our sins and eternally renewed our lives. Let us rejoice and be glad in Him, 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.

Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Loving Lord, Your ways are wonderful, so we seek to obey Your holy commands. Your words reveal to us Your Grace, O God, and through them You offer us understanding and comfort.

People:                 Turn to us, O Lord, and have mercy upon us. Guide us in all that we ask of You; cast away our fears and strengthen our faith. Rescue us, and all our loved ones, from the illnesses and sicknesses, as well as the discomfort and diseases that afflict us. Heal us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now, Precious Lord, as we personally pray.

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

Pastor:                  Almighty God, may Your face shine upon us. May Your favor completely restore our health. In Jesus’ Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, enable us to look at these scriptures and receive the blessings contained in them. Grant us wisdom and knowledge through Your Word, so that we may embrace these lessons and apply them in our daily lives. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):                  Lord Jesus, You were once buried and all was thought to be lost. Then God raised You from the dead, to show His love to the world, and to establish Your Holy Church. We are now called to be witnesses of those events and to dedicate our lives in the service of Your Kingdom. Take our gifts that are offered to You, for the continuance Your great work, ministry, and mission on Earth. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ allow us His blessings of guidance, favor, and love each day; may the Father lovingly assist and protect us in all that we may face; and may the Holy Spirit fill us with joy and delight, as we faithfully serve the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Jan 24 prayers - Epiphany 3

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                  Let us devoutly come into the holy presence of God.

People:                 May our songs, prayers, and praises please the Lord.

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

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, in this holy place of peace and prayer, we humbly seek Your loving presence. Your Name is renowned throughout our world and Your power is displayed across the universe. We feel privileged to be called Your children and followers of Your Son.

People:                 Gracious Father, forgive us when we disappoint You or make sinful choices. We know that we are weak and imperfect, subject to selfish whims and tempted by immoral desires. Pardon our foolish ways and help us to seek Your Son Jesus as our Savior. Hears us now as we confess and pray.

Silent confessions

Guide:                  Loving God, let Jesus become the desire of our hearts so that our daily choices and common decisions may honor Him. Without His grace, we are godless; without His sacrifice, our lives are wasted. In His Words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ is our Wonderful Counselor, Merciful Healer, and the Prince of our Peace. He restores us to God’s favor and we are redeemed for the sake of His ministry and mission. So let us rejoice and be glad, for on this day and at this time, all of our sins are forgiven and we are reunited to God, 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.

Anthem

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

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Lord, You are the foundation of our lives, so we pray to You for love and favor. Enter our hearts and minds; come into our spirits and souls. Please heal us of all that harms us.

People:                 Gracious Father, let Your strength be experienced by our loved ones. Free them from any fear and save them from all sickness. Let Your healing ways overcome their weakness; let Your perfect peace vanquish their pain. Hear us now as we personally and sincerely pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 Let us rejoice in the greatness of the Lord. May His blessings restore our hopes and refresh our weary souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                    (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 87)

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, enable us to value the work of God in our lives. With these sacred scriptures, open our hearts and minds to the Lord’s teaching. Challenge us by the things that are written; change us through the things we hear.  In Christ’s Holy Name, we read and pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, we have followed Your way of love and so we eagerly await Your blessing. You have showered us with spiritual gifts and helped us to find meaning, purpose, and hope for our lives. Take these gifts and bless them for the continuing work of Your ministry in this church, throughout this community, across our country and the entire world. In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn:

Benediction (in unison):  May Christ strengthen us with His compassion and love; may the Father free us from temptation and despair; and may the Holy Spirit keep us focused on the wisdom, words, and ways of the One, Triune, and Living God, now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude