Approaching God
Prelude: Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 123)
Leader: Let us lift up our eyes to the Lord, whose throne is in heaven
People: Let us look to the LORD our God, for He shows us mercy.
Leader: In all that we experience or endure, the Lord is with us. Let us praise and glorify God.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal God, whose ways are mysterious and whose words are meaningful; whose judgments are incontestable and whose justice prevails; we approach You as Your servants, called to worship in Your presence and chosen to praise Your Holy Name.
People: Gracious Father, You anoint us to be priests and prophets, heralds and messengers of Your Holy Will. You count upon us to be faithful witnesses of Christ’s Gospel and living examples of His teaching in our community and neighborhoods.
Guide: Merciful Lord, despite Your sacred counsel and holy guidance, we often follow our own sinful paths and make selfish decisions. Instead of bowing to Your Will and accepting Your ways, we choose to fulfill our own desires and complete our own plans.
People: Loving God, forgive us for neglecting our service to Your Kingdom. Have mercy upon us when we are sinful and selfish, deceptive and disloyal, argumentative and arrogant, peace hating and proud. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal Lord, we regret our past mistakes and ask that You will unite us to Christ’s Spirit. His sacrifice assures us of Your mercy. His resurrection restores us to Your Kingdom. We praise You for giving us this opportunity to begin again; to serve You once more.
People: We make our confessions in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, and through His own Holy Words, we sincerely pray, saying, “Our Father, etc...
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: We travel through life at times without giving thought to its direction, purpose or meaning. We set off on a journey of hope and opportunity, only to be frustrated by hindrances and obstacles. Thankfully, Jesus joins us and will rescue our souls from the damage that sinful and selfish ways inflict upon our spirits. He does this because He is God’s Anointed Son and the One, True and Only Savior of humankind. Let us therefore rejoice and praise His Name forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
(No anthem this Sunday)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: O LORD, if we have been foolish and disappointed You, forgive us. If we have been sinful and angered You, be merciful to us.
People: Gracious Father, sometimes we suffer sickness and experience illness because of our selfish ways and sinful habits.
Leader: Pain and isolation, fear and anxiety, guilt and worry can overwhelm our spirits, damage our souls, weaken our bodies and stifle our minds.
People: Sometimes our faith is feeble and our confidence is crushed. We need You Lord to save us from all that diminishes us and heal us from all that harms us.
Leader Let us wait for the LORD and seek His answer. Let us focus our thoughts on Him and look for His love.
People: May You also remember our loved ones, Lord, and never forsake them in the midst of their troubles. Hear us now as we pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: Come quickly to us and help us, O Lord our God and Savior. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 38)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts for the holy promises of God which are revealed to us through these sacred scriptures. Help us to accept the wisdom of God’s ways, so that we may apply these lessons to our lives and teach them to each succeeding generation in this church and community. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, despite our weaknesses, You still love us. Despite our failings, You still forgive us. In response to the riches of Your Grace, we gather before You these gifts of gratitude and tithes of thanksgiving. Accept and bless them for the holy work of this church. Sanctify these gifts for the ministries and missions that You have called us to undertake, support and fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
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 Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology
Postlude
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunday Prayers: Advent 4
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcement
Prelude & Gathering
Call to Light the Advent Wreath
Family: The season of Advent continues. Today we shall be lighting the candle of love.
Congregation: No other word so completely describes what we know of our God. For God so loved the world that a child was given....God's love in human form.
Family: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.
The two purple candles and the pink candle are lit
Family: We light the candle of love to proclaim that God's love is revealed in the Child born in Bethlehem.
Congregation: We are challenged to proclaim and reveal that same love as we live out our faith here in ….
The purple candle is lit
Family: We give thanks for a love that passes our human understanding.
Congregation: We await once more the birth of God's enduring love this Christmas. In Christ’s Sacred Name, we hope, wait, love, and pray. Amen
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of Love and Life, we come before You as Your people, hoping to please You with our praises and seeking to delight You with our worship.
People: Almighty God, in whom our lives are lived, and by whom our days are sustained, we place our faith, hope, and love in You alone.
Guide: Gracious Father, we know that we have allowed temptation and sin to over rule our spirits. We have succumbed to our selfish desires and made poor choices.
People: Benevolent Majesty, forgive us for taking Your grace for granted and for setting You aside. Pardon us for disrespecting Your ways and disavowing Your words with our sinful actions. Hear us now as we inwardly confess our sins.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful God, only Your Son Jesus Christ can save us from our sins. Only He can bridge the gap that we have created through our sinful deeds and wicked ways.
People: We place our lives and souls into Christ’s hands. We ask for redemption and restoration through His precious blood. In His Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father, etc.
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: When Jesus came into our world, He brought God’s everlasting grace with Him. By living a life of true obedience, He has enabled us to be given an eternal hope from God. We are no longer cast away from God. We are restored to His throne and returned to His Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, in this holy sanctuary, our souls yearn for Your Favor, and our hearts cry out for healing.
People: Bless us, Living God, for we have set our hopes in You, and trust You with all our strength.
Pastor: Hear our prayers, O LORD God Almighty; listen to us, O God of Jacob.
People: Look upon Your people, O God, gathered here in Your Name. Look upon us with mercy and compassion.
Pastor: For You, O LORD, fill us with faith, and You help us through each day.
People: Gracious God, do not withhold Your power from us. Heal us and all our loved ones from sickness and pain, anxiety and depression, illness and injury.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD Almighty, blessed are those who trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 84)
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, teach us God’s plan for our lives through the reading and receiving of these sacred words. Challenge and change our ways, so that we may become true witnesses of Christ’s Gospel. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we bring before You an offering made up of our tithes and gifts, resources and wealth. We pray that it may honor and glorify You. We humbly ask that You bless this offering for the spreading of the Gospel, the mission of the Church, and the praising of God’s Name, both now and always. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (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 Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcement
Prelude & Gathering
Call to Light the Advent Wreath
Family: The season of Advent continues. Today we shall be lighting the candle of love.
Congregation: No other word so completely describes what we know of our God. For God so loved the world that a child was given....God's love in human form.
Family: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.
The two purple candles and the pink candle are lit
Family: We light the candle of love to proclaim that God's love is revealed in the Child born in Bethlehem.
Congregation: We are challenged to proclaim and reveal that same love as we live out our faith here in ….
The purple candle is lit
Family: We give thanks for a love that passes our human understanding.
Congregation: We await once more the birth of God's enduring love this Christmas. In Christ’s Sacred Name, we hope, wait, love, and pray. Amen
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of Love and Life, we come before You as Your people, hoping to please You with our praises and seeking to delight You with our worship.
People: Almighty God, in whom our lives are lived, and by whom our days are sustained, we place our faith, hope, and love in You alone.
Guide: Gracious Father, we know that we have allowed temptation and sin to over rule our spirits. We have succumbed to our selfish desires and made poor choices.
People: Benevolent Majesty, forgive us for taking Your grace for granted and for setting You aside. Pardon us for disrespecting Your ways and disavowing Your words with our sinful actions. Hear us now as we inwardly confess our sins.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful God, only Your Son Jesus Christ can save us from our sins. Only He can bridge the gap that we have created through our sinful deeds and wicked ways.
People: We place our lives and souls into Christ’s hands. We ask for redemption and restoration through His precious blood. In His Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father, etc.
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: When Jesus came into our world, He brought God’s everlasting grace with Him. By living a life of true obedience, He has enabled us to be given an eternal hope from God. We are no longer cast away from God. We are restored to His throne and returned to His Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, in this holy sanctuary, our souls yearn for Your Favor, and our hearts cry out for healing.
People: Bless us, Living God, for we have set our hopes in You, and trust You with all our strength.
Pastor: Hear our prayers, O LORD God Almighty; listen to us, O God of Jacob.
People: Look upon Your people, O God, gathered here in Your Name. Look upon us with mercy and compassion.
Pastor: For You, O LORD, fill us with faith, and You help us through each day.
People: Gracious God, do not withhold Your power from us. Heal us and all our loved ones from sickness and pain, anxiety and depression, illness and injury.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD Almighty, blessed are those who trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 84)
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, teach us God’s plan for our lives through the reading and receiving of these sacred words. Challenge and change our ways, so that we may become true witnesses of Christ’s Gospel. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we bring before You an offering made up of our tithes and gifts, resources and wealth. We pray that it may honor and glorify You. We humbly ask that You bless this offering for the spreading of the Gospel, the mission of the Church, and the praising of God’s Name, both now and always. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (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 Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Monday, December 10, 2007
Worship prayers: 3rd Sunday Advent
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Family: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of thePsalm and the prophet Isaiah
Congregation: of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices andblossoms.
Family: A world where eyes will see and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
Congregation: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.
(Two purple candles are relit)
Family: The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy.
(The pink candle is lit)
Family: God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the forthcoming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience Your mercy and see Your glory.
Congregation: May this house of prayer become a sanctuary of joy. May our hearts and spirits be lifted up through the praising and glorifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is yet to come amongst us again. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of Life, who sustains the universe and who keeps all creation in order, we glorify and praise Your Holy Name.
People: Lord of Love, who knows everything about our lives and from whom we can never hide, thank You for granting us grace and giving us Your blessing.
Guide: Gracious Lord, we seek Your mercy and favor. We ask for pardon and forgiveness of all our sins.
People: Loving Father, we have failed to be truly faithful. We have allowed pride and stubbornness to withhold our confessions. We have allowed greed and insecurity to diminish our compassion. Hear us now as we silently pray to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal God, we owe our salvation to Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we can find forgiveness and grace, mercy and restoration.
People: Hear our confession, given to You in Christ’s Name. In His own words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father, etc.
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus Christ is our One and Only Savior. When we place our lives into His Hands, He accepts us fully into God’s Kingdom. We are pardoned and forgiven, redeemed and reassured. Let us rejoice and thank Him forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord our God, come near to us and grant us strength when we pray to You for healing.
People: When we are troubled, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.
Pastor: When we are fearful and afraid, become our shield and firm foundation.
People: When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.
Pastor: When anxiety overcomes our families and despair attacks our friends, grant them assurance, peace, and love.
People: By Your Power, Lord, and in the Name of Christ, we ask that You heal us and our loved ones from all that harms our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone have the power to heal all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, keep us focused on God’s message for today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us. In the Name of Jesus, we earnestly pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (in unison) Lord Jesus, You have called us to support Your life, ministry and mission through the resources of this congregation. In Your Holy Name, we gather before You our tithes and gifts. Bless for everything that we seek to do to glorify, honor, and proclaim You as the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Amen.
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 Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Family: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of thePsalm and the prophet Isaiah
Congregation: of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices andblossoms.
Family: A world where eyes will see and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
Congregation: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.
(Two purple candles are relit)
Family: The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy.
(The pink candle is lit)
Family: God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the forthcoming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience Your mercy and see Your glory.
Congregation: May this house of prayer become a sanctuary of joy. May our hearts and spirits be lifted up through the praising and glorifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is yet to come amongst us again. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of Life, who sustains the universe and who keeps all creation in order, we glorify and praise Your Holy Name.
People: Lord of Love, who knows everything about our lives and from whom we can never hide, thank You for granting us grace and giving us Your blessing.
Guide: Gracious Lord, we seek Your mercy and favor. We ask for pardon and forgiveness of all our sins.
People: Loving Father, we have failed to be truly faithful. We have allowed pride and stubbornness to withhold our confessions. We have allowed greed and insecurity to diminish our compassion. Hear us now as we silently pray to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal God, we owe our salvation to Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we can find forgiveness and grace, mercy and restoration.
People: Hear our confession, given to You in Christ’s Name. In His own words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father, etc.
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus Christ is our One and Only Savior. When we place our lives into His Hands, He accepts us fully into God’s Kingdom. We are pardoned and forgiven, redeemed and reassured. Let us rejoice and thank Him forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord our God, come near to us and grant us strength when we pray to You for healing.
People: When we are troubled, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.
Pastor: When we are fearful and afraid, become our shield and firm foundation.
People: When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.
Pastor: When anxiety overcomes our families and despair attacks our friends, grant them assurance, peace, and love.
People: By Your Power, Lord, and in the Name of Christ, we ask that You heal us and our loved ones from all that harms our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone have the power to heal all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, keep us focused on God’s message for today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us. In the Name of Jesus, we earnestly pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (in unison) Lord Jesus, You have called us to support Your life, ministry and mission through the resources of this congregation. In Your Holy Name, we gather before You our tithes and gifts. Bless for everything that we seek to do to glorify, honor, and proclaim You as the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Amen.
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 Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Sunday Prayers: 12-09-07
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call to Light the Advent Wreath
Family: Today - the second Sunday in Advent - we hear about Isaiah's
vision of a new and transformed world.
Congregation: A world where all creatures live together in harmony and peace.
Family: We wait with hope for this vision to become reality.
Congregation: The God of hope fills us with joy and peace in believing. We light the candle of hope.
(The first purple candle is relit)
Family: We proclaim our belief in God's faithfulness in keeping promises, as we light the candle of peace.
( A second purple candle is lit)
Family: God of all faithfulness - Isaiah's vision paints a picture of a world shaped in accordance with Your will and Your design.
Congregation: He tells of One so enlightened by your Spirit that he would open eyes and ears and hearts to a new understanding of your will and your design for the world. Isaiah described the one for whom the people waited - the Messiah .
Family: We wait also, but we wait in the joyful knowledge that the Messiah has come in the form of your beloved Son.
Congregation: We wait in faith, praying that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus - Prince of Peace - will be born anew in our hearts and in our lives. Amen
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Majesty, whose riches and resources are unlimited; whose power is absolute and abounding with holiness; we gather before You in this place of praise, peace and prayer. You have set apart this time in our lives to worship and adore You. We have responded to Your call and we continue to bless Your Holy Name.
People: Everlasting Lord, whose deeds of deliverance and almighty acts have been declared and announced by countless generations, we seek to serve You with our lives and love You with our souls. We want to devote ourselves to following Your ways and fulfilling Your Will.
Guide: Precious Father, we confess our sins to You. We have stored up bitterness in our hearts. We have allowed pride to damage our souls. We have hurt other people with our words and disappointed You with our deceptions. We have fulfilled our own desires and cast aside Your commandments.
People: Holy God, we have tampered with our faith by falling into temptation. We have neglected our devotion to Your Son by satisfying our dreams and needs. Forgive us, Gracious God, for we repent of our reckless ways and diminished faith. Hear us now as we personally seek Your pardon.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Compassionate Creator, who permits us to call upon Your Son for help, healing and wholeness, we praise You for the promises of salvation through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus. Without His obedience to You, without His agonizing death on the Cross, we would be unforgiven and forever doomed to be eternally cast out from Your Sacred Presence and Everlasting Love.
People: In the abundant grace of Jesus and through His own precious words , we now pray, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v18)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the King of Creation and the Lord of our lives. We did not give this honor to Him. Through His complete devotion and perfect obedience, God bestowed upon Jesus all authority on earth and in heaven to forgive our sins, to restore us to God’s favor and to be welcomed into His Eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our One, True and Only Savior, both now and always. Amen.
(John 6v14)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: Your healing love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
People: Your strength is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
Leader: O LORD, we pray that you will preserve our lives and loved ones. How precious is your unfailing love and mercy to us!
People: May our families and friends find refuge in Your presence and healing from all that harms them.
Leader May we all regain our health and strength from the abundance of Your power; may You grant us our petitions and delight us with Your grace.
People: For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light; through Your peace, we are released from pain; by Your love we are set free from our fears. Hear us now as we pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: Living and Gracious Lord, continue Your love to those who need You, Your healing to the most cherished of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, challenge and change us through the truths that these sacred scriptures reveal. Move our hearts and show us how to fulfill Christ’s message in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:37)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, You know us completely and perfectly understand everything about our lives. We often fail to fulfill our service and devotion to You, and yet You still allow us to receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. With humble and sincere thanks, we offer You our time, talents and money. Take these tokens of our gratitude and bless them for the continuing life, work and ministry of Your Church in this community, across this nation and throughout the world. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v28)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ protect us from our sinful nature and keep us on His Holy path; may the Father continually cultivate our faith through His Love and Grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to branch out into the world to effectively witness to God’s kingdom, glory and power. Both now and forever. Amen. ( Romans 11v24)
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call to Light the Advent Wreath
Family: Today - the second Sunday in Advent - we hear about Isaiah's
vision of a new and transformed world.
Congregation: A world where all creatures live together in harmony and peace.
Family: We wait with hope for this vision to become reality.
Congregation: The God of hope fills us with joy and peace in believing. We light the candle of hope.
(The first purple candle is relit)
Family: We proclaim our belief in God's faithfulness in keeping promises, as we light the candle of peace.
( A second purple candle is lit)
Family: God of all faithfulness - Isaiah's vision paints a picture of a world shaped in accordance with Your will and Your design.
Congregation: He tells of One so enlightened by your Spirit that he would open eyes and ears and hearts to a new understanding of your will and your design for the world. Isaiah described the one for whom the people waited - the Messiah .
Family: We wait also, but we wait in the joyful knowledge that the Messiah has come in the form of your beloved Son.
Congregation: We wait in faith, praying that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus - Prince of Peace - will be born anew in our hearts and in our lives. Amen
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Majesty, whose riches and resources are unlimited; whose power is absolute and abounding with holiness; we gather before You in this place of praise, peace and prayer. You have set apart this time in our lives to worship and adore You. We have responded to Your call and we continue to bless Your Holy Name.
People: Everlasting Lord, whose deeds of deliverance and almighty acts have been declared and announced by countless generations, we seek to serve You with our lives and love You with our souls. We want to devote ourselves to following Your ways and fulfilling Your Will.
Guide: Precious Father, we confess our sins to You. We have stored up bitterness in our hearts. We have allowed pride to damage our souls. We have hurt other people with our words and disappointed You with our deceptions. We have fulfilled our own desires and cast aside Your commandments.
People: Holy God, we have tampered with our faith by falling into temptation. We have neglected our devotion to Your Son by satisfying our dreams and needs. Forgive us, Gracious God, for we repent of our reckless ways and diminished faith. Hear us now as we personally seek Your pardon.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Compassionate Creator, who permits us to call upon Your Son for help, healing and wholeness, we praise You for the promises of salvation through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus. Without His obedience to You, without His agonizing death on the Cross, we would be unforgiven and forever doomed to be eternally cast out from Your Sacred Presence and Everlasting Love.
People: In the abundant grace of Jesus and through His own precious words , we now pray, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v18)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the King of Creation and the Lord of our lives. We did not give this honor to Him. Through His complete devotion and perfect obedience, God bestowed upon Jesus all authority on earth and in heaven to forgive our sins, to restore us to God’s favor and to be welcomed into His Eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our One, True and Only Savior, both now and always. Amen.
(John 6v14)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: Your healing love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
People: Your strength is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
Leader: O LORD, we pray that you will preserve our lives and loved ones. How precious is your unfailing love and mercy to us!
People: May our families and friends find refuge in Your presence and healing from all that harms them.
Leader May we all regain our health and strength from the abundance of Your power; may You grant us our petitions and delight us with Your grace.
People: For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light; through Your peace, we are released from pain; by Your love we are set free from our fears. Hear us now as we pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: Living and Gracious Lord, continue Your love to those who need You, Your healing to the most cherished of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, challenge and change us through the truths that these sacred scriptures reveal. Move our hearts and show us how to fulfill Christ’s message in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:37)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, You know us completely and perfectly understand everything about our lives. We often fail to fulfill our service and devotion to You, and yet You still allow us to receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. With humble and sincere thanks, we offer You our time, talents and money. Take these tokens of our gratitude and bless them for the continuing life, work and ministry of Your Church in this community, across this nation and throughout the world. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v28)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ protect us from our sinful nature and keep us on His Holy path; may the Father continually cultivate our faith through His Love and Grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to branch out into the world to effectively witness to God’s kingdom, glory and power. Both now and forever. Amen. ( Romans 11v24)
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Postlude
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday Worship Prayers : Advent 1
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Advent Candle prayer (liturgy from the Uniting Church in Australia)
Family: Today is the first Sunday of Advent - the time when we prepare once again for the coming of Jesus.
Congregation: We light a candle each week to remind us that Jesus brings light into the dark places of the world.
Family: Today, the prophet Isaiah describes a future shaped by peace for all nations as they walk in the light of the Lord. We wait in hope for this prophecy to be fulfilled.
Congregation: We light the candle of hope to proclaim that God's light is coming into the world
A purple candle is lit.
Family: God of all nations - You spoke to Isaiah and You empowered him to speak welcome words of peace and hope to the people of his time.
Congregation: We need to hear Your word anew to us today as the darkness of despair is still experienced wherever peace and hope are absent.
Family: Strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be Your prophets in this day and age - teaching Your ways and lifting people's darkness through words and work of love and peace and justice.
Congregation: In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Loving God, who established the heavens and the earth, we come before You as people of Christian faith, seeking to please our Lord and King.
People: We raise up our prayers and praises to You alone. We worship You with our lips and cherish You in our hearts.
Guide: Almighty Father, we have come into Your holy house, so that we may learn Your sacred words and be thankful for Your merciful ways.
People: We remember that You judge us, so we confess our sins to You alone. We regret our past mistakes and disputes. We are sorry for our selfish choices and foolish decisions. We seek Your pardon and need forgiveness. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious Lord, thank You for sending Jesus into our world and for the hope and peace that He brings to our lives. He is our Loving Savior and we are restored to Your favor through the blood of Christ.
People: We live and walk in the light of Christ. By His own words, we conclude our confessional prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Our salvation is bought dearly by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are clothed in His righteousness and redeemed forever by His truth. Let us rejoice and celebrate our everlasting forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Lord . Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Contend, O LORD, with those things which harm us; defend us against all illnesses which weaken our bodies, minds and spirits.
People: Receive our heartfelt prayers and personal pleas for healing; arise, Heavenly Father, and come to our aid.
Pastor: Brandish Your power against those viruses and diseases, sicknesses and cancers which threaten our health. Grant peace for our troubled minds and bring strength to our souls by becoming our complete and effective shalom.
People: Permit our loved ones to rejoice in Your healing, LORD, and bring them to recovery through Your total deliverance.
Pastor: May our whole beings exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor in spirit from sickness and despair. You deliver the anxious and needy from the fears which overwhelm them.”
People: Enable us to give You thanks in this congregation for answered prayers; from within our hearts and souls, we bring You our petitions for hope, health and healing.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May we delight in our deliverance and shout for joy with gladness; may our loved ones joyfully say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His people." In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, awaken us from our spiritual slumber and make us more aware of what Christ is doing throughout this present age. Help us to ponder upon these scriptures and openly receive God’s teaching in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, the day of our salvation is nearer than we know. In Your Holy Name, we gather together our tithes and gifts. Bless them for the holy work of Your Church, the preaching of the Gospel, and the saving of souls throughout the earth. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ clothe us in His righteousness each and every day; may the Father teach us His ways, so that we may continue to walk in His paths; and may the Holy Spirit shower us with the light of eternal love, so that we may continue to worship and glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday Prayers 25 Nov 2007
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Call to worship
Pastor: With thankful hearts and grateful spirits, we approach You, O King of the Universe.
People: We seek to love and serve You; we wish to please You and follow Your commands.
Pastor: We are truly grateful for Your presence in the world and Your influence over our lives. Hear us now as we worship and glorify Your wonderful Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting God, who looks at the entire world and sees the lives that we each lead; whose wonders and deeds far outshine our greatest achievements and highest successes; we humbly approach Your Holy Presence, seeking Your approval and hoping for Your favor.
People: Almighty Lord, without You, we are a people of no significance, a church without meaning, a community with no purpose. You created us in Your Perfect image, fillings our hearts with eternal notions and the hope of everlasting life.
Guide: Gracious Lord, at times we have forsaken Your paths and followed our limited understanding. We have exalted our intellect and replaced Your ways with our ideas. We have stripped Your Holy Word of meaning, and have rebelled against Your sacred scriptures. We have falsified our faith and denied our dependence upon You.
People: Heavenly Father, we have made selfish choices and shameful decisions. We have damaged our souls with pride and anger, stubbornness and greed. Forgive our faults and cleanse us of our careless ways. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Lord, reclaim our rebellious lives and restore us to Your Son’s salvation. Rekindle our faith in Jesus, renewing our hearts and minds, so that we may gratefully, thankfully and cheerfully serve You forever.
People: For we make our confession in the mighty and powerful Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father,…”
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus gathers us to Himself, filling us with His grace and love. He takes the broken pieces of our sinful lives, to heals us of all our past and personal sins. Let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.
People: The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Pastor: O Living God, who formed the hearts, minds and bodies of us all, consider our present troubles and provide for our personal needs.
People: Your eyes are constantly on us; You know our worries and fears. We place our lives into Your hands and put our hope in Your unfailing love.
Pastor: You are our help and shield, O Lord. We wait for Your mercy and ask that You heal us, including our families and friends, of all that hurts, harms and hinders us.
People: For we trust in Your Holy Name and we humbly ask that You hear our heartfelt petitions and personal prayers.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 33)
Sing: Jesus Draw Me Close
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, descend upon us and open our hearts to God’s message. Grant us understanding of these scriptures, and give us opportunities to apply these sacred words in our daily lives. For the sake of our Savior and in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & the Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your death, You made a new covenant with the world. We freely give our lives to You in service of Your Everlasting Kingdom. Take the tithes and gifts that we offer, blessing them for the ministries and missions that You would have our church undertake, support and fulfill to the glory of God, and the preaching of His Word. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ deliver us from all evil and enable us to do His will; may the Father spare us from temptation and reclaim us as His own; and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide, counsel and comfort us, as we worship and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Call to worship
Pastor: With thankful hearts and grateful spirits, we approach You, O King of the Universe.
People: We seek to love and serve You; we wish to please You and follow Your commands.
Pastor: We are truly grateful for Your presence in the world and Your influence over our lives. Hear us now as we worship and glorify Your wonderful Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting God, who looks at the entire world and sees the lives that we each lead; whose wonders and deeds far outshine our greatest achievements and highest successes; we humbly approach Your Holy Presence, seeking Your approval and hoping for Your favor.
People: Almighty Lord, without You, we are a people of no significance, a church without meaning, a community with no purpose. You created us in Your Perfect image, fillings our hearts with eternal notions and the hope of everlasting life.
Guide: Gracious Lord, at times we have forsaken Your paths and followed our limited understanding. We have exalted our intellect and replaced Your ways with our ideas. We have stripped Your Holy Word of meaning, and have rebelled against Your sacred scriptures. We have falsified our faith and denied our dependence upon You.
People: Heavenly Father, we have made selfish choices and shameful decisions. We have damaged our souls with pride and anger, stubbornness and greed. Forgive our faults and cleanse us of our careless ways. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Lord, reclaim our rebellious lives and restore us to Your Son’s salvation. Rekindle our faith in Jesus, renewing our hearts and minds, so that we may gratefully, thankfully and cheerfully serve You forever.
People: For we make our confession in the mighty and powerful Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father,…”
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus gathers us to Himself, filling us with His grace and love. He takes the broken pieces of our sinful lives, to heals us of all our past and personal sins. Let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.
People: The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Pastor: O Living God, who formed the hearts, minds and bodies of us all, consider our present troubles and provide for our personal needs.
People: Your eyes are constantly on us; You know our worries and fears. We place our lives into Your hands and put our hope in Your unfailing love.
Pastor: You are our help and shield, O Lord. We wait for Your mercy and ask that You heal us, including our families and friends, of all that hurts, harms and hinders us.
People: For we trust in Your Holy Name and we humbly ask that You hear our heartfelt petitions and personal prayers.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 33)
Sing: Jesus Draw Me Close
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, descend upon us and open our hearts to God’s message. Grant us understanding of these scriptures, and give us opportunities to apply these sacred words in our daily lives. For the sake of our Savior and in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & the Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your death, You made a new covenant with the world. We freely give our lives to You in service of Your Everlasting Kingdom. Take the tithes and gifts that we offer, blessing them for the ministries and missions that You would have our church undertake, support and fulfill to the glory of God, and the preaching of His Word. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ deliver us from all evil and enable us to do His will; may the Father spare us from temptation and reclaim us as His own; and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide, counsel and comfort us, as we worship and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday prayers; Nov 18, 2007
Approaching God
Welcome & announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:156,159 &160))
Leader: O Lord, Your compassion is wonderful; sustain us with Your merciful grace.
People: We love Your holy words and sacred ways, O Lord; refresh us with Your abiding love.
Leader: All Your promises are true; all your righteous laws are eternal, therefore we will worship and glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Father, who knows the hidden secrets of our hearts, and to whom our innermost thoughts are revealed; we come before You as humble servants, seeking to please You with our worship and honor You with our praise.
People: Gracious Lord, You have given us commandments and laws, guidance and grace to live our lives cheerfully, abundantly and faithfully. However, we have sinfully chosen to yield to temptation and crush Your godly counsel with our selfish ways.
Guide: Merciful God, forgive our foolish deeds and faithless decisions. Pardon our indifference to Your commands. Liberate us from those longings and desires which damage our souls through greed, pride, defiance and despair.
People: Loving Father, restrain us from blemishing our lives with wickedness and corruption, bitterness and fear, anger and temptation. Hear us now as we personally confess our individual sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, we place our lives into Your Son’s keeping. We seek Christ’s grace and ask that He will intercede on our behalf, by cleansing our souls and restoring us to Your Favor.
People: For we ask this in Jesus’ Name and through His own prayer, we seek Your blessing, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v12)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus satisfies our souls with His love and grace. When we confess our sins to Him, He gathers us to His heart and assures that our lives will not be wasted by sin, nor overcome by temptation. He is our One True and Living Savior, so let us rejoice and give glory to His Name. Amen. (John 6v12)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Minute for Mission? - Guatemala
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven by the Lord, and whose fears are divinely diminished.
People: Blessed are those people who love the Lord and in whose spirits there is faith and hope.
Pastor: Let everyone pray to You, O Lord and find the answers to our questions; let us reach out and touch You for help, health, and healing.
People: You are our refuge and salvation, Lord; protect us from trouble and grant us deliverance.
Pastor: Instruct and enable our loved ones to follow Your ways. Counsel and watch over them. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind and spirit.
People: May Your unfailing love surround and uplift them, for we entrust them into Your Hands. Hear us now as we quietly pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, people of God; celebrate and fill your hearts with faith, hope and love! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 32)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, pour out the blessings and shower us with God’s promises through His Holy Word. Enable us to receive Christ’s teachings through all that we see and hear. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Acts 2:33)
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your entire life, You always gave thanks to God. By Your Loving example, we gather together our tokens of gratitude from our own resources, seeking to honor God with our tithes and gifts. May they enhance Your ministry among us. Take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and mission of our church. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v24)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ grant us unity with Him forevermore; may the Father continue to strengthen our faith each day; and may the Holy Spirit deliver us from pride and teach us to revere God, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v20)
Welcome & announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:156,159 &160))
Leader: O Lord, Your compassion is wonderful; sustain us with Your merciful grace.
People: We love Your holy words and sacred ways, O Lord; refresh us with Your abiding love.
Leader: All Your promises are true; all your righteous laws are eternal, therefore we will worship and glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Father, who knows the hidden secrets of our hearts, and to whom our innermost thoughts are revealed; we come before You as humble servants, seeking to please You with our worship and honor You with our praise.
People: Gracious Lord, You have given us commandments and laws, guidance and grace to live our lives cheerfully, abundantly and faithfully. However, we have sinfully chosen to yield to temptation and crush Your godly counsel with our selfish ways.
Guide: Merciful God, forgive our foolish deeds and faithless decisions. Pardon our indifference to Your commands. Liberate us from those longings and desires which damage our souls through greed, pride, defiance and despair.
People: Loving Father, restrain us from blemishing our lives with wickedness and corruption, bitterness and fear, anger and temptation. Hear us now as we personally confess our individual sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, we place our lives into Your Son’s keeping. We seek Christ’s grace and ask that He will intercede on our behalf, by cleansing our souls and restoring us to Your Favor.
People: For we ask this in Jesus’ Name and through His own prayer, we seek Your blessing, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v12)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus satisfies our souls with His love and grace. When we confess our sins to Him, He gathers us to His heart and assures that our lives will not be wasted by sin, nor overcome by temptation. He is our One True and Living Savior, so let us rejoice and give glory to His Name. Amen. (John 6v12)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Minute for Mission? - Guatemala
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven by the Lord, and whose fears are divinely diminished.
People: Blessed are those people who love the Lord and in whose spirits there is faith and hope.
Pastor: Let everyone pray to You, O Lord and find the answers to our questions; let us reach out and touch You for help, health, and healing.
People: You are our refuge and salvation, Lord; protect us from trouble and grant us deliverance.
Pastor: Instruct and enable our loved ones to follow Your ways. Counsel and watch over them. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind and spirit.
People: May Your unfailing love surround and uplift them, for we entrust them into Your Hands. Hear us now as we quietly pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, people of God; celebrate and fill your hearts with faith, hope and love! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 32)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, pour out the blessings and shower us with God’s promises through His Holy Word. Enable us to receive Christ’s teachings through all that we see and hear. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Acts 2:33)
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your entire life, You always gave thanks to God. By Your Loving example, we gather together our tokens of gratitude from our own resources, seeking to honor God with our tithes and gifts. May they enhance Your ministry among us. Take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and mission of our church. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v24)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ grant us unity with Him forevermore; may the Father continue to strengthen our faith each day; and may the Holy Spirit deliver us from pride and teach us to revere God, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v20)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sunday Prayers - 11 Nov 2007
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:145,149 &151)
Pastor: Loving Lord, we call to You from our hearts; answer us with Your blessing and help us to obey Your decrees.
People: Hear our praises, in accordance with Your love. Preserve our souls, O LORD, according to Your laws.
Pastor: For You are dear to us, O LORD. We hold Your promises to be true, therefore we will praise and glorify Your Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord God of Hosts, whose power maintains life throughout this Universe and whose will is absolute; we come before You as disciples of Christ, children of Your grace, and humble servants in Your Kingdom.
People: Everlasting God, who judges the nations and holds them eternally accountable for their actions; who watches over the earth and scrutinizes every person’s deeds, we humbly approach You, seeking forgiveness for our failures and mercy for our mistakes.
Guide: Loving Father, You have a predetermined plan for each of our lives and a sacred path that we should follow. You can remove chaos and trouble, tragedy and grief from our midst. You can also heal the damage that sin inflicts upon our minds and spirits, hearts and souls.
People: Gracious Lord, hear us now as we silently, personally and sincerely confess our faults to You alone. Have mercy upon us as we admit the mistakes that we have made, and the sins that we have selfishly committed which dishonor You and diminish our Christian faith.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, restore our lives to Your favor and replenish our faith in Your Son. Allow us the blessing of Christ’s forgiveness and renew our souls through the eternal blessings and riches of His grace.
People: For we make these prayers in Jesus’ Name and with His own words, we unite our souls, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v11)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: When we sincerely confess our faults to God, Jesus takes our sins and nails them to His Cross. He then acknowledges our repentance to God and enables our spirits to be reconciled with our Father in Heaven. Christ distributes His grace to all who believe in Him, giving us as much as we need to be perfectly restored to God’s favor and Kingdom. So let us heartily rejoice and truly give thanks, for Jesus, our Savior, is the Lord of all ourlives. Amen. (John 6v11)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Minute for Mission
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In You, O LORD, we have taken refuge; keep us free from despair; deliver us in Your righteousness.
People: Turn Your ear to us, Living God, come quickly to our rescue; be our rock of refuge, a strong power to heal us.
Pastor: Since You are our rock and our strength, for the sake of Your Name we ask that You heal and be gracious to us.
People: Loving Father, free our families and friends from the sicknesses, injuries and worries that harm them, for You are also their refuge and salvation.
Pastor: Into Your hands we commit our prayers, lives, and spirits. Redeem us, O LORD, for You are the God of hope and truth.
People: We will be glad and rejoice in Your love, O God, for You see our afflictions and know the anguish of our souls. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May we be strong and take heart, for we hope in the power of the LORD. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 31)
Singing of “Jesus, Draw me Close.”
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, resurrect our faith through the life of Christ. Open up our hearts and minds to these sacred pages and let them perfectly witness to the wonders, work and words of our Savior’s ministry and mission. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:32)
Scripture Readings, Sermon & Apostles’ Creed – Time of Silence for Veteran’s Day
Serving God Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, for centuries our churches and congregations have received many blessings from You. You have kept us in communion with God and passed on Your Gospel message throughout the ages until it has reached our present generation. Take these tithes and gifts, promises and annual pledges of faith. Bless them for the praising of God’s deeds, the preaching of Your Word, and the building up of Your Church on earth. In Your Precious Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ speak to us and unify our lives to His holy ministry; may the Father continue to grow our spirits with His love and grace; and may the Holy Spirit anoint us in faith and appoint us to the service of God’s Kingdom, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v19)
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:145,149 &151)
Pastor: Loving Lord, we call to You from our hearts; answer us with Your blessing and help us to obey Your decrees.
People: Hear our praises, in accordance with Your love. Preserve our souls, O LORD, according to Your laws.
Pastor: For You are dear to us, O LORD. We hold Your promises to be true, therefore we will praise and glorify Your Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord God of Hosts, whose power maintains life throughout this Universe and whose will is absolute; we come before You as disciples of Christ, children of Your grace, and humble servants in Your Kingdom.
People: Everlasting God, who judges the nations and holds them eternally accountable for their actions; who watches over the earth and scrutinizes every person’s deeds, we humbly approach You, seeking forgiveness for our failures and mercy for our mistakes.
Guide: Loving Father, You have a predetermined plan for each of our lives and a sacred path that we should follow. You can remove chaos and trouble, tragedy and grief from our midst. You can also heal the damage that sin inflicts upon our minds and spirits, hearts and souls.
People: Gracious Lord, hear us now as we silently, personally and sincerely confess our faults to You alone. Have mercy upon us as we admit the mistakes that we have made, and the sins that we have selfishly committed which dishonor You and diminish our Christian faith.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, restore our lives to Your favor and replenish our faith in Your Son. Allow us the blessing of Christ’s forgiveness and renew our souls through the eternal blessings and riches of His grace.
People: For we make these prayers in Jesus’ Name and with His own words, we unite our souls, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v11)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: When we sincerely confess our faults to God, Jesus takes our sins and nails them to His Cross. He then acknowledges our repentance to God and enables our spirits to be reconciled with our Father in Heaven. Christ distributes His grace to all who believe in Him, giving us as much as we need to be perfectly restored to God’s favor and Kingdom. So let us heartily rejoice and truly give thanks, for Jesus, our Savior, is the Lord of all ourlives. Amen. (John 6v11)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Minute for Mission
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In You, O LORD, we have taken refuge; keep us free from despair; deliver us in Your righteousness.
People: Turn Your ear to us, Living God, come quickly to our rescue; be our rock of refuge, a strong power to heal us.
Pastor: Since You are our rock and our strength, for the sake of Your Name we ask that You heal and be gracious to us.
People: Loving Father, free our families and friends from the sicknesses, injuries and worries that harm them, for You are also their refuge and salvation.
Pastor: Into Your hands we commit our prayers, lives, and spirits. Redeem us, O LORD, for You are the God of hope and truth.
People: We will be glad and rejoice in Your love, O God, for You see our afflictions and know the anguish of our souls. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May we be strong and take heart, for we hope in the power of the LORD. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 31)
Singing of “Jesus, Draw me Close.”
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, resurrect our faith through the life of Christ. Open up our hearts and minds to these sacred pages and let them perfectly witness to the wonders, work and words of our Savior’s ministry and mission. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:32)
Scripture Readings, Sermon & Apostles’ Creed – Time of Silence for Veteran’s Day
Serving God Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, for centuries our churches and congregations have received many blessings from You. You have kept us in communion with God and passed on Your Gospel message throughout the ages until it has reached our present generation. Take these tithes and gifts, promises and annual pledges of faith. Bless them for the praising of God’s deeds, the preaching of Your Word, and the building up of Your Church on earth. In Your Precious Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ speak to us and unify our lives to His holy ministry; may the Father continue to grow our spirits with His love and grace; and may the Holy Spirit anoint us in faith and appoint us to the service of God’s Kingdom, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v19)
Postlude
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday Prayers - Nov 4, 2007
Approaching God
Prelude: Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:140,142 &144)
Leader: Almighty God, Your promises have been fulfilled; because of this, we love You.
People: Gracious Lord, Your righteousness is everlasting and Your Word is forever true.
Leader: Heavenly Father, Your statutes are always right; grant us the favor of living in Your Presence forever.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Father, Who created the land, sea and air, we worship Your wonderful ways and praise Your Everlasting Name. You are the King of Glory, whose words produce Life and whose thoughts uphold the Universe.
People: Lord of Creation, You have plowed history with Your deeds of deliverance, and sustained our people with Your Love. You have directed our destinies and pre-determined all the paths that we should follow.
Guide: Merciful God, we have sought safety in Your plan of salvation, and refuge in Your acts of redemption. You have become a haven of healing and a harbor of holiness for our minds, hearts, bodies and souls.
People: Gracious Father, become a river of life for us, cleansing our past mistakes, freeing us from our vilest sins, and pardoning us of our selfish ways. We know that we have disappointed You with our false choices and feeble faith. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Father God, without Jesus, we have no hope of complete forgiveness. Without His sacrifice, we have no way to be restored to Your favor. We place our sinful selves into Christ’s Hands and pray that His power will restore us to the blessings of Your Eternal Kingdom.
People: For we ask this in our Precious Savior’s Name and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v10)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins, to heal our souls and to grant us God’s blessings. When we truly believe that He is the Son of God and place our lives into His Keeping, we are guaranteed forgiveness of our sins and God’s everlasting love. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our One, True and Living Savior, both now and always. Amen. (John 6v10)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: We will exalt you, O LORD, for You lift us out of the depths of despair and will not let our troubles overwhelm us.
People: O LORD our God, we call to You for help, for You alone can truly heal us of all that besets us.
Leader: We feel secure in Your Holy Presence and safe in Your Abiding Love. Strengthen our faith and diminish our fears. Fill us with peace and free us from pain.
People: O LORD, please show Your favor to our friends and families. Grant them health and healing; release them from dismay and depression. Bring health, hope and happiness to them.
Leader: Hear us, O LORD, as we pray. Be merciful to us and all our loved ones, for You alone have the power to help us recover from all of our troubles.
People: Turn our worries into cheers; remove our sadness and replace it with joy. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May our hearts sing to You, O God, and never be silent. O LORD, we will give You our thanks forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 30)
Anthem
Minute for Mission : Stewardship
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, You know what lies ahead of each of our lives. You know the joys we will celebrate. and the problems we will encounter. Prepare our hearts and minds for those future times by enabling us to hear Christ’s words, receive them in our hearts, and apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:31)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, may we primarily give of our lives to Your ministry in this church, community, and Your Kingdom. May we freely give to You of our time, talents and resources in ways and means that will honor and glorify Your Name. May You favorably bless these tokens and pledges, these gifts and offerings for the life, work and mission of Your church at Erin and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v18)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ enable us to branch out into the world in service, ministry and mission; may the Father establish strong and firm roots of faith in our hearts, souls and minds; and may the Holy Spirit empower us with godly gifts, so that we may witness to Christ’s grace, God’s love and the Spirit’s compassion, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v18)
Prelude: Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:140,142 &144)
Leader: Almighty God, Your promises have been fulfilled; because of this, we love You.
People: Gracious Lord, Your righteousness is everlasting and Your Word is forever true.
Leader: Heavenly Father, Your statutes are always right; grant us the favor of living in Your Presence forever.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Father, Who created the land, sea and air, we worship Your wonderful ways and praise Your Everlasting Name. You are the King of Glory, whose words produce Life and whose thoughts uphold the Universe.
People: Lord of Creation, You have plowed history with Your deeds of deliverance, and sustained our people with Your Love. You have directed our destinies and pre-determined all the paths that we should follow.
Guide: Merciful God, we have sought safety in Your plan of salvation, and refuge in Your acts of redemption. You have become a haven of healing and a harbor of holiness for our minds, hearts, bodies and souls.
People: Gracious Father, become a river of life for us, cleansing our past mistakes, freeing us from our vilest sins, and pardoning us of our selfish ways. We know that we have disappointed You with our false choices and feeble faith. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Father God, without Jesus, we have no hope of complete forgiveness. Without His sacrifice, we have no way to be restored to Your favor. We place our sinful selves into Christ’s Hands and pray that His power will restore us to the blessings of Your Eternal Kingdom.
People: For we ask this in our Precious Savior’s Name and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v10)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins, to heal our souls and to grant us God’s blessings. When we truly believe that He is the Son of God and place our lives into His Keeping, we are guaranteed forgiveness of our sins and God’s everlasting love. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our One, True and Living Savior, both now and always. Amen. (John 6v10)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: We will exalt you, O LORD, for You lift us out of the depths of despair and will not let our troubles overwhelm us.
People: O LORD our God, we call to You for help, for You alone can truly heal us of all that besets us.
Leader: We feel secure in Your Holy Presence and safe in Your Abiding Love. Strengthen our faith and diminish our fears. Fill us with peace and free us from pain.
People: O LORD, please show Your favor to our friends and families. Grant them health and healing; release them from dismay and depression. Bring health, hope and happiness to them.
Leader: Hear us, O LORD, as we pray. Be merciful to us and all our loved ones, for You alone have the power to help us recover from all of our troubles.
People: Turn our worries into cheers; remove our sadness and replace it with joy. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May our hearts sing to You, O God, and never be silent. O LORD, we will give You our thanks forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 30)
Anthem
Minute for Mission : Stewardship
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, You know what lies ahead of each of our lives. You know the joys we will celebrate. and the problems we will encounter. Prepare our hearts and minds for those future times by enabling us to hear Christ’s words, receive them in our hearts, and apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:31)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, may we primarily give of our lives to Your ministry in this church, community, and Your Kingdom. May we freely give to You of our time, talents and resources in ways and means that will honor and glorify Your Name. May You favorably bless these tokens and pledges, these gifts and offerings for the life, work and mission of Your church at Erin and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v18)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ enable us to branch out into the world in service, ministry and mission; may the Father establish strong and firm roots of faith in our hearts, souls and minds; and may the Holy Spirit empower us with godly gifts, so that we may witness to Christ’s grace, God’s love and the Spirit’s compassion, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v18)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sunday prayers - Oct 28
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering & Prelude
Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:129,130 & 135)
Leader: O Lord, Your statutes are wonderful; therefore we seek to obey them.
People: The meaning of Your Holy words gives us light; it brings us understanding and wisdom.
Leader: Make Your face shine upon Your servants, O God, and teach us Your decrees, for we worship and glorify Your Name.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: LORD Almighty, whose plans are always fulfilled and whose will is never thwarted, we adore and revere You as our True Creator, Heavenly Father and Everlasting God.
People: Gracious Lord, You have called us to this place of prayer and worship, so that we may know Your peace, share Your Words and experience Your Love.
Guide: Loving God, we praise You for being patient with us. We acknowledge Your kindness and compassion. We know that we have sinned against You by allowing pride to determine our actions, fear to diminish our faith, and greed to overcome our charity.
People: Merciful Father, humble us in Your Holy Presence. Enable us to cast off our sinful ways. Forgive our vile mistakes and corrupt decisions, our selfish choices and unworthy deeds. Please hear us now as we personally confess our faults to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal God, You can only save us from ourselves when we place our lives into Christ’s hands. You can only forgive our sins when we humbly confess our mistakes to Jesus, Your Son, who died for our sake.
People: We pray these personal petitions in Christ’s Name, seeking His forgiveness and uniting our spirits with Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v9)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus receives our prayers and changes our lives. He takes each one of us, despite our weaknesses and failings, and blesses us with forgiveness and faith, salvation and strength. So let us rejoice In God’s grace and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, Jesus is our Lord. Amen. (John 6v9)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: Ascribe to the LORD, all you His people, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
People: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; for He is powerful, compassionate and kind.
Leader: We worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; in this place of prayer, we seek His healing.
People: The voice of the LORD is powerful; He speaks and we are restored to health, wholeness and happiness.
Leader: The voice of the LORD is majestic; therefore, we humbly call upon Him to heal us of all that harms us.
People: Almighty LORD, be merciful to our family and friends; love them and comfort them. Release them from pain and suffering. Renew their strength and mend their broken bodies, minds, hearts and spirits in Jesus’ Name. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 29)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, reveal to us God’s message for our lives today through the words of these sacred scriptures. Enable us to seek, find and experience the promises of blessing, guidance and wisdom that emerge from Christ’s life and teaching. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:30)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, direct our lives and enable us to freely give our lives to You. Please take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and ministry that You have called our church to undertake and fulfill. Let Your Name be praised through this offering and let Your Word be spread through these resources. For we give and pray in Your Holy Name. Amen. ( 1 Cor 11v17)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ set us free from clinging to fear and wallowing in sin; may our Heavenly Father graft us to His Kingdom and grow us in His Love; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to share in God’s work and be nourished by His Everlasting Word, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v17)
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering & Prelude
Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:129,130 & 135)
Leader: O Lord, Your statutes are wonderful; therefore we seek to obey them.
People: The meaning of Your Holy words gives us light; it brings us understanding and wisdom.
Leader: Make Your face shine upon Your servants, O God, and teach us Your decrees, for we worship and glorify Your Name.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: LORD Almighty, whose plans are always fulfilled and whose will is never thwarted, we adore and revere You as our True Creator, Heavenly Father and Everlasting God.
People: Gracious Lord, You have called us to this place of prayer and worship, so that we may know Your peace, share Your Words and experience Your Love.
Guide: Loving God, we praise You for being patient with us. We acknowledge Your kindness and compassion. We know that we have sinned against You by allowing pride to determine our actions, fear to diminish our faith, and greed to overcome our charity.
People: Merciful Father, humble us in Your Holy Presence. Enable us to cast off our sinful ways. Forgive our vile mistakes and corrupt decisions, our selfish choices and unworthy deeds. Please hear us now as we personally confess our faults to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal God, You can only save us from ourselves when we place our lives into Christ’s hands. You can only forgive our sins when we humbly confess our mistakes to Jesus, Your Son, who died for our sake.
People: We pray these personal petitions in Christ’s Name, seeking His forgiveness and uniting our spirits with Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v9)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus receives our prayers and changes our lives. He takes each one of us, despite our weaknesses and failings, and blesses us with forgiveness and faith, salvation and strength. So let us rejoice In God’s grace and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, Jesus is our Lord. Amen. (John 6v9)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: Ascribe to the LORD, all you His people, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
People: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; for He is powerful, compassionate and kind.
Leader: We worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; in this place of prayer, we seek His healing.
People: The voice of the LORD is powerful; He speaks and we are restored to health, wholeness and happiness.
Leader: The voice of the LORD is majestic; therefore, we humbly call upon Him to heal us of all that harms us.
People: Almighty LORD, be merciful to our family and friends; love them and comfort them. Release them from pain and suffering. Renew their strength and mend their broken bodies, minds, hearts and spirits in Jesus’ Name. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 29)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, reveal to us God’s message for our lives today through the words of these sacred scriptures. Enable us to seek, find and experience the promises of blessing, guidance and wisdom that emerge from Christ’s life and teaching. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:30)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, direct our lives and enable us to freely give our lives to You. Please take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and ministry that You have called our church to undertake and fulfill. Let Your Name be praised through this offering and let Your Word be spread through these resources. For we give and pray in Your Holy Name. Amen. ( 1 Cor 11v17)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Christ set us free from clinging to fear and wallowing in sin; may our Heavenly Father graft us to His Kingdom and grow us in His Love; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to share in God’s work and be nourished by His Everlasting Word, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v17)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday prayers - Oct 21, 2007
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering & Prelude
Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:124 & 125)
Leader: 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.
Leader: Come among us, Almighty Lord, and do Your wonderful deeds; for we praise and glorify Your Name forever! Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Heavenly Father, Bestower of blessings and Lord of life, 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.
People: Wonderful Lord, 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.
Guide: Merciful God, despite our enthusiasm for Your Will, 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.
People: Holy and Sacred Lord, forgive us when we offend You by our sinful actions and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger and disinterest. 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.
People: We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”
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. So, let us rejoice in Him and express our thanks to Him, by sharing His promises and gospel with all whom we love, and with all whom we personally need to forgive. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. (John 6v8)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace.
People: Hear our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.
Leader: We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing..
People: For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are encouraged.
Leader: Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope.
People: For You alone have the strength and 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
Leader: Save all Your people, Lord and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)
Reader : Holy Spirit, grant our spirits confidence 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. (Acts 2:29)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : 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 in the enhancement 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: May we grow in Christ’s grace each and everyday; 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. ( Romans 11v16 )
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering & Prelude
Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:124 & 125)
Leader: 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.
Leader: Come among us, Almighty Lord, and do Your wonderful deeds; for we praise and glorify Your Name forever! Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Heavenly Father, Bestower of blessings and Lord of life, 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.
People: Wonderful Lord, 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.
Guide: Merciful God, despite our enthusiasm for Your Will, 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.
People: Holy and Sacred Lord, forgive us when we offend You by our sinful actions and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger and disinterest. 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.
People: We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”
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. So, let us rejoice in Him and express our thanks to Him, by sharing His promises and gospel with all whom we love, and with all whom we personally need to forgive. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. (John 6v8)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace.
People: Hear our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.
Leader: We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing..
People: For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are encouraged.
Leader: Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope.
People: For You alone have the strength and 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
Leader: Save all Your people, Lord and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)
Reader : Holy Spirit, grant our spirits confidence 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. (Acts 2:29)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : 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 in the enhancement 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: May we grow in Christ’s grace each and everyday; 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. ( Romans 11v16 )
Monday, October 8, 2007
Sunday prayers: Oct 14, 2007
Approaching God
Prelude: Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:114,116,117)
Leader: O Lord, You are our refuge and shield; We have placed our hopes in Your word.
People: Sustain us according to Your promises, and we will live; do not let our hopes be dashed.
Leader: Uphold us, and we will be delivered; we will always have regard for your decrees.
People of God! Let us worship and glorify the Lord!
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, whose ancient power created the heavens and the earth; whose holy word sustains all existing, we humbly bow before Your sacred presence and seek to please You with our prayers and praises.
People: Heavenly Lord, You have called us to Your House to worship Your ways and glorify Your great and wonderful deeds. You have gathered us from different places to unite our voices, minds and hearts in song, ceremony and service.
Guide: Gracious Father, we know that our lives are imperfect and sometimes we disappoint through bad choices and poor decisions. We allow our faith to be diminished by our passions and pride, our ambitions and ideals, our sinful greed and self-centered goals.
People: Merciful God, in those moments when we are reckless with our souls and indifferent to Your words; when we are unconcerned about our Your Salvation and inconsiderate of Your Ways, please forgive us. For we know that only Your Holy Son Jesus can save us from ourselves, cleanse us of the past and free us from our sins. Hear us now as we confess our mistakes to You in silent prayer.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and the power of Your peace. We praise You for allowing Christ to enter into our lives. We pray that faith may settle our fears, hope may bring us healing and that Jesus will continue to bring joy into our hearts.
People: For we pray this in His Holy Name and unite our souls together, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v7)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: We cannot buy forgiveness nor can we earn God’s mercy. Only Jesus has the power to forgive our sins, direct our paths and restore us to God’s Kingdom. he knows our hearts and understand the struggles that we endure each day. Let us rejoice in His love and praise His Holy Name. Amen. (John 6v7)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: The LORD is our light and our salvation-- whom shall we fear?
People: The LORD is the stronghold of our lives-- of what shall we be afraid?
Leader: For in the day of trouble he will keep us safe in his dwelling.
People: Hear our voices when we call, O LORD; be merciful to us and answer our prayers for healing.
Leader: We seek Your grace and mercy, O Lord; heal us of all that harms us.
People: May our families and friends be confident of Your power and care; may they know Your goodness in their lives. Grant them peace instead of pain, serenity instead of suffering, happiness instead of hopelessness. Hear us now as we silently bring them to You.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 27)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, make know to us the paths of life through the readings of the scriptures. Fill with joy in Your presence through the teachings of our Lord. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:28)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, You have heard our praises and prayers and You have given us much to think about through Your words. In thanksgiving, we gather, offer and present these tokens of gratitude to You and we pray that You will guide us to use them for the many ministries and missions that our church seeks to fulfill in Your Name. Take our time, talents and resources and help us to glorify You with our daily deeds. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen. ( 1 Cor 11v4)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Jesus keep us holy so that we produce fruits of faith; may the Father keep united through His love and grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable and empower us to reach out to the people of this community, so that God’s Kingdom is enhanced, both now and forevermore. Amen.( Romans 11v15 )
Prelude: Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:114,116,117)
Leader: O Lord, You are our refuge and shield; We have placed our hopes in Your word.
People: Sustain us according to Your promises, and we will live; do not let our hopes be dashed.
Leader: Uphold us, and we will be delivered; we will always have regard for your decrees.
People of God! Let us worship and glorify the Lord!
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, whose ancient power created the heavens and the earth; whose holy word sustains all existing, we humbly bow before Your sacred presence and seek to please You with our prayers and praises.
People: Heavenly Lord, You have called us to Your House to worship Your ways and glorify Your great and wonderful deeds. You have gathered us from different places to unite our voices, minds and hearts in song, ceremony and service.
Guide: Gracious Father, we know that our lives are imperfect and sometimes we disappoint through bad choices and poor decisions. We allow our faith to be diminished by our passions and pride, our ambitions and ideals, our sinful greed and self-centered goals.
People: Merciful God, in those moments when we are reckless with our souls and indifferent to Your words; when we are unconcerned about our Your Salvation and inconsiderate of Your Ways, please forgive us. For we know that only Your Holy Son Jesus can save us from ourselves, cleanse us of the past and free us from our sins. Hear us now as we confess our mistakes to You in silent prayer.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and the power of Your peace. We praise You for allowing Christ to enter into our lives. We pray that faith may settle our fears, hope may bring us healing and that Jesus will continue to bring joy into our hearts.
People: For we pray this in His Holy Name and unite our souls together, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v7)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: We cannot buy forgiveness nor can we earn God’s mercy. Only Jesus has the power to forgive our sins, direct our paths and restore us to God’s Kingdom. he knows our hearts and understand the struggles that we endure each day. Let us rejoice in His love and praise His Holy Name. Amen. (John 6v7)
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Leader: The LORD is our light and our salvation-- whom shall we fear?
People: The LORD is the stronghold of our lives-- of what shall we be afraid?
Leader: For in the day of trouble he will keep us safe in his dwelling.
People: Hear our voices when we call, O LORD; be merciful to us and answer our prayers for healing.
Leader: We seek Your grace and mercy, O Lord; heal us of all that harms us.
People: May our families and friends be confident of Your power and care; may they know Your goodness in their lives. Grant them peace instead of pain, serenity instead of suffering, happiness instead of hopelessness. Hear us now as we silently bring them to You.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 27)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, make know to us the paths of life through the readings of the scriptures. Fill with joy in Your presence through the teachings of our Lord. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:28)
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, You have heard our praises and prayers and You have given us much to think about through Your words. In thanksgiving, we gather, offer and present these tokens of gratitude to You and we pray that You will guide us to use them for the many ministries and missions that our church seeks to fulfill in Your Name. Take our time, talents and resources and help us to glorify You with our daily deeds. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen. ( 1 Cor 11v4)
Hymn :
Benediction: May Jesus keep us holy so that we produce fruits of faith; may the Father keep united through His love and grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable and empower us to reach out to the people of this community, so that God’s Kingdom is enhanced, both now and forevermore. Amen.( Romans 11v15 )
Monday, October 1, 2007
Sunday prayers - Oct 7, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 10)
Pastor: The LORD is King for ever and ever.
People: He listens to our cries of affliction and embraces us with His love.
Pastor: The LORD is our defender and protector. He diminishes our fears by enhancing our faith. Amen!
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Lord of Life and Creator of the Universe, whose ways are everlasting and whose words are never thwarted, we humbly gather in Your holy house of prayer.
People: Almighty Father, we have come from our homes to be with You. We have set aside this hallowed hour to praise and adore You.
Guide: Merciful God, we have neglected to be Your faithful servants in the world. We have ignored opportunities to share the Gospel and to help other people in need.
People: Gracious Lord, we are guilty of a multitude of sins. There are so many times each day when we allow temptation to overcome our faith, and for pride to diminish our beliefs. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving God, thank You for allowing us to be forgiven of our past mistakes. We praise You for bringing Christ into our world, to die for our sins, and to reclaim the lost.
People: We make our confessions in Christ’s Name and through His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:14)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We believe that Jesus came from heaven to reconcile people to God. He alone has the power to forgive our sins and restore us to God’s everlasting favor. So let us rejoice and be glad, for though we have sinned greatly, we also have a Great Savior. Amen. (John 9:29)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies and nurturing our spirits.
People: May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
Pastor: In the midst of our weakness, may the Lord bring us strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith.
People: Lord, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry, and settle us with Your peace.
People: Loving God, heal us and all our loved ones, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May the Lord rise up and grant all of our requests. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 82)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to hear what God is teaching to us through these sacred scriptures. Let His words be wholly received and gladly accepted in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:14)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, help us to carry on the great work that You have called our church to do in this community. Give us the courage to offer our time, talents, and treasures in sacrificial ways that will honor and glorify You. Take our tithes and gifts, and bless them for Your ministry and mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ strengthen our beliefs each day; may the Father fill us with His goodness and love; and may the Holy Spirit keep us devoted to the service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 10)
Pastor: The LORD is King for ever and ever.
People: He listens to our cries of affliction and embraces us with His love.
Pastor: The LORD is our defender and protector. He diminishes our fears by enhancing our faith. Amen!
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Lord of Life and Creator of the Universe, whose ways are everlasting and whose words are never thwarted, we humbly gather in Your holy house of prayer.
People: Almighty Father, we have come from our homes to be with You. We have set aside this hallowed hour to praise and adore You.
Guide: Merciful God, we have neglected to be Your faithful servants in the world. We have ignored opportunities to share the Gospel and to help other people in need.
People: Gracious Lord, we are guilty of a multitude of sins. There are so many times each day when we allow temptation to overcome our faith, and for pride to diminish our beliefs. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving God, thank You for allowing us to be forgiven of our past mistakes. We praise You for bringing Christ into our world, to die for our sins, and to reclaim the lost.
People: We make our confessions in Christ’s Name and through His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:14)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We believe that Jesus came from heaven to reconcile people to God. He alone has the power to forgive our sins and restore us to God’s everlasting favor. So let us rejoice and be glad, for though we have sinned greatly, we also have a Great Savior. Amen. (John 9:29)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies and nurturing our spirits.
People: May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
Pastor: In the midst of our weakness, may the Lord bring us strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith.
People: Lord, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry, and settle us with Your peace.
People: Loving God, heal us and all our loved ones, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May the Lord rise up and grant all of our requests. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 82)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to hear what God is teaching to us through these sacred scriptures. Let His words be wholly received and gladly accepted in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:14)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, help us to carry on the great work that You have called our church to do in this community. Give us the courage to offer our time, talents, and treasures in sacrificial ways that will honor and glorify You. Take our tithes and gifts, and bless them for Your ministry and mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ strengthen our beliefs each day; may the Father fill us with His goodness and love; and may the Holy Spirit keep us devoted to the service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday prayers - Sep 30, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 9)
Pastor: We will praise You, O Lord, with all of our hearts.People: We will tell of Your wonders and rejoice in Your ways.
Pastor: We will be glad and sing praise to Your Name, O Lord Most High. Amen!First Hymn:
Prayers of 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 good.
People: Everlasting Majesty, 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.
Guide: Gracious God, we understand our human frailties and limitations. We confess to being sinful and selfish, proud and impassive, stubborn and defensive.
People: Loving Lord, we have failed You many times and we 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) (Isaiah 33:13)
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. (John 9:28)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Baptism of Ella Grace Levering
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works!
People: Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
Pastor: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers.
People: 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.
People: Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: The Lord will feed us with hope and strength; with His goodness and grace, we shall experience healing, hope and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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. (Acts 8:13)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, in the giving pf 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. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:12)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 9)
Pastor: We will praise You, O Lord, with all of our hearts.People: We will tell of Your wonders and rejoice in Your ways.
Pastor: We will be glad and sing praise to Your Name, O Lord Most High. Amen!First Hymn:
Prayers of 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 good.
People: Everlasting Majesty, 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.
Guide: Gracious God, we understand our human frailties and limitations. We confess to being sinful and selfish, proud and impassive, stubborn and defensive.
People: Loving Lord, we have failed You many times and we 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) (Isaiah 33:13)
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. (John 9:28)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Baptism of Ella Grace Levering
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works!
People: Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
Pastor: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers.
People: 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.
People: Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: The Lord will feed us with hope and strength; with His goodness and grace, we shall experience healing, hope and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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. (Acts 8:13)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, in the giving pf 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. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:12)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Sunday Prayers - 23 Sept, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 8)
Pastor: O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!
People: What are we that You are mindful of us; of what importance have we become, that You care for our lives?
Pastor: You have made us a little lower than the heavenly beings and yet You have crowned us with glory, therefore we will worship and honor You with our praises. Amen.First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Glorious Majesty, we come before You as servants and followers of Your Son. We offer our praises and thanksgiving to the glory and power of Your Sacred Name.
People: Eternal God, You are the Sustainer of all life and the Revealer of all that we know. Your ways are mysterious and awesome to us, yet Your works are full of compassion and blessing
Guide: Living Lord, we know that our lives are sometimes motivated by greed and desire, envy and jealousy. We allow pride to distort Your words and arrogance to diminish our faith.
People: Gracious Father, we are sorry for our sinful and selfish ways. We try to change our lives for the better, but we often fail to overcome temptations everyday. Hear us now as we silently make our confessions.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, consume our sins, but not us sinners. Have mercy upon us and grant us forgiveness.
People: For 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) (Isaiah 33:12)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: The world sometimes does not understand why we want to be disciples of Jesus. We know that we have sinned greatly, but we also have a Great Savior. Through Christ’s death, we are pardoned of our past mistakes and restored to God’s bountiful favor. Let us rejoice and be glad in His Name, forevermore. Amen. (John 9:28)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Minute for Mission: Peace Making
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Hear us, O Living Lord as we call upon Your Name. Be our shepherd and guide us in the midst of our troubles.
People: Come amongst us, Gracious God, and touch us with Your Healing hands. Save us from our sickness and deliver us from despair.
Pastor: Restore us, O Lord, to health and strength. Look favorably upon us and grant us hope and peace.
People: Hear our prayers, LORD God, and give us patience to wait upon Your answer.
Pastor: Listen to the cries of our hearts and heal us, and those of all our loved ones, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: In the midst of our discomfort and pain, grant us rest. At the time of our greatest anxieties and deepest concerns, be our strength and solid foundation. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Restore us, O God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be healed. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 80)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, astonish us with the scriptures, so that we may earnestly follow Christ as our Teacher and Lord. Open our hearts and minds to His lessons and grant us the courage to apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:13)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, keep us focused on serving You with our time, talents, and money. Give us cheerful hearts that glorify You with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it for the life, work, and ministry of Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we freely give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May we be given over to Christ, so that we may glorify His power; may the Father take our lives and use them for His purposes; and may the Holy Spirit reveal to us the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:11)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 8)
Pastor: O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!
People: What are we that You are mindful of us; of what importance have we become, that You care for our lives?
Pastor: You have made us a little lower than the heavenly beings and yet You have crowned us with glory, therefore we will worship and honor You with our praises. Amen.First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Glorious Majesty, we come before You as servants and followers of Your Son. We offer our praises and thanksgiving to the glory and power of Your Sacred Name.
People: Eternal God, You are the Sustainer of all life and the Revealer of all that we know. Your ways are mysterious and awesome to us, yet Your works are full of compassion and blessing
Guide: Living Lord, we know that our lives are sometimes motivated by greed and desire, envy and jealousy. We allow pride to distort Your words and arrogance to diminish our faith.
People: Gracious Father, we are sorry for our sinful and selfish ways. We try to change our lives for the better, but we often fail to overcome temptations everyday. Hear us now as we silently make our confessions.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, consume our sins, but not us sinners. Have mercy upon us and grant us forgiveness.
People: For 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) (Isaiah 33:12)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: The world sometimes does not understand why we want to be disciples of Jesus. We know that we have sinned greatly, but we also have a Great Savior. Through Christ’s death, we are pardoned of our past mistakes and restored to God’s bountiful favor. Let us rejoice and be glad in His Name, forevermore. Amen. (John 9:28)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Minute for Mission: Peace Making
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Hear us, O Living Lord as we call upon Your Name. Be our shepherd and guide us in the midst of our troubles.
People: Come amongst us, Gracious God, and touch us with Your Healing hands. Save us from our sickness and deliver us from despair.
Pastor: Restore us, O Lord, to health and strength. Look favorably upon us and grant us hope and peace.
People: Hear our prayers, LORD God, and give us patience to wait upon Your answer.
Pastor: Listen to the cries of our hearts and heal us, and those of all our loved ones, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: In the midst of our discomfort and pain, grant us rest. At the time of our greatest anxieties and deepest concerns, be our strength and solid foundation. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Restore us, O God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be healed. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 80)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, astonish us with the scriptures, so that we may earnestly follow Christ as our Teacher and Lord. Open our hearts and minds to His lessons and grant us the courage to apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:13)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, keep us focused on serving You with our time, talents, and money. Give us cheerful hearts that glorify You with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it for the life, work, and ministry of Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we freely give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May we be given over to Christ, so that we may glorify His power; may the Father take our lives and use them for His purposes; and may the Holy Spirit reveal to us the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:11)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sunday prayers - Sep 16, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 7)
Pastor: O Lord, our God, we take our refuge in You; save and deliver us from all our fears.
People: O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, receive our worship and praises today.
Pastor: let us give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; let us sing and give praise to His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Everlasting Lord, whose infinite mind conceived the universe and whose powerful word brought it into existence, we applaud Your Holy power and we worship Your sacred Name.
People: Almighty Father, who allowed us the privilege of birth and who sustains us through mercy and grace, we proclaim Your sovereignty over our lives and seek to please You with our deeds.
Guide: Loving God, we know that we have failed You so many times. We confess to breaking our promises and not fulfilling our words. We admit to being foolish and we regret being selfish.
People: Merciful Majesty, in Your wrath You could consume and destroy us forever. Pardon our stupidity and cleanse us of our sinful ways. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Living Lord, we appeal to Your Son Jesus Christ for mercy. We look to Him alone for pardon and redemption. He has the power to forgive our sins and the right to restore us to Your favor.
People: In Christ alone, we place our lives and souls. Under His authority, we express our faith. In His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:11)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We want to be Christ’s disciples, so we need to listen to His words. Jesus has the power to make our lives new. When we come to Him seeking forgiveness, He is merciful. When we pray to Him, looking for pardon, He gives us grace. Amen. (John 9:27)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: How long, O LORD, must we suffer and experience discomfort? How long will our ailments continue?
People: Do not leave us without hope. May Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are in desperate need.
Pastor: Help us, O God, our Savior, for the glory of Your Name; deliver us from harm and restore us to health.
People: Why should those around us mock our faith? Send forth Your Holy Spirit to touch us and all our loved ones with Your healing power, Your bountiful blessing, Your compassionate love.
Pastor: May the cries of our hearts and the prayers of all our loved ones come before You; may You strengthen and preserve them, delivering them from despair and healing them from all that harms them in body, mind , heart and soul.
People: May our faith in You be realized through the healing of our lives. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: We are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture. We will praise You forever. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 79)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, let the scriptures speak to our heart and minds, as if Christ was preaching to us at this time in our lives. Open our spirits to His sacred presence and grant us a new beginning today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:12)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we have come into Your presence to be taught by Your word, and to be reconnected to God. With cheerful and thankful hearts, we bring before You our tithes and gifts. We pray that You will accept and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:7)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus live within us and shape our daily lives; may the Father reveal His works to us each day; and may the Holy Spirit keep us worshipping the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:10)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 7)
Pastor: O Lord, our God, we take our refuge in You; save and deliver us from all our fears.
People: O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, receive our worship and praises today.
Pastor: let us give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; let us sing and give praise to His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Everlasting Lord, whose infinite mind conceived the universe and whose powerful word brought it into existence, we applaud Your Holy power and we worship Your sacred Name.
People: Almighty Father, who allowed us the privilege of birth and who sustains us through mercy and grace, we proclaim Your sovereignty over our lives and seek to please You with our deeds.
Guide: Loving God, we know that we have failed You so many times. We confess to breaking our promises and not fulfilling our words. We admit to being foolish and we regret being selfish.
People: Merciful Majesty, in Your wrath You could consume and destroy us forever. Pardon our stupidity and cleanse us of our sinful ways. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Living Lord, we appeal to Your Son Jesus Christ for mercy. We look to Him alone for pardon and redemption. He has the power to forgive our sins and the right to restore us to Your favor.
People: In Christ alone, we place our lives and souls. Under His authority, we express our faith. In His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:11)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We want to be Christ’s disciples, so we need to listen to His words. Jesus has the power to make our lives new. When we come to Him seeking forgiveness, He is merciful. When we pray to Him, looking for pardon, He gives us grace. Amen. (John 9:27)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: How long, O LORD, must we suffer and experience discomfort? How long will our ailments continue?
People: Do not leave us without hope. May Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are in desperate need.
Pastor: Help us, O God, our Savior, for the glory of Your Name; deliver us from harm and restore us to health.
People: Why should those around us mock our faith? Send forth Your Holy Spirit to touch us and all our loved ones with Your healing power, Your bountiful blessing, Your compassionate love.
Pastor: May the cries of our hearts and the prayers of all our loved ones come before You; may You strengthen and preserve them, delivering them from despair and healing them from all that harms them in body, mind , heart and soul.
People: May our faith in You be realized through the healing of our lives. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: We are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture. We will praise You forever. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 79)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, let the scriptures speak to our heart and minds, as if Christ was preaching to us at this time in our lives. Open our spirits to His sacred presence and grant us a new beginning today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:12)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we have come into Your presence to be taught by Your word, and to be reconnected to God. With cheerful and thankful hearts, we bring before You our tithes and gifts. We pray that You will accept and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:7)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus live within us and shape our daily lives; may the Father reveal His works to us each day; and may the Holy Spirit keep us worshipping the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:10)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Sunday prayers - Sep 09, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation
Pastor: Our souls long for Your salvation, O Lord, and we have placed our hopes in Your word.
People: All Your commands are trustworthy, O God; help us, in the midst of all our troubles.
Pastor: Preserve our lives according to Your love; and help us obey the statutes of Your mouth, by praising and glorifying Your Name forever.
First Hymn:
Prayers of 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: All powerful God, we are ashamed of our arrogant behavior and sinful lives. Instead of following Your ways, we sometimes choose to be led by our greed and desires, our opinions and pride.
Guide: 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.
People: Merciful Lord, when our familiarity with You breeds contempt and when we take You for granted, doing our own things, living our own lives and cheapening Your Grace, forgive us and cleanse us, reclaim us and restore us through Your Son Jesus Christ, to whom we now individually and silently pray for pardon.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, we thank You the forgiveness of our past mistakes and personal sins. We praise for bringing Jesus into the world and into our lives, so that we may have the opportunity of being restored to Your Holy Kingdom.
People: In the Name of our Savior, we make these prayers and unite our hearts in His Spirit, saying, “Our Father, ...”
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 perfectly prepared for God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah reigns! Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
People: For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Pastor: We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place.
People: 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.
People: May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who seek God’s healing in all our lives. Hear us now as we 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.
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader : Holy Spirit, make us glad in our hearts as we rejoice in Christ’s holy words. Enable us to live in hope through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : 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: May Jesus speak to our spirits and lead us everyday; may the Father fortify our faith and send us out into the world; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to minister to the people we encounter each and everyday. Glory to God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation
Pastor: Our souls long for Your salvation, O Lord, and we have placed our hopes in Your word.
People: All Your commands are trustworthy, O God; help us, in the midst of all our troubles.
Pastor: Preserve our lives according to Your love; and help us obey the statutes of Your mouth, by praising and glorifying Your Name forever.
First Hymn:
Prayers of 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: All powerful God, we are ashamed of our arrogant behavior and sinful lives. Instead of following Your ways, we sometimes choose to be led by our greed and desires, our opinions and pride.
Guide: 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.
People: Merciful Lord, when our familiarity with You breeds contempt and when we take You for granted, doing our own things, living our own lives and cheapening Your Grace, forgive us and cleanse us, reclaim us and restore us through Your Son Jesus Christ, to whom we now individually and silently pray for pardon.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Lord, we thank You the forgiveness of our past mistakes and personal sins. We praise for bringing Jesus into the world and into our lives, so that we may have the opportunity of being restored to Your Holy Kingdom.
People: In the Name of our Savior, we make these prayers and unite our hearts in His Spirit, saying, “Our Father, ...”
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 perfectly prepared for God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah reigns! Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
People: For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Pastor: We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place.
People: 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.
People: May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who seek God’s healing in all our lives. Hear us now as we 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.
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader : Holy Spirit, make us glad in our hearts as we rejoice in Christ’s holy words. Enable us to live in hope through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : 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: May Jesus speak to our spirits and lead us everyday; may the Father fortify our faith and send us out into the world; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to minister to the people we encounter each and everyday. Glory to God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday prayers - September 02, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 6)
Pastor: Be merciful to us, O Lord. In our weakness, become our strength.
People: Turn, O Lord, and deliver us. Hear our prayers and praises.
Pastor: May the Lord be pleased with our worship. May we delight in His bountiful favor. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose sacred words are life to the believing soul, and whose eternal ways impact our world; we gather together to praise Your Holy Name and to exalt Your everlasting power.
People: Lord of the Universe, whose infinite strength gives hope to billions of people throughout the earth, we cheerfully lift up our hearts to worship and glorify Your boundless sovereignty.
Guide: Merciful Majesty, despite seeking to faithfully serve You, we still yield to temptation and surrender our lives to selfish acts and sinful ways.
People: Gracious God, we appeal to Your grace and seek Your pardon. We confess our faults and regret our mistakes. Hear us now as we quietly bring our admissions of guilt to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, without the love of Your Son Jesus Christ, our hopes would be vanquished and our confessions made in vain.
People: Christ alone is the One who saves us from our sins and restores us to God’s favor. In His everlasting words, we continue to lift up our prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:10)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: How does Christ return us to the blessing of God’s pleasure? By sacrificing Himself in our place and fully atoning for all of our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad of His mercy, which endures for ever. Amen. (John 9:26)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Commissioning of Enrichment Graduates
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We are called to be God’s people, to listen to His words, and to apply His teaching.
People: For generations, our people have known the bounty of hope and the blessing of healing from the LORD.
Pastor: O LORD, we seek to experience Your Holy touch; we pray for recovery, renewal and restoration.
People: We call upon You, O Living God, to show us Your wonders by healing our hearts, mending our minds, and strengthening our spirits
Pastor: Eternal Lord, let miracles of hope and health, of blessing and healing be granted to us and all whom we pray for, on this holy day.
People: May all our loved ones and neighbors, our friends and colleagues trust in Your word and experience deliverance from pain, discomfort, suffering and disease. Hear us now as we quietly pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the Lord shepherd us to salvation and lead us towards an abundance of health, wholeness and healing. In Jesus’ Name, we ask and pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 78)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, as we read and hear the good news of the Kingdom of God, open our hearts and minds to the living presence of Christ. Enable us to seek His truth and to apply His ways in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:12)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You help us wherever we go through life and in times of trouble, You tarry with us. In return, we offer You our lives for service in God’s Kingdom and the spreading of the Gospel. Take our tithes and gifts from our resources; use and bless them for Your continuing work in this congregation and community. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:6)
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus protect us from all that would persecute our faith and diminish our beliefs; may the Father refresh and strengthen our souls; and may the Holy Spirit continue to keep us in the loving service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:9)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 6)
Pastor: Be merciful to us, O Lord. In our weakness, become our strength.
People: Turn, O Lord, and deliver us. Hear our prayers and praises.
Pastor: May the Lord be pleased with our worship. May we delight in His bountiful favor. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose sacred words are life to the believing soul, and whose eternal ways impact our world; we gather together to praise Your Holy Name and to exalt Your everlasting power.
People: Lord of the Universe, whose infinite strength gives hope to billions of people throughout the earth, we cheerfully lift up our hearts to worship and glorify Your boundless sovereignty.
Guide: Merciful Majesty, despite seeking to faithfully serve You, we still yield to temptation and surrender our lives to selfish acts and sinful ways.
People: Gracious God, we appeal to Your grace and seek Your pardon. We confess our faults and regret our mistakes. Hear us now as we quietly bring our admissions of guilt to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, without the love of Your Son Jesus Christ, our hopes would be vanquished and our confessions made in vain.
People: Christ alone is the One who saves us from our sins and restores us to God’s favor. In His everlasting words, we continue to lift up our prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:10)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: How does Christ return us to the blessing of God’s pleasure? By sacrificing Himself in our place and fully atoning for all of our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad of His mercy, which endures for ever. Amen. (John 9:26)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Commissioning of Enrichment Graduates
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We are called to be God’s people, to listen to His words, and to apply His teaching.
People: For generations, our people have known the bounty of hope and the blessing of healing from the LORD.
Pastor: O LORD, we seek to experience Your Holy touch; we pray for recovery, renewal and restoration.
People: We call upon You, O Living God, to show us Your wonders by healing our hearts, mending our minds, and strengthening our spirits
Pastor: Eternal Lord, let miracles of hope and health, of blessing and healing be granted to us and all whom we pray for, on this holy day.
People: May all our loved ones and neighbors, our friends and colleagues trust in Your word and experience deliverance from pain, discomfort, suffering and disease. Hear us now as we quietly pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the Lord shepherd us to salvation and lead us towards an abundance of health, wholeness and healing. In Jesus’ Name, we ask and pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 78)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, as we read and hear the good news of the Kingdom of God, open our hearts and minds to the living presence of Christ. Enable us to seek His truth and to apply His ways in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:12)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You help us wherever we go through life and in times of trouble, You tarry with us. In return, we offer You our lives for service in God’s Kingdom and the spreading of the Gospel. Take our tithes and gifts from our resources; use and bless them for Your continuing work in this congregation and community. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:6)
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus protect us from all that would persecute our faith and diminish our beliefs; may the Father refresh and strengthen our souls; and may the Holy Spirit continue to keep us in the loving service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:9)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunday prayer - August 26, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude,
Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 5)
Pastor: 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.
Pastor: O Lord, bless us and surround us with Your favor throughout this sacred time. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Life Giver and Law Maker of the universe, we come to You with our praise and prayers.
People: Creator and Sustainer of love and life, we bless You with our worship; we exalt You above all else.
Guide: Gracious God, You grieve our sinful ways and are displeased with our selfish deeds.
People: Merciful Father, You mourn our wasted moments and shameful experiences. We silently come to You with our confessions and humbly ask for grace.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, our faith withers and diminishes when we are weak and deceitful. Our hearts and souls are restored to You through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
People: 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) (Isaiah 33:9)
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, for ever and ever. Amen. (John 9:25)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Commissioning of Sunday School teachers
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.
People: In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
Pastor: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation.
People: 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.
People: 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. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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 every day lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:11)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: 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 that You have called us to accept and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:5)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude,
Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 5)
Pastor: 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.
Pastor: O Lord, bless us and surround us with Your favor throughout this sacred time. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Life Giver and Law Maker of the universe, we come to You with our praise and prayers.
People: Creator and Sustainer of love and life, we bless You with our worship; we exalt You above all else.
Guide: Gracious God, You grieve our sinful ways and are displeased with our selfish deeds.
People: Merciful Father, You mourn our wasted moments and shameful experiences. We silently come to You with our confessions and humbly ask for grace.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, our faith withers and diminishes when we are weak and deceitful. Our hearts and souls are restored to You through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
People: 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) (Isaiah 33:9)
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, for ever and ever. Amen. (John 9:25)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Commissioning of Sunday School teachers
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.
People: In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
Pastor: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation.
People: 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.
People: 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. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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 every day lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:11)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: 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 that You have called us to accept and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:5)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday prayers - Aug 19, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 4)
Pastor: May the Lord answer us when we call to Him in our need. May His righteousness be our strength.
People: May the Lord be merciful to us; may He bless our prayers and praise.
Pastor: Let the light of the Lord shine upon us; let us glorify and worship His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of 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.
People: Almighty Lord of Life, whose ways are mysterious, and yet whose love is evident through creation, we bless You with our praises and exalt Your Holy Name.
Guide: Heavenly Father, when we desert Your commands, You are disappointed with us; when break Your laws, You are hurt with our dishonesty.
People: Gracious Lord, forgive us for despising Your words; pardon us for disrespecting Your sacred scriptures. Hear us now, as we confess our selfish faults and sinful deeds.
- 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.
People: Jesus redeems our sinful souls and reunites us to God’s everlasting love. By His grace, we are no longer enemies of God. In Christ’s words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:8)
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. (John 9:24)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people.
People: The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
Pastor: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring.
People: 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.
People: 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. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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. (Acts 8:10)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: 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. (1 Corinthians 16:4)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 4)
Pastor: May the Lord answer us when we call to Him in our need. May His righteousness be our strength.
People: May the Lord be merciful to us; may He bless our prayers and praise.
Pastor: Let the light of the Lord shine upon us; let us glorify and worship His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of 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.
People: Almighty Lord of Life, whose ways are mysterious, and yet whose love is evident through creation, we bless You with our praises and exalt Your Holy Name.
Guide: Heavenly Father, when we desert Your commands, You are disappointed with us; when break Your laws, You are hurt with our dishonesty.
People: Gracious Lord, forgive us for despising Your words; pardon us for disrespecting Your sacred scriptures. Hear us now, as we confess our selfish faults and sinful deeds.
- 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.
People: Jesus redeems our sinful souls and reunites us to God’s everlasting love. By His grace, we are no longer enemies of God. In Christ’s words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:8)
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. (John 9:24)
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people.
People: The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
Pastor: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring.
People: 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.
People: 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. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
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. (Acts 8:10)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: 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. (1 Corinthians 16:4)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
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