Sunday Worship prayers - Lent 5C - March 17

Approaching God

Welcome & announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   O Lord of Life, whose presence is all around in the beauty of Creation, we come to worship You alone.

People:                 Open our hearts to Your loving ways and fill our souls with Your sacred power.

Youth:                   Bless us this day, Lord God, and make us one in faith, hope, and love forever. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Lord of all Creation, we proclaim You as our One, True, and Holy God. We seek to serve You as Your people and hope to please You with our praises. We thank You for bringing us to this special place of peace and prayer.

People:                 Heavenly Father, we want to honor You with our lives and completely follow Your ways.

Sometimes we fall into temptation and separate ourselves from Your Love, as well as closing our spirits to Your commands. Forgive us for rejecting Your words and damaging our faith by our unloving, unholy, and un-Christian actions. Hear us now as we humbly confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving God, You could condemn us for being sinful, but instead You graciously give us Your Son Jesus to die for our failures, faults, and fallen ways. By His wounds, we are healed. By His sacrifice, we are forgiven and restored to You forever. We bring these prayers in Christ’s Name and through His own words, we unite our hearts with Him, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                                  Jesus saves us from being eternally separated from God. He wants us to choose life over death, faith over fear, and obedience over defiance. When we sincerely come to Him for forgiveness, He grants us mercy and grace. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus our Savior rescues us 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

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. God establishes our world and sustains our lives. We are finite and frail, in need of help, healing and wholeness. We lift up our voices of prayer to God, from our anxious hearts and troubled minds.

People:                 Mighty Redeemer, have mercy upon us and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. We also bring to You our families and friends,our  colleagues and neighbors who need Your Loving touch and holy healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 The LORD is merciful and holy; just and faithful. He hears our prayers in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

                                (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 93)

Unison Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, help us to see what Christ is doing amongst us. Enable us to hear His words from these holy passages. Teach us His ways so that we may tell others of His ministry, mission, and kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison, led by Pastor):    Lord Jesus, we have worshipped You in song and praised You with our music. We have gathered our tithes and offerings and placed them before Your throne. Take these tokens and bless them, so that we may bring life to Your words by ministering to our congregation, our community, and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May the God of everlasting hope fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him this day, so that we may joyfully witness to the continuing mission of His Son Jesus Christ, and remain faithful to Him by the power of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers - Lent 4C - 10 March

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   Loving God, we come into Your House of praise and prayer; accept our songs and worship.

People:                 We are called to be in Your presence and seek to please You with our devotion.

Youth:                   Come among us, Holy Lord, and bless each of us here today. In Jesus’ Name, we ask. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration & Confession

Guide:                 Sovereign Lord of the Universe and Gracious God of our hearts, we praise Your glorious ways and bless Your wonderful deeds. You are the One, True, and Living God. We are honored to be called into Your Holy Presence. We feel favored to gather in Your Holy House.

People:                 Loving Lord of Life, You created the Earth and watch over our entire planet. You know that we are human and frail, prone to pride and drawn to sin. Forgive our faults and pardon our past mistakes. Have mercy upon us for we are foolish and faithless at times, overcome by greed and vanity, temptation and trouble. Hear us now as we humbly confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, enable us to honor Your Name by placing Christ at the center of our lives. May His Passion free us from our sins. May His sacrifice restore us to Your Favor. For we make our confessions in Christ’s Name and through His own words, we unite our hearts in prayer, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (DEBTS/DEBTORS)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Christ opens our eyes to the consequences of our sins. By giving His life for us, He shows us how seriously God deals with our selfish and deceitful mistakes. Thankfully, He also opens the gates of eternal freedom to those who come to Him sincerely seeking forgiveness, peace, and love. By the power of His blood, we receive mercy and are restored to God’s favor. Therefore, in Christ’s Name, let us rejoice and pray. 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: Hear our cries, O God; listen to our heartfelt prayers. Deep within our souls, we call to You. When we are weak and our hearts are troubled, be the rock of our salvation.

People:                 You are our refuge and our strength against all things which harm us in body, mind, heart and soul. We seek to dwell in Your healing presence and look to You to keep us safe from illness and injury, disease and despair, pain and suffering.

Pastor:                 We call upon You for ourselves, our loved ones, and those whom we know need Your help. May Your love and faithfulness protect all of us and may our loved ones experience Your peace and blessing, Your hope and healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May we sing praise to the One, True, and Living God, whose compassionate healing is given and fulfilled in each of our lives this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.    

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 61)

Singing of “Sanctuary"

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, lift up our hearts and help us to see the real Jesus in the midst of these scriptures. Reveal to us His teaching for our lives, and help us to apply what we learn from Him today.  In Christ’s Sacred Name, we pray. Amen. 

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (infusion – led by pastor):    Lord Jesus, You have revealed to us Your ways through the Living Word of the scriptures. In response, we gather together our tithes and offerings, placing them into Your keeping. We ask that You will bless these tokens and enable us to use them for the many ministries and missions You have called us to pursue and fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ help us to regard each day as holy and special; may the Father continue to bless our needs and strengthen our souls; and may the Holy Spirit teach us to live our lives in thankfulness to the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers - Lent 1C - Feb 17

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   Almighty God, You have summoned us to come and worship You.

People:                 We have obeyed Your call and seek to praise Your Everlasting Name.

Youth:                   May our hearts rejoice in Your Presence and may our songs be filled with joy. Amen.

First Hymn:        

               

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Gracious Lord, whose words have shaped our civilization and whose love sustains our people, we humbly approach Your Holy presence. You have edified our lives and blessed our spirits. We acknowledge You as our Strong Deliver and Almighty King.

People:                 Merciful God, each day we are distracted by sinful things which plague our faithful ways. We are tempted by selfish desires and end up justifying our chronic mistakes.

People:                                Everlasting Father, enter our hearts and strengthen our Christian beliefs. Anoint our souls with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may overcome our reckless and foolish ways. Forgive us for being weak and sinful people. Pardon our neglect of good works, charitable deeds, and selfless giving. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Lord, You have returned hope to us and we are grateful for Your compassion. May we continue to adore Jesus as our Savior, who gave His Life so that we may be cleansed of the past, strengthened in the present, and restored to Your eternal Kingdom in the future. In His holy words, we now pray, saying:

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

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide:                  In the midst of our troubles, Jesus is here beside us, ready to calm the rough times in our lives with His mercy, grace, and love. Let us celebrate His wonderful deeds and glorious life, 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.

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  We have heard what God has done in the past and experienced His unfailing love in our lives. With God’s guidance, we have overcome our troubles and through His mercy, we have flourished.

People:                 The Lord is our King and God forever. We look to Him for the health and healing. We pray that God will relieve us from our pain and sickness, our illness and disease, as well as our discomfort and despair.

Pastor:                  Almighty LORD, hear our prayers and answer our heartfelt pleas. Touch us with Your Holy Spirit and enter into the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of all our loved ones, so they may healed of all that harms them. Restore them to health, happiness, and wholeness. Hear us now as we silently bring our prayers and requests for healing to You alone.

               

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  May the LORD rise up and help us, restoring us through His unfailing love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.                                (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 44)

Anthem

Prayer for Illumination                

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, possess our minds with Christ’s goodness and fulfill our spiritual needs through the power of the sacred scriptures. Open our hearts to His godly ways and change our lives by challenging our ideas, opinions, and beliefs. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory     

Dedication (in unison, led by pastor):                    Lord Jesus, sometimes we are distracted by worldly concerns, causing our giving to be depleted through our insecurity. Today, You have granted us a new hope and restored us to Your Father’s Kingdom. In return, we cheerfully give these tokens to You, praying that You will bless them for the ministries and missions that You have called our church to establish, sustain, and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.  

Second Hymn                                   

Benediction (in unison):  May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with His Son’s blessings, and  through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday worship Prayers - Ordinary 5C - Feb 10

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:   Living God, You have called us to be in Your House of praise and prayer.

All:         We have obeyed Your summons and now seek to please You with our worship.

Youth:   Allow us the presence of Your Holy Spirit, so that we may bless and honor You. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting Lord, who speaks to all Creation, sustaining the entire Universe with Your Word, we come here to worship and adore Your wonderful ways. We are blessed with Your peace and strengthened by Your love.

People:                 Gracious Father, You command us to listen to Your voice and to follow Your ways. We confess that we have been disobedient and rebelled against Your ways. We are weak, mortal, and imperfect whereas You are holy, immortal, and almighty. Forgive our faithless and selfish ways; pardon our wrong acts and sinful deeds. Hear us now as we silently pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Loving God, enable us to be attentive to Your commands, and obediently listen to what You have to say through Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. In Christ alone, our spirits can be reunited with You forever. Through Him, we are saved from eternal separation and destruction. In His Name and by His words, we make these prayers, saying,

 "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER" (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                                  We thirst for Jesus and His soul-refreshing words. He is the Savior of our spirits and the Healer of our hearts. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ has overcome sin and death, bringing to us eternal blessings of faith, hope, and love. 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:                 We call to You from all of our hearts, O LORD; answer us and we will obey Your decrees. We call out to You to save us and heal us. We will earnestly follow Your divine counsel and accept Your ways.

People:                 Each day, Living Lord, we ask You for help. We place our hopes in Your promises and sacred words. Hear our prayers, given in accordance with Your love. Preserve and sustain us, in accordance with Your great compassion.

Pastor:                  You are near to us, O Lord, and Your promises are reassuring. We bring before You our loved ones, our neighbors, other people, and ourselves. We ask You to heal us of everything that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul  Hear us now, as we faithfully pray.

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

Pastor:                  Lord God, long ago Your words were established in scripture, and our people faithfully followed You by applying them in our lives. Grant us healing through Your promises, for in Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

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

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, let these words of scripture send us a meaningful message today. Enable our hearts to receive Christ's teaching and open our minds to His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.         

Scripture Readings

The Message and Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, You come to display God's good works in our lives and throughout the entire world. You call us to faithfully serve You in ministry and mission. Take these tithes and gifts as our cheerful response to that invitation.  Bless them for the life, work, and tasks that our church undertakes and fulfills to the glory of God and His Kingdom. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (in unison):  May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: One God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers - Ordinary 29B - Oct 21

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   O Lord, deal with us according to Your Love; teach us Your precious decrees.

People:                 We are Your servants; open our hearts and minds so that we may understand Your sacred ways.

Youth:                   Come among us, Almighty Lord, and do Your wonderful deeds, so that we may praise and glorify Your                                   Name forever! Amen.

Hymn

               

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, we adore and applaud Your mighty works of creation, which remind us of Your majestic Power and inspire us to confidently place our lives into your hands. We have set aside this sacred time and planned our praise and worship to reflect upon Your ways, rejoice in Your deeds, and regenerate our faith in Your Holy Word. You are the One, True and Living God; we are privileged to be Your humble servants.

People:                 Merciful God, we confess to being partial to our own understanding and more apt to follow our own desires. Instead of seeking Your guidance, we cherish our own opinions and ideas. Instead of accepting Your counsel, we furnish our own, which leads us into temptation and causes us to diminish our faith. Forgive us when we offend You by our sinful acts and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger, and indifference. Hear us now as we individually confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Gracious God, our hope is in the Lord and our salvation is in Christ’s hands. By His blood, we are cleansed. By His sacrifice, we are saved. He alone can forgive our past mistakes and restore us to Your Favor.

We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER”

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide:                  Jesus calls us to be his disciples and we are empowered to speak up for Him. Through faith, we testify to Christ’s power of forgiveness and His sovereignty over all of creation. Therefore we rejoice in Him and express our thanks to Him, by sharing His promises and gospel with all whom we love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

Gloria Patri

Children’s Sermon

Anthem

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Guide:                  We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace. Hear our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.

People:                 We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing. For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are encouraged.

Guide:                  Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope. For You alone have the power to overcome illness, anxiety, injury and insecurity. Hear us now as we silently pray for all those who are precious to our hearts.

                                Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Guide:                  Save all of Your people, Lord, and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)

Singing of Sanctuary

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, grant confidence to our spirits and deepen our faith through these sacred scriptures. Open our hearts to Christ’s amazing love and enhance our minds with His precious teaching. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison led by Guide):                           Lord Jesus, our hearts are exposed to You at all times, therefore You know completely what and how we give. We pray that these tokens may be given to You honorably, cheerfully, and faithfully. Grant us the wisdom to use them for the advancement of God’s Kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel, the serving of the Church, and the praising of God’s Name, both now and always. Amen. 

Hymn                     

Benediction (unison led by preacher):    May we grow in Christ’s grace each and every day; may we be spiritually fruitful to the glory of our Father in Heaven; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen the foundations of our faith, so that we may confidently share the good news of Jesus with the world, both now and always. Amen. 

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 26B - Sept 30

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:   We will praise You, O Lord, with all of our hearts.
People: We will tell of Your wonders and rejoice in Your ways.

Youth:   We will be glad and sing praise to Your Name, O Lord Most High. Amen!

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty God, throughout our lives we have heard of the great things that You have done. You have watched over our people for generations. You have delivered us from evil and blessed us with Your good. As we gather in this sacred and special place, receive us as Your servants and children. Accept the praises we bring and allow us to acknowledge Your power, presence, and wisdom over our lives.
People:                 Gracious God, we understand our human frailties and limitations. We confess to being sinful and selfish, proud and impassive, stubborn and defensive. We have failed You many times and we often regret our past failures. Hear us now as we silently bring to You our confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, we thank You for Christ’s grace and mercy. In Him, we are forgiven and restored. By Him, our lives are given meaning and purpose, strength and hope. We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and through His everlasting words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)    

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: God speaks to us through the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. He allows us to be forgiven of all our mistakes when we sincerely seek His forgiveness and pardon. Let us rejoice in our King, for Jesus is our Savior and everlasting Lord. 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

Minute for Mission – Outreach – Peacemaking

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works! Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.

People:                 In the midst of our sickness and illnesses when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers. Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.

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

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

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

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)

Singing of Sanctuary

Prayer of Illumination

Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to receive these scriptures in ways that will challenge and change our lives. Let God’s words be acceptable to our hearts and minds, so that we may be transformed into becoming better servants for His Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering and offertory

Dedication (unison, led by pastor):         Lord Jesus, in the giving 0f these gifts, we open doors for effective ministries and missions to be accomplished by our church. Our tithes and offering reflect our devotion to You and the work of Your Gospel throughout the world. Accept our treasures and our lives; our time, as well as our talents. May they be used for the glory of God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we freely give and faithfully pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May the death of Christ make us realize how precious we are to Him; may the Father’s words and ways strongly influence our spirits and guide our lives; and may the Holy Spirit keep us faithful serving the One, Triune, and Living God, from this day forth and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 23B - September 09

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   Our souls long for Your salvation, O Lord, and we have placed our hopes in Your Promises.

People:                                All of Your commands are trustworthy, O God; they help us, in the midst of all our troubles.

Youth:                   Preserve our lives according to Your love; and help us to obey Your words, by praising and                                           glorifying Your Name forever. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Lord, whose holiness and perfection are beyond our comprehension; whose power and glory are infinitely above all that we can achieve; we humbly bow in Your Presence, seeking Your Salvation and the comfort of Your Grace.

People:                 Gracious Father, speak to our hearts and change our foolish ways. In the midst of our problems and struggles with life, be our constant guide. When fear or anxiety threaten our faith, be our strength and shield. When we selfishly fall away from Your influence and care, grasp hold of our souls and return us to Your Love. Hear us now as we personally make our confessions to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Lord, we thank You the forgiveness of our past mistakes and personal sins. We praise You for bringing Jesus into the world and our lives, so that we may have the opportunity of being restored to Your Holy Kingdom. In the Name of our Savior, we make these prayers and unite our hearts in His Spirit, saying,

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

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose perfect obedience and holy life fulfilled God’s great plan of salvation. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins, renewed in spirit, and completely restored to God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah reigns! 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:                  The Earth is the LORD's, and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it;  for He founded it upon                       the seas and established it upon the waters.

People:                 We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place. O Lord, cleanse our                          souls and grant healing for our hearts; lift up our spirits and lead us by Your Truth.

Pastor:                  May we receive these blessings from the LORD and may our loved ones be touched by our Savior’s                        healing power. May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who look for God’s healing                   in all of our lives. Hear us now, O Lord, as we individually pray.

                                Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  The Lord is strong and mighty. He is the King of Glory and the Healer of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we                      pray. Amen.

Unison Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, make us glad in our hearts as we rejoice in Christ’s sacred words. Enable us to live in hope through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):                       Lord Jesus, we follow Your Loving example by sacrificing these gifts from our resources and humbly placing them before Your Holy Throne. Bless these tokens of gratitude for the work of Your Church here on Earth. Help us to use these gifts for the proclamation of Your Word, the enhancing of Your Kingdom, and the glorifying of Your Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Jesus speak to our spirits and lead us every day; may the Father fortify our faith and send us out into the world to do His work; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to minister to the people we encounter each week, to the Glory of the One, Triune God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 21B - August 26

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:             As we take refuge in You, O Lord, let us be glad; let us ever sing for joy.
People:            May You love and embrace us, O Lord, as we rejoice in Your Name.
Youth:             O Lord, bless us and surround us with Your favor throughout this sacred time. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                         Life Giver and Law Maker of the Universe, we come to You with our praises and prayers. We bless You with our worship; we exalt You above all else. You alone are Sovereign of all creation; You are the King of all that lives.

People:                        Gracious God, You grieve our sinful ways and are displeased with our selfish deeds. You mourn our wasted moments and dislike our shameful sins.  We are guilty of being proud and vain, foolish and faithless. We silently come to You with our personal confessions and humbly ask for grace.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                         Loving Lord, our faith diminishes when we are weak and deceitful. However, our hearts and souls can be restored to You through the mercy and grace of Jesus, our Lord. Through Christ alone, we have forgiveness; with Him, we are saved from sin.  In His holy words, we continue to pray, saying

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

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                         Christ makes us see the error of our ways and reveals to us God’s mercy and grace. He alone has the power to cleanse our tarnished souls, and He sanctifies us as God’s children. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King and everlasting Savior, 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.

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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             We cry out to God for help; we call upon Him to hear us and help us. In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.

People:            O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation. When we are too troubled to speak, let us hear Your peaceful voice; when we are tired and exhausted, bring rest to our bodies and comfort for our souls.

Pastor:             Almighty Father, fill us with Your love and heal us by Your grace. Rescue and restore our loved ones from all that harms them in body, mind, heart and spirit. May Your healing mercy and loving compassion touch all those in need of freedom from pain and recovery from illness. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:             Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. In Jesus’ Name, we make these prayers. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Moment for Stewardship

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:            Holy Spirit, enable us to follow Christ through these scriptures. Reveal to us the lessons of faith that we must learn, and the sacred things that we can apply in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering and offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, we go through our lives with Your presence among us each day. In times of trial and trouble, You carry us. In moments of joy and celebration, You bless us. We gladly gather our tithes and gifts before You. Take and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church, as well as for the tasks that You have called us to accept and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Jesus be our Strength when we are weak; may the Father shield us from sin and protect us from despair; and may the Holy Spirit be our Guide and Comforter throughout our days, leading us to that moment in everlasting glory when we will truly worship the One, Triune, and Living God,  both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Ordinary 20B - August 19

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   May the Lord answer us when we call to Him in our need. May His righteousness become our strength.
People:                 May the Lord be merciful to us; may He bless our prayers and praise.
Youth:                   Let the light of the Lord shine upon us; let us glorify and worship His Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Eternal King of the Universe, whose guidance enriches our lives and whose benevolence enhances our spirits, we offer our hearts and love, our devotion and worship to You alone. Your ways are mysterious, and yet Your love is evident throughout Creation, therefore we bless You with our praises and exalt Your Holy Name.

People:                 Heavenly Father, when we set aside Your commands, You are disappointed with us; when break Your holy laws, You are offended with our dishonesty. Forgive us for despising Your words; pardon us for disrespecting Your Sovereignty. Hear us now, as we confess our selfish faults and sinful deeds to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Immortal God, only Christ can restore Your covenant with us. Only He has the power to set us on the right path to Your Kingdom, for He redeems our sinful souls and reunites us to Your everlasting love. By His grace, we are no longer Your enemies.  In Christ’s words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father...The Lord’s Prayer” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus gives glory to God and returns to His favor. In Christ alone, we have the divine opportunity to be forgiven of the past, to be guided at present, and to be welcomed into God’s eternal realm. Let us rejoice and be glad, for in Jesus, Christ, God’s Only Son, we are saved and forgiven, 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

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.

People:                 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.

Pastor:                 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 of our 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, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)

Singing of Jesus “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, help us to be attentive to the lessons of faith that we are about to read and hear. Reveal to us the teachings of Christ, so that by His great power, we may live our lives in ways that please and honor Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have called us to this holy place, to hear the Gospel, and to apply it in our lives.  We bring before You our tithes and gifts, our loyalty and devotion. We pray that You will take them for the service of Your Kingdom, the preaching of Your word, and the edifying of Your Church. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Jesus be the everlasting treasure of our eternal lives; may the Father’s power be evident in all that we say and do; and may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in ways that bring honor and blessing, power and glory to the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology

Postlude