Sunday Prayers - Mar 25

Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of WelcomePrelude, Gathering

Acclamation Lighting of the Lent Menorah (Seven candles for the Last Seven words of Jesus)

Pastor: Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
People: O Lord, You know the thirst in our souls and the desires of our hearts. Fill us with Your grace and peace.
(Lighting of 5 Candles)
Pastor: Jesus, precious Lamb of God, satisfy our spirits with Your abundant love. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Gracious and Eternal God, You are the mighty fortress of our people and the haven of mercy for all sinners. Your words sustain our souls and Your ways shape our spirits.
People: Loving Father, in the midst of our busy and noisy lives, You are the source of peace that we need, and the provider of strength that we seek.

Guide: Almighty Lord, sometimes our faith deserts us and we lack the courage to be Christian. Sometimes we fail to respect Your commands and sinfully waste our lives.
People: Merciful God, forgive us for being selfish and vain, conceited and proud. Pardon our difficult and deceitful ways. Acquit us of our past mistakes and absolve our foolish decisions. Hear us now as we make our personal confessions to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Compassionate Lord, we look to Jesus to release us from our regrets and to bear the burden of our sins. We seek Him as our Savior to shield us from Your wrath and restore us to Your good will.
People: In Christ, our sins are forgiven and by His blood our misdeeds are pardoned. We place our souls into His holy hands and unite our spirits with Him, saying "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors (Isaiah 32:14)

Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ calls to us and shows us how to obtain God’s mercy. He washes our souls in His blood and restores us to God’s Kingdom. Through Him, we recognize our sinful ways, and by Him, we experience everlasting grace. Let us proclaim Jesus as our Savior and praise Him forevermore. Amen. (John 9:11)

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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Our souls find rest in God alone; our salvation and healing comes from Him.
People: God alone is our rock and salvation; He is our strength and we will never be shaken.
Pastor: At times, fears and illness, sickness and despair assault our hearts, minds and bodies. We are weak and vulnerable, unsteady and unsure, anxious and afraid.
People: We find rest and peace, healing and harmony in God alone; our hope comes from Him.
Pastor: God alone is our rock and salvation; He is our strength and we will never be shaken.
People: May healing and health be restored to us and all our loved ones. May You, O God, become our mighty rock and refuge, our source of strength and perfect help. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 62)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to see the real Jesus in these lessons. Open our minds to the scriptures, so that He may penetrate our hearts and souls with His ways, words, and works. May we honor Him by applying His teaching in our daily lives. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 7:56)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

New Members join the church

Offering & Offertory
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we are usually selfish and sinful creatures, but You have changed us into servants of God and stewards of the Gospel. You challenge us to give freely of our time, talents, and money to Your church. Before You, we gather our tithes and gifts. We pray that You will accept and bless them for Your work in this church, and all that we seek to do in Your Holy Name. Amen. (1 Corinthians 15:49)


Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Jesus’ love shine within us; may the Father’s glory touch our hearts; and may the Holy Spirit enlighten our souls, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 3:11)

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude