Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting God, to whom this world is just a footstool and the whole universe is a tapestry of Your making, we seek to serve You with our singing and hope to please You with our praises. Your power cannot be equaled and You ways can never be thwarted. We approach You as Your people, opening our hearts to Your unending love and focusing our minds upon Your gracious will.
People: Merciful Father, we know our own weaknesses and past mistakes. We have trampled on the feelings of friends and our loved ones with thoughtless words, harmful deeds, and selfish sins. We have neglected Your Word and rejected Your counsel. We have followed our own understanding and have allowed anger, arrogance and ambition to justify our self-seeking ways. Forgive us now as we humbly and sincerely confess our faults to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious God, only Jesus can enrich our lives with the fountain of forgiveness that we need to cleanse our lives. Only Your Precious and Holy Son can restore us to Your Favor and reclaim our souls for Your Kingdom, therefore we make these prayers in His Name and with His words, saying: Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ speaks to us personally through His teaching and by God’s Holy Word. He calls us to repentance and seeks to save our souls by sacrificing Himself for us. Therefore, if we freely confess our sins and sincerely depend upon Him to rescue us from God’s wrath and rejection, we will be completely forgiven and eternally saved. In Christ’s Name. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, show favor to Your people and restore our health through Your holy power. Forgive our fears and diminish our doubts; strengthen our bodies and heal our minds.
People: Restore us again, O God our Savior, and place Your peace within our hearts. Show Your unfailing love to our families and friends, O Lord; grant them salvation from illness and anxiety.
Pastor: May Your love rekindle our hopes; may Your faithfulness to us restore our health. May Your righteousness speed our recovery and Your peace promote well being in our bodies, minds, hearts and souls. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our lives will experience healing and strength. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 85)
Anthem
The Message #1 – (Title Goes Here)
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to recognize and accept that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given to us by which we must be saved. May today’s scriptures enhance our lives and advance this precious teaching. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture Readings, The Message #2, & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, we do not fully understand all that happens in this world but we know that Your Spirit continues to motivate many people to do good, to help the poor, and to support the weak. May our gifts be blessed and used to advance Your ministry, life and work throughout this church, our community, and across the world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ’s light illuminate our hearts each day; may the Father’s love protect us from evil every day; and may the Holy Spirit daily guide and bless us to become effective servants of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and evermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Alternative Christmas Eve readings
The following list of alternative Christmas Eve readings emerge from a Biblical theme of winter and snow. They make an interesting collage of God’s promises and perhaps a welcome alternative to the traditional lessons that we read each Christmas. All the passages are taken from the NIV.A Promise for the Planet
Genesis 8:18-22
So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives. All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds--everything that moves on the earth--came out of the ark, one kind after another.
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
A Promise for Healing
Hosea 6:1-3
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."
A Promise of Forgiveness
Isaiah 1:15-18
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
"Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.” Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
A Promise To Keep Us
John 10:22-33
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The people gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
A Promise of Things to Come
Revelation 1:12-18
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
A Promise Fulfilled
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday prayers: Fourth in Advent : Advent 4 - Dec 21
Approaching God
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
( 3 purple and the pink candle are lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:1–5).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Foundation of Life, Immortal Creator of the Universe, we come before You as servants and seekers, disciples and devotees. We place our trust in You, for You are our Rock and refuge, our shield and salvation, our gracious leader and loving guide.
People: Heavenly Father, we have wandered from Your ways and rebelled against Your righteousness. We have chosen to cherish our pride and greed; we have decided to follow our fallen ideals and selfish sins. We have placed our confidence in our own strength and rejected Your truth. We have allowed ourselves to be swayed by our culture and misdirected by our misconceptions. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Lord, we regret our past mistakes and look to Jesus for salvation. We turn away from our guilty sins and seek Christ to renew our lives. Keep us in fellowship with Jesus and help us to be united with Him. In His Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ was sent by our Heavenly Father to save the world from sin. He sacrificed Himself so that we might be given the opportunity to be forgiven and restored to God’s favor and grace. Without Jesus, we have no hope of avoiding the wrath of God. With Christ, we are spiritually purified and totally forgiven. We rejoice in His power and Holy Name, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, in the midst of this sanctuary, our souls yearn for Your Favor, our hearts cry out for healing. Bless us, Living God, for having set our hearts on You and trusting You for strength.
People: Hear our prayers, O LORD God Almighty; listen to us, O God of Jacob. Look upon us as Your people, O God, gathered here in Your Name. Look upon us with mercy and compassion.
Pastor: For You, O LORD, fill us with hope and help us through each day. Please do not withhold Your power from us; heal our loved ones from their sickness and pain, anxiety and depression, illnesses and injuries.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to receive into our hearts through the reading of these sacred scriptures. Heal us of the past and lead us by His presence in our lives. May we experience Christ being born in our spirits this day and forevermore. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You are the Perfect One and our lives are transformed by Your mercy and Grace. In return, we pledge to You our lives and dedicate our time, talents, and tithes to You alone. Take these gifts and bless them for Your work in the world and Your ministry among us. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ enable us to love our neighbors each day; may the Father help us to support one another with mercy and grace; and may the Holy Spirit lead us to fulfill God’s law through being servants of His Kingdom and disciples of Christ, for now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday prayers: Advent 3 - 3rd in Advent - Dec 14
Approaching God
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of Advent Candles
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(2 Purples and the Pink candle are lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people (John 1:1– 4).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who constantly sustains the universe and who sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. Heavenly Lord, You know and see all things. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning and love.
People: Divine Majesty of Good and grace, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We pray in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.
People: When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.
Pastor: When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)
Anthem
Singing of Jesus, Draw me Close.
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, call us into account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, by the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work and ministry of our church. You know all that You require us to do and You also know that we have been given all the resources of time, talents and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to carefully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of Advent Candles
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(2 Purples and the Pink candle are lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people (John 1:1– 4).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who constantly sustains the universe and who sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. Heavenly Lord, You know and see all things. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning and love.
People: Divine Majesty of Good and grace, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We pray in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.
People: When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.
Pastor: When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)
Anthem
Singing of Jesus, Draw me Close.
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, call us into account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, by the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work and ministry of our church. You know all that You require us to do and You also know that we have been given all the resources of time, talents and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to carefully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sunday prayers: Second in Advent - Advent 2 - Dec 7
Approaching God
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
2 Purple Advent candles are lit.
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being (John 1:1–3a).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: All Seeing and All Knowing God, who watches over all Creation and who understands our thoughts and fears; open our hearts to Your Holy Presence and enhance our spirits to experience Your Living Power. In this sacred place of prayer, may we know Your peace. As we gather in Your Name, may we sense Your Precious Love.
People: Lord of Righteousness and Perfection, we confess our failings and weaknesses. We are sinful and selfish creatures. We are bitter and resentful beings. We are greedy and stubborn people. We are careless and faithless servants. Have mercy on our souls and deliver us from Your wrath. Forgive us of our past mistakes, shameful acts, and broken promises. Restore us through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, our Lord. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Compassionate Father, we thank You for Jesus. His obedience and service, crucifixion and death have paid the penalty due for our sins. We are completely in His debt and totally grateful for His Grace.
People: We make our confessions in Christ’s Name, and through His Sacred words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: The sacred body and holy blood of Christ atone for our sins and He acquits us of our guilt. We are set free from God’s condemnation and given the perfect opportunity to be returned to His Favor. We cannot do this on our own. Only Jesus can completely restore us to God’s Kingdom, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies, and nurturing our spirits. May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
People: In the midst of our weakness, may God grant us strength. When fear affects us, He enhances our faith. Lord, we pray that You will rescue us from pain and suffering. Attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Loving God, grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry and reinforce us with Your peace. 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
Pastor: 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, fill us with Your sacred presence and rule over our hearts and minds. Let Christ’s teaching be personally experienced by all of Your people gathered here today. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, Your love never fails and we are blessed by Your grace. We gather these tokens in Your Holy Name and ask for Your blessing upon them. These tithes and offerings are the gifts of grateful people. We pray that You will enable us to honor God’s Kingdom by using them to proclaim the Gospel, help the needy, and serve God’s Kingdom in this community and throughout the world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ enable us to honor our daily debts to Him; may the Father keep us loving one another; and may the Holy Spirit fulfill our lives through continuous service to the One, True and Living God, both now and throughout eternity. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
2 Purple Advent candles are lit.
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being (John 1:1–3a).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: All Seeing and All Knowing God, who watches over all Creation and who understands our thoughts and fears; open our hearts to Your Holy Presence and enhance our spirits to experience Your Living Power. In this sacred place of prayer, may we know Your peace. As we gather in Your Name, may we sense Your Precious Love.
People: Lord of Righteousness and Perfection, we confess our failings and weaknesses. We are sinful and selfish creatures. We are bitter and resentful beings. We are greedy and stubborn people. We are careless and faithless servants. Have mercy on our souls and deliver us from Your wrath. Forgive us of our past mistakes, shameful acts, and broken promises. Restore us through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, our Lord. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Compassionate Father, we thank You for Jesus. His obedience and service, crucifixion and death have paid the penalty due for our sins. We are completely in His debt and totally grateful for His Grace.
People: We make our confessions in Christ’s Name, and through His Sacred words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: The sacred body and holy blood of Christ atone for our sins and He acquits us of our guilt. We are set free from God’s condemnation and given the perfect opportunity to be returned to His Favor. We cannot do this on our own. Only Jesus can completely restore us to God’s Kingdom, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies, and nurturing our spirits. May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
People: In the midst of our weakness, may God grant us strength. When fear affects us, He enhances our faith. Lord, we pray that You will rescue us from pain and suffering. Attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Loving God, grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry and reinforce us with Your peace. 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
Pastor: 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, fill us with Your sacred presence and rule over our hearts and minds. Let Christ’s teaching be personally experienced by all of Your people gathered here today. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, Your love never fails and we are blessed by Your grace. We gather these tokens in Your Holy Name and ask for Your blessing upon them. These tithes and offerings are the gifts of grateful people. We pray that You will enable us to honor God’s Kingdom by using them to proclaim the Gospel, help the needy, and serve God’s Kingdom in this community and throughout the world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ enable us to honor our daily debts to Him; may the Father keep us loving one another; and may the Holy Spirit fulfill our lives through continuous service to the One, True and Living God, both now and throughout eternity. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday prayers: First in Advent - Advent 1 Nov 30
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of First Advent Candle
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(First candle is lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Immortal and Almighty Lord, Most Powerful and Everlasting Majesty, we sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your strength is undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled; we adore Your Holy Presence and devote ourselves to Your Sacred Kingdom.
People: Lord of Salvation and Grace, we are sinful and selfish people. We are sometimes distracted and become deceitful servants. We follow our own desires and damage our faith with pride, greed, and neglect. Tear down the walls of stubbornness and bitterness, foolishness and waywardness that we have built against You. Come into our hearts and help us to seek forgiveness. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no hope of ever being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to declare our guilt, and be released by Your grace and favor.
People: For we pray this in Jesus’ Name and through His holy words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: When we come to the Lord and feed upon His words, He releases us from the wrath of God. When we ask Jesus to cleanse us by His blood, He restores us to God’s holiness. So let us truly rejoice and give thanks, for Christ is our Savior and we are completely forgiven, from this day forth 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.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works! Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
People: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers. Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.
Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all our questions about life. Show us how powerful God’s love is and enable us to apply these lessons of faith in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, there have been many times when this church has become a sanctuary to us and we have been supported by the love of Your people. We trust You to work among us each week, and we hope that we serve You faithfully, diligently and sincerely. Take our tithes and offerings and bless them for the life, work and ministry of this church, to help our congregation reach out to the wider community. In Your Name, we give and pray, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May we give thanks to Christ each day for all that we personally owe Him; may we respect and revere God’s work throughout today’s world; and may we honor the guidance and counsel, the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, in this life and the one to come, to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of First Advent Candle
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(First candle is lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Immortal and Almighty Lord, Most Powerful and Everlasting Majesty, we sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your strength is undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled; we adore Your Holy Presence and devote ourselves to Your Sacred Kingdom.
People: Lord of Salvation and Grace, we are sinful and selfish people. We are sometimes distracted and become deceitful servants. We follow our own desires and damage our faith with pride, greed, and neglect. Tear down the walls of stubbornness and bitterness, foolishness and waywardness that we have built against You. Come into our hearts and help us to seek forgiveness. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no hope of ever being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to declare our guilt, and be released by Your grace and favor.
People: For we pray this in Jesus’ Name and through His holy words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: When we come to the Lord and feed upon His words, He releases us from the wrath of God. When we ask Jesus to cleanse us by His blood, He restores us to God’s holiness. So let us truly rejoice and give thanks, for Christ is our Savior and we are completely forgiven, from this day forth 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.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works! Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
People: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers. Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.
Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all our questions about life. Show us how powerful God’s love is and enable us to apply these lessons of faith in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, there have been many times when this church has become a sanctuary to us and we have been supported by the love of Your people. We trust You to work among us each week, and we hope that we serve You faithfully, diligently and sincerely. Take our tithes and offerings and bless them for the life, work and ministry of this church, to help our congregation reach out to the wider community. In Your Name, we give and pray, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May we give thanks to Christ each day for all that we personally owe Him; may we respect and revere God’s work throughout today’s world; and may we honor the guidance and counsel, the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, in this life and the one to come, to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sunday Prayers: Christ is King Sunday Nov 23
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we gather before You as worshippers and servants, devotees and disciples. We long to please You with our lives and hope to honor You with our praises.
People: Loving Lord, we know that we are not all that we should be. We admit to making mistakes, surrendering to sin and yielding to temptation. Pardon our pride and forgive our fallen ways. Show us how shallow our faith is and reveal to us our sinful errors. Hear us now as we silently confess our past mistakes to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful God, we remember that we are mere dust and hopelessly deluded at times. We rely upon Jesus to rescue us from Your wrath. We look to Him to cleanse our souls, acquit us of our sins, and restore us to Your favor. We make these prayerful requests and heartfelt confessions in Christ’s Name. We unite ourselves to Him by saying His Holy words together, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Only Jesus can grant us eternal life through the forgiveness of our sins. He truly guides us each day and leads us to the point where we completely rely upon His grace. His body was broken for our mistakes; His blood was shed for our sins. He is our Lord and Redeemer, both now and forever. 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
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. Come amongst us, Gracious God, and touch us with Your Healing hands. Save us from our sickness and deliver us from despair.
People: Restore us, O Lord, to health and strength. Look favorably upon us and grant us hope with peace. 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. Protect us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, no matter who we are or what we have done, You will always have a message for us, each time we read the scriptures. Today, we humbly pray, that You will touch our hearts and minds with God’s Word and Christ’s action. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your precious love and for the many ways You protect us from evil. We rejoice in Your Life, we celebrate Your Truth, and we are here to support Your Way. Take these gifts and bless them for the continuing ministry that You have ordained amongst us. May these tithes and offerings bring blessing to this community and glory to Your Most Holy Name, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: May we pay our debts to Christ each day through our love, faith, and devotion; may we serve the Father as dedicated disciples and devoted servants; and may the Holy Spirit govern our choices and guide all of our decisions, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday prayers: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Nov 16
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of bounty and blessing, God of Creation and wonder, we have come here to Your Holy house of prayer, seeking refuge and looking for hope. We lift up our hearts and voices to praise and honor You. We are called to be disciples and servants of Your kingdom, so we rejoice in this sacred place of peace and power.
People: Almighty Father, You know everything about us. You are aware of our sinful deeds and selfish ways. You have seen our arrogant acts and experienced our intolerant pride. You have witnessed our bitterness and shallowness, our indifference and lack of compassion. Forgive our sins and pardon our foolish mistakes. Save us from temptation and rescue us from doing wrong. Hear us now as we humbly approach You with our personal confessions and individual prayers.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Everlasting God, we cannot avoid Your judgment. No matter how independent we have become, we still are indebted to You. Only Your Son can heal the breach between us; only Jesus can restore us to the joy of Your Kingdom. We place our lives into His hands and seek the blessing of His forgiveness.
People: We make these petitions in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior, who taught us to pray saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: How can Jesus save us from our sins? By giving His life as a ransom for our own and by shedding His blood to cleanse us from our mistakes. By sacrificing Himself on the Cross, so that we may be forgiven and restored to God’s favor and grace. So let us rejoice and be thankful, for Christ our Savior has fulfilled all that was necessary to save our souls, both now and for ever. 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: How long, O LORD, must we suffer and experience discomfort? How long will our ailments continue? Do not leave us without hope. May Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are in desperate need.
People: Help us, O God, our Savior, for the glory of Your Name; deliver us from harm and restore us to health. We humbly ask to You to send forth Your Holy Spirit to touch us and all our loved ones with Your healing grace, Your bountiful blessing, and 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. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, meet with us today in this sacred place and enable us to encounter Jesus through these holy words. Penetrate our hearts and minds with the true meaning of these scriptures and help us to apply these eternal truths in our daily lives. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, from the bounty of our resources, we give back to You these gifts. You have blessed us each day and enabled us to offer our time, talents and treasures to the glory of God. We seek Your approval of our pledges, tithes and offering, praying that we may use them for the life, work and ministry of this church in Your Sacred Name, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison)May we submit to Christ’s authority each day; may the Father preserve us from punishment by giving us His grace; and may the Holy Spirit keep us conscientious and faithful as Christian people, who worship, glorify, and adore the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of bounty and blessing, God of Creation and wonder, we have come here to Your Holy house of prayer, seeking refuge and looking for hope. We lift up our hearts and voices to praise and honor You. We are called to be disciples and servants of Your kingdom, so we rejoice in this sacred place of peace and power.
People: Almighty Father, You know everything about us. You are aware of our sinful deeds and selfish ways. You have seen our arrogant acts and experienced our intolerant pride. You have witnessed our bitterness and shallowness, our indifference and lack of compassion. Forgive our sins and pardon our foolish mistakes. Save us from temptation and rescue us from doing wrong. Hear us now as we humbly approach You with our personal confessions and individual prayers.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Everlasting God, we cannot avoid Your judgment. No matter how independent we have become, we still are indebted to You. Only Your Son can heal the breach between us; only Jesus can restore us to the joy of Your Kingdom. We place our lives into His hands and seek the blessing of His forgiveness.
People: We make these petitions in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior, who taught us to pray saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: How can Jesus save us from our sins? By giving His life as a ransom for our own and by shedding His blood to cleanse us from our mistakes. By sacrificing Himself on the Cross, so that we may be forgiven and restored to God’s favor and grace. So let us rejoice and be thankful, for Christ our Savior has fulfilled all that was necessary to save our souls, both now and for ever. 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: How long, O LORD, must we suffer and experience discomfort? How long will our ailments continue? Do not leave us without hope. May Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are in desperate need.
People: Help us, O God, our Savior, for the glory of Your Name; deliver us from harm and restore us to health. We humbly ask to You to send forth Your Holy Spirit to touch us and all our loved ones with Your healing grace, Your bountiful blessing, and 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. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, meet with us today in this sacred place and enable us to encounter Jesus through these holy words. Penetrate our hearts and minds with the true meaning of these scriptures and help us to apply these eternal truths in our daily lives. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, from the bounty of our resources, we give back to You these gifts. You have blessed us each day and enabled us to offer our time, talents and treasures to the glory of God. We seek Your approval of our pledges, tithes and offering, praying that we may use them for the life, work and ministry of this church in Your Sacred Name, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison)May we submit to Christ’s authority each day; may the Father preserve us from punishment by giving us His grace; and may the Holy Spirit keep us conscientious and faithful as Christian people, who worship, glorify, and adore the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday prayers; 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - 9 Nov
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God, whose ways are mysterious and whose works are marvelous, place Your Hand upon us that we may have rest and peace in our lives. We gather beneath Your heavenly throne in this holy place. We seek to please You with our praises and delight You with our devotion.
People: Everlasting Father, whose justice brings joy to the oppressed and despair to the wicked, we confess our mistakes and misdeeds, our falsehoods and failures, our selfish and stubborn ways. We seek Your forgiveness and pardon for our foolish deeds. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Immortal Majesty, You could trample over our all hopes and shatter each of our dreams. You could banish us to oblivion and exile us to a lonely eternity. Instead, through Your love and grace, in Your Holy Son Jesus Christ, You cleanse us of the past and restore us to Your Kingdom.
People: Humbly, we bow before Your Sacred Presence and unite our spirits with Christ our Lord by praying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ is our living bread and He promises us eternal life. If we accept His ways and apply His words; if we receive Him as Savior and know Him as our Lord, then His Sacrifice at Calvary pays the full price for our sins and completely pardons us of our past mistakes. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King, both now and always. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We are called to be God’s people, to listen to His words and to apply His teaching. For generations, our people have known the bounty of hope and the blessing of healing from the LORD.
People: O LORD, we seek to experience Your Holy touch; we pray for recovery, renewal and restoration. 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 now and all whom we pray for on this holy day. 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, as we read and hear this sacred message, may we fully believe and receive its teaching. Open our hearts and fill our minds with Christ’s ways so that our faith may be enhanced and our trust in God increased. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, in response to Your loving ways, we freely give to You our tithes and offerings. We seek to please You with these gifts and pray that You will bless them for the continuous ministry of this church. We ask that You will help us to patiently grow our faith and grant us the confidence to truly place our time, talents and resources into Your Hands. In Your Holy Name, give and we pray Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ keep us focused on serving God’s Kingdom; may the Father prevent us from diminishing our faith; and may the Holy Spirit steer us from all wrong and guide us to do good, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday prayers: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nov 2
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: God of our people and Lord of our lives, on this day, we praise You. In this place, we honor You. We trust You completely and dedicate ourselves to Your Kingdom.
People: Lord of Salvation, You have rescued us from sin and despair, selfishness and deception. We rejoice in Your Holy ways and we regret our past mistakes. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins and faults to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious God, You have restored us to Your favor and love through the blood and sacrifice of Your Son. We are forever indebted to Jesus and we will always glorify and worship Him forever.
People: Joyfully, we unite our hearts with our Lord and we are glad to pray in His own words, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ is the Bread of Heaven and as we feed upon His life and words, we are renewed in our spirits and completely forgiven of all our past mistakes. We will rejoice and be glad, for this is the day that the Lord has made and we are restored to His favor and love, both now and always. 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We cry out to God for help; we call upon Him to hear us and help us. In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
People: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation. When we are too troubled to speak, let us hear Your peaceful voice; when we are tired and exhausted, bring rest to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Pastor: Almighty Father, fill us with Your love and heal us by Your grace. Rescue and restore our loved ones from all that harms them in body, mind, heart and spirit. May Your healing mercy and loving compassion touch all those in need of freedom from pain and recovery from illness. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, seize our souls and captivate our hearts with today’s Gospel message. Keep us focused on Christ’s words and reveal to us ways in which we can apply His teaching, actions and ministry in our own lives. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You are patient and loving towards us, so we cheerfully and thankfully offer You these gifts. May our tithes and offerings be used to enhance faith, inspire kindness and enable this church to fulfill the missions and ministries of encouragement, support and charity that we seek to complete in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ take away our fear of doing what is right; may the Father free our spirits with His Powerful Love; and may the Holy Spirit commend our Christian witness each day, to the glory of the One, True and Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: God of our people and Lord of our lives, on this day, we praise You. In this place, we honor You. We trust You completely and dedicate ourselves to Your Kingdom.
People: Lord of Salvation, You have rescued us from sin and despair, selfishness and deception. We rejoice in Your Holy ways and we regret our past mistakes. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins and faults to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious God, You have restored us to Your favor and love through the blood and sacrifice of Your Son. We are forever indebted to Jesus and we will always glorify and worship Him forever.
People: Joyfully, we unite our hearts with our Lord and we are glad to pray in His own words, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ is the Bread of Heaven and as we feed upon His life and words, we are renewed in our spirits and completely forgiven of all our past mistakes. We will rejoice and be glad, for this is the day that the Lord has made and we are restored to His favor and love, both now and always. 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We cry out to God for help; we call upon Him to hear us and help us. In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
People: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation. When we are too troubled to speak, let us hear Your peaceful voice; when we are tired and exhausted, bring rest to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Pastor: Almighty Father, fill us with Your love and heal us by Your grace. Rescue and restore our loved ones from all that harms them in body, mind, heart and spirit. May Your healing mercy and loving compassion touch all those in need of freedom from pain and recovery from illness. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, seize our souls and captivate our hearts with today’s Gospel message. Keep us focused on Christ’s words and reveal to us ways in which we can apply His teaching, actions and ministry in our own lives. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You are patient and loving towards us, so we cheerfully and thankfully offer You these gifts. May our tithes and offerings be used to enhance faith, inspire kindness and enable this church to fulfill the missions and ministries of encouragement, support and charity that we seek to complete in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ take away our fear of doing what is right; may the Father free our spirits with His Powerful Love; and may the Holy Spirit commend our Christian witness each day, to the glory of the One, True and Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday Prayers: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Amazing and Almighty God, Patient and Powerful Sovereign, we praise You for creating our world and sustaining our lives with Your love. We gather in Your Holy Presence and present our prayers in Your Sacred Place.
People: Immortal Majesty and Perfect Father, whose ways are never thwarted and whose words are always fulfilled, we confess our weaknesses and mistakes, our sinful ways and stubborn pride, our diminished faith and foolish decisions. You could consume our hopes and destroy our dreams because of our rebellious and unchristian acts; yet You choose to offer us forgiveness and salvation, pardon and deliverance, mercy and freedom through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom we now silently confess and personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, You have removed the disgrace of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. We dedicate our hearts to Him and place our lives into His Hands
People: We make these petitions in His Name and in His own words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Across the centuries and throughout the generations, Jesus has provided us with the means to salvation. He sacrificed Himself, so that we may be restored to God’s favor. He advocates on our behalf, so that we may receive the crown of eternal life. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our way, truth and life for ever and ever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people. The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
People: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring. In the midst of our fears, He stands beside us. In times of anger and frustration, He is our strength and peace.
Pastor: Heavenly Lord, heal us and all our loved ones; free us from pain and suffering; restore us to health and strength. Rise up, O Living God, and save us from all 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, disturb our souls through Christ’s teaching in these scriptures. Proclaim in these holy words, the authority and power of Jesus over our lives and across the world. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, all that we give, belongs to You. All that we own has come from Your blessings. Take these gifts and use them to enhance and expand Your life, ministry and work in our church, our community and across the countries of the world. In Your Holy Name, we lovingly give and cheerfully pray. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ prevent us from rebelling against His ways; may the Father establish His word in our hearts; and may the Holy Spirit keep us in the kingdom of God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Amazing and Almighty God, Patient and Powerful Sovereign, we praise You for creating our world and sustaining our lives with Your love. We gather in Your Holy Presence and present our prayers in Your Sacred Place.
People: Immortal Majesty and Perfect Father, whose ways are never thwarted and whose words are always fulfilled, we confess our weaknesses and mistakes, our sinful ways and stubborn pride, our diminished faith and foolish decisions. You could consume our hopes and destroy our dreams because of our rebellious and unchristian acts; yet You choose to offer us forgiveness and salvation, pardon and deliverance, mercy and freedom through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom we now silently confess and personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, You have removed the disgrace of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. We dedicate our hearts to Him and place our lives into His Hands
People: We make these petitions in His Name and in His own words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Across the centuries and throughout the generations, Jesus has provided us with the means to salvation. He sacrificed Himself, so that we may be restored to God’s favor. He advocates on our behalf, so that we may receive the crown of eternal life. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our way, truth and life for ever and ever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people. The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
People: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring. In the midst of our fears, He stands beside us. In times of anger and frustration, He is our strength and peace.
Pastor: Heavenly Lord, heal us and all our loved ones; free us from pain and suffering; restore us to health and strength. Rise up, O Living God, and save us from all 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)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, disturb our souls through Christ’s teaching in these scriptures. Proclaim in these holy words, the authority and power of Jesus over our lives and across the world. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, all that we give, belongs to You. All that we own has come from Your blessings. Take these gifts and use them to enhance and expand Your life, ministry and work in our church, our community and across the countries of the world. In Your Holy Name, we lovingly give and cheerfully pray. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ prevent us from rebelling against His ways; may the Father establish His word in our hearts; and may the Holy Spirit keep us in the kingdom of God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday prayers: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
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. We have set aside this sacred time to reflect upon Your ways, rejoice in Your deeds, and regenerate our faith in Your Holy Word. You are the One, True and Living God; we are privileged to be Your humble servants.
People: Merciful God, instead of seeking Your guidance, we cherish our own opinions and ideas. Instead of accepting Your counsel, we furnish our own, which leads us into temptation and causes us to diminish our faith. Forgive us when we offend You with our sinful actions and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger and even 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,…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
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. 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.
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace. Listen our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.
People: We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing. For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are greatly encouraged.
Pastor: Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope. For You alone have the 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
Pastor: Save all Your people, Lord and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
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.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (unison): 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 (unison): 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.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
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. We have set aside this sacred time to reflect upon Your ways, rejoice in Your deeds, and regenerate our faith in Your Holy Word. You are the One, True and Living God; we are privileged to be Your humble servants.
People: Merciful God, instead of seeking Your guidance, we cherish our own opinions and ideas. Instead of accepting Your counsel, we furnish our own, which leads us into temptation and causes us to diminish our faith. Forgive us when we offend You with our sinful actions and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger and even 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,…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
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. 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.
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace. Listen our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.
People: We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing. For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are greatly encouraged.
Pastor: Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope. For You alone have the 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
Pastor: Save all Your people, Lord and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
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.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (unison): 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 (unison): 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.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday prayers: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 12 Oct 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Powerful Protector and Almighty Lord, Maker of Mystery and Sustainer of Life, we come before You as servants seeking Your wisdom and as children cherishing Your love. We yield to Your authority and yearn for Your holiness; we freely submit to Your will and faithfully surrender to Your Word.
People: Everlasting Majesty and Glorious Lord, You have the power to shake the foundations of our lives and shatter the falsehoods of our choices. You have the right to scrutinize our life styles and to reject our compulsive desires. We have sinned against Your Sovereignty and rebelled against Your rules. We have covered our sins with pride and deceit, and poisoned our souls with denial. We are guilty of greed and full of faithless ways. Hear us now as we painfully and personally confess to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would not know the joy of salvation. Without Christ’s sacrifice, we would not have any future and everlasting hope. We acknowledge that we are spiritually destructive sinners and that He is the Divine Savior of our souls.
People: In the Name of Jesus, we make these confessions and through His holy words we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the Bread of Life, which means that He is the Only One who can sustain our spirits and nourish our souls. He has the authority to forgive our sins and the Right to restore our souls. Let us celebrate and be glad, for Christ has come into our lives and we are fully forgiven of all our sinful and selfish ways, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We give thanks to You, O God, for You are near and we glorify Your wonderful deeds. We pray that this sacred moment will become an appointed time of holiness and healing.
People: When we experience fear and confusion, anxiety and worry, You steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds. Wherever we are, You are with us. Whatever we face, You support us.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, examine our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls; heal us of all that harms us. Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all our loved ones. Restore to health and strength all those for whom we now silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Let us declare the goodness of the Lord forever. May we sing and celebrate His wonderful ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 75)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, come among us and enable us to hear Jesus speak through these sacred scriptures. May His teaching and action challenge our ways and may we cherish His words by applying them to our daily lives. In the Precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, we cannot foresee what You will do with our tithes and offerings. We freely and confidently give them to You, asking that You will lovingly bless these gifts by using them to finance, aid and support the many ministries and missions that You want us to advance and accomplish through the lives and resources of our congregation. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction(unison): May we submit to Christ’s compassion and share His love throughout our lives; may we fully serve and obey our Father in heaven each and every day; and may the Holy Spirit establish faithful hearts and devoted souls within all of us as we serve the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Powerful Protector and Almighty Lord, Maker of Mystery and Sustainer of Life, we come before You as servants seeking Your wisdom and as children cherishing Your love. We yield to Your authority and yearn for Your holiness; we freely submit to Your will and faithfully surrender to Your Word.
People: Everlasting Majesty and Glorious Lord, You have the power to shake the foundations of our lives and shatter the falsehoods of our choices. You have the right to scrutinize our life styles and to reject our compulsive desires. We have sinned against Your Sovereignty and rebelled against Your rules. We have covered our sins with pride and deceit, and poisoned our souls with denial. We are guilty of greed and full of faithless ways. Hear us now as we painfully and personally confess to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would not know the joy of salvation. Without Christ’s sacrifice, we would not have any future and everlasting hope. We acknowledge that we are spiritually destructive sinners and that He is the Divine Savior of our souls.
People: In the Name of Jesus, we make these confessions and through His holy words we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the Bread of Life, which means that He is the Only One who can sustain our spirits and nourish our souls. He has the authority to forgive our sins and the Right to restore our souls. Let us celebrate and be glad, for Christ has come into our lives and we are fully forgiven of all our sinful and selfish ways, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We give thanks to You, O God, for You are near and we glorify Your wonderful deeds. We pray that this sacred moment will become an appointed time of holiness and healing.
People: When we experience fear and confusion, anxiety and worry, You steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds. Wherever we are, You are with us. Whatever we face, You support us.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, examine our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls; heal us of all that harms us. Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all our loved ones. Restore to health and strength all those for whom we now silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Let us declare the goodness of the Lord forever. May we sing and celebrate His wonderful ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 75)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, come among us and enable us to hear Jesus speak through these sacred scriptures. May His teaching and action challenge our ways and may we cherish His words by applying them to our daily lives. In the Precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, we cannot foresee what You will do with our tithes and offerings. We freely and confidently give them to You, asking that You will lovingly bless these gifts by using them to finance, aid and support the many ministries and missions that You want us to advance and accomplish through the lives and resources of our congregation. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction(unison): May we submit to Christ’s compassion and share His love throughout our lives; may we fully serve and obey our Father in heaven each and every day; and may the Holy Spirit establish faithful hearts and devoted souls within all of us as we serve the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday Prayers: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Oct 5, 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God, Creator of the majestic mountains and Maker of the spacious sky, we come before You as humble servants, devoted disciples, and seekers of Your way, truth and life. You have power over life and death, faith and failure, love and grief. We look to You for help and strength, guidance and counsel, purpose and meaning for our lives.
People: Merciful Lord, we recognize that we are imperfect and unwise. We know that our actions can be foolish and selfish. We understand that our choices can be rebellious and wrong, hateful and unhealthy, sinful and destructive. When we cast shadows over our souls with sin and separate our spirits from You through selfish desires and wayward thoughts, forgive us. When we are distracted by the world and attracted to its pleasures; when we give into temptation and give up our faith; when we disregard Your words and disrespect Your ways, have mercy upon us. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, cover our many sins with the cleansing blood of Christ. Remove us from temptation and restore us to Your Kingdom. For it is only through Jesus that we can be completely pardoned and totally forgiven of all our faults and faithless ways. In His precious words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: When we believe in Jesus, we have everlasting life. When we ask Jesus for forgiveness, He has the power to fully pardon our past mistakes. Let us rejoice and give thanks to God, for Christ is our Savior, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O LORD, why does trouble come to us and why do good people suffer? Still, we will remember Your deeds of deliverance and Your ways of salvation. Come to us now and graciously heal us.
People: Turn towards us, O Living God, and take away our fears by strengthening our faith. You have helped our people across many generations. Come to us now, in this holy place. Touch us with Your Presence. Heal us by Your Love.
Pastor: Do not forget those whom we cherish and love, Almighty Lord. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, soul and spirit. Do not let our loved ones give into to despair. Fill them with peace and hope, strength and health, restoration and power. Hear us now as we pray for them.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May God rise up and deliver us. May His Healing touch be with us all day long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 74)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, lift up our hearts through these sacred scriptures, so that we may be blessed by the teaching of Christ, and the turning over of our lives to Him this day. In the Precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication(unison) : Lord Jesus, we present our tithes and gifts both cheerfully and lovingly. We ask that You will bless them for Your ministry and mission in this community. May we also declare our loyalty to God’s Kingdom, and dedicate our lives to Your service, both now and forever. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ enable and encourage us to love those we like the least; may the Father give us compassionate hearts to care for others each day; and may the Holy Spirit help us to change other lives through acts of mercy, kindness and love, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God, Creator of the majestic mountains and Maker of the spacious sky, we come before You as humble servants, devoted disciples, and seekers of Your way, truth and life. You have power over life and death, faith and failure, love and grief. We look to You for help and strength, guidance and counsel, purpose and meaning for our lives.
People: Merciful Lord, we recognize that we are imperfect and unwise. We know that our actions can be foolish and selfish. We understand that our choices can be rebellious and wrong, hateful and unhealthy, sinful and destructive. When we cast shadows over our souls with sin and separate our spirits from You through selfish desires and wayward thoughts, forgive us. When we are distracted by the world and attracted to its pleasures; when we give into temptation and give up our faith; when we disregard Your words and disrespect Your ways, have mercy upon us. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, cover our many sins with the cleansing blood of Christ. Remove us from temptation and restore us to Your Kingdom. For it is only through Jesus that we can be completely pardoned and totally forgiven of all our faults and faithless ways. In His precious words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: When we believe in Jesus, we have everlasting life. When we ask Jesus for forgiveness, He has the power to fully pardon our past mistakes. Let us rejoice and give thanks to God, for Christ is our Savior, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri : 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O LORD, why does trouble come to us and why do good people suffer? Still, we will remember Your deeds of deliverance and Your ways of salvation. Come to us now and graciously heal us.
People: Turn towards us, O Living God, and take away our fears by strengthening our faith. You have helped our people across many generations. Come to us now, in this holy place. Touch us with Your Presence. Heal us by Your Love.
Pastor: Do not forget those whom we cherish and love, Almighty Lord. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, soul and spirit. Do not let our loved ones give into to despair. Fill them with peace and hope, strength and health, restoration and power. Hear us now as we pray for them.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May God rise up and deliver us. May His Healing touch be with us all day long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 74)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, lift up our hearts through these sacred scriptures, so that we may be blessed by the teaching of Christ, and the turning over of our lives to Him this day. In the Precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication(unison) : Lord Jesus, we present our tithes and gifts both cheerfully and lovingly. We ask that You will bless them for Your ministry and mission in this community. May we also declare our loyalty to God’s Kingdom, and dedicate our lives to Your service, both now and forever. Amen.
Communion
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ enable and encourage us to love those we like the least; may the Father give us compassionate hearts to care for others each day; and may the Holy Spirit help us to change other lives through acts of mercy, kindness and love, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday Prayers: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 28 Sep 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: All Powerful Creator, whose Living Word maintains the substance of this Universe, and whose mighty thoughts direct the path of human history; we come before You seeking refuge and salvation, peace and strength, grace and reassurance.
You know that we struggle with sin in our lives. You see the trouble we create and know the anguish that we feel each time we disappoint You. We deal lightly with Your ways and sinfully focus on our own ideas, opinions and feelings
People: Loving Father, forgive us for being rebellious, intolerant and angry. Pardon us for neglecting our faith, diminishing Your work, and ignoring Your call. Open our hearts to Your Word and challenge our sinful choices. Teach us to rely upon Jesus for counsel and guidance, compassion and grace. For we know it is only through Him and by His sacrifice that we can ever be restored to Your Holy Kingdom. Hear us now as we pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Lord, thank You for allowing us to return to You and be restored to Your ways. You have given us Jesus, Your Holy Son, who has become our Savior and Lord, the One who forgives our sins, the One who redeems our souls.
People: In the Name of Jesus, we make these prayers and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus recognizes us as His people and He sees our needs. He has the power to support us each day, in the midst of all that we endure and experience. He saves us from the clutches of sin and sets our spirits free. He is the Lord of all Creation and we are truly blessed to be called by the power of His Precious Name. Amen.
Gloria Patri
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Teach us Your ways, O LORD, and show us Your precious paths. Guide us with Your truth, for You are our God and Savior, and our hope is in You all day long.
People: Remember, O LORD, Your great mercy and love, for we are in great need of these holy gifts. All Your ways are loving and faithful, so we seek You to heal us of all that harms us. Turn to us and be gracious to us, for we are frail and some of our loved ones are afflicted with pain and trouble, sickness and illness, disease and despair.
Pastor: Sometimes the troubles of our hearts are multiplied; free us from our anguish and let Your healing power touch our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the LORD’s integrity and holiness protect us, because our hope is in Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 25)
Anthem
Minute for Mission : Peacemaking
Prayer for Illumination : Jesus, Draw Me Close.
Reader : Holy Spirit, be near to us and open our minds to Christ’s holy words. Resurrect our faith to overcome our fears and keep us free of temptation through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, and Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : (unison) Lord Jesus, we remember You in everything that we do, and we hold on to Your teachings about faith, life and giving. We entrust these tokens of gratitude into Your care. We pray that You will bless them to be passed on to those ministries and missions which You have called us to establish and fulfill, to glory of Your Name. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction(unison) May Jesus always be the One True Hope of our lives; may the Father arouse our faith in all that we do; and may the Holy Spirit empower us as Christ’s witnesses so that we may help others to come to Him. To the Glory of the One Triune God, forever and ever. Amen.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: All Powerful Creator, whose Living Word maintains the substance of this Universe, and whose mighty thoughts direct the path of human history; we come before You seeking refuge and salvation, peace and strength, grace and reassurance.
You know that we struggle with sin in our lives. You see the trouble we create and know the anguish that we feel each time we disappoint You. We deal lightly with Your ways and sinfully focus on our own ideas, opinions and feelings
People: Loving Father, forgive us for being rebellious, intolerant and angry. Pardon us for neglecting our faith, diminishing Your work, and ignoring Your call. Open our hearts to Your Word and challenge our sinful choices. Teach us to rely upon Jesus for counsel and guidance, compassion and grace. For we know it is only through Him and by His sacrifice that we can ever be restored to Your Holy Kingdom. Hear us now as we pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Lord, thank You for allowing us to return to You and be restored to Your ways. You have given us Jesus, Your Holy Son, who has become our Savior and Lord, the One who forgives our sins, the One who redeems our souls.
People: In the Name of Jesus, we make these prayers and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus recognizes us as His people and He sees our needs. He has the power to support us each day, in the midst of all that we endure and experience. He saves us from the clutches of sin and sets our spirits free. He is the Lord of all Creation and we are truly blessed to be called by the power of His Precious Name. Amen.
Gloria Patri
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Teach us Your ways, O LORD, and show us Your precious paths. Guide us with Your truth, for You are our God and Savior, and our hope is in You all day long.
People: Remember, O LORD, Your great mercy and love, for we are in great need of these holy gifts. All Your ways are loving and faithful, so we seek You to heal us of all that harms us. Turn to us and be gracious to us, for we are frail and some of our loved ones are afflicted with pain and trouble, sickness and illness, disease and despair.
Pastor: Sometimes the troubles of our hearts are multiplied; free us from our anguish and let Your healing power touch our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the LORD’s integrity and holiness protect us, because our hope is in Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 25)
Anthem
Minute for Mission : Peacemaking
Prayer for Illumination : Jesus, Draw Me Close.
Reader : Holy Spirit, be near to us and open our minds to Christ’s holy words. Resurrect our faith to overcome our fears and keep us free of temptation through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, and Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : (unison) Lord Jesus, we remember You in everything that we do, and we hold on to Your teachings about faith, life and giving. We entrust these tokens of gratitude into Your care. We pray that You will bless them to be passed on to those ministries and missions which You have called us to establish and fulfill, to glory of Your Name. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction(unison) May Jesus always be the One True Hope of our lives; may the Father arouse our faith in all that we do; and may the Holy Spirit empower us as Christ’s witnesses so that we may help others to come to Him. To the Glory of the One Triune God, forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday Prayers: 25th in Ordinary Time - 21 Sep 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
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. We are ashamed of our selfish behavior and sinful lives. Instead of following Your ways, we sometimes choose to be led by our greed and desires, our opinions and pride.
People: Gracious Father, speak to our hearts and change our foolish ways. In the midst of our problems and struggles with life, be our constant guide. When fear or anxiety threaten our faith, be our strength and shield. When we selfishly fall away from Your influence and care, grasp hold of our souls and return us to Your Love.
Guide: 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 You for bringing Jesus into the world and 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…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose perfect obedience and holy life fulfilled God’s great plan of salvation. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins, renewed in spirit, and perfectly prepared for God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah reigns! Amen.
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon : (Parents and children come forward to the front of the church)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
People: We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place. O Lord cleanse our souls and grant healing for our hearts; lift up our spirits and lead us by Your Truth.
Pastor: May we receive these blessings from the LORD and may our loved ones be touched by our Savior’s healing power. May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who 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.
(Healing Prayer based on words from Psalm 24)
Anthem
Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close.”
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 And Apostles Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (in unison) : 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.
Hymn :
Benediction: (in unison) 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 be to God forevermore. Amen.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
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. We are ashamed of our selfish behavior and sinful lives. Instead of following Your ways, we sometimes choose to be led by our greed and desires, our opinions and pride.
People: Gracious Father, speak to our hearts and change our foolish ways. In the midst of our problems and struggles with life, be our constant guide. When fear or anxiety threaten our faith, be our strength and shield. When we selfishly fall away from Your influence and care, grasp hold of our souls and return us to Your Love.
Guide: 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 You for bringing Jesus into the world and 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…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose perfect obedience and holy life fulfilled God’s great plan of salvation. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins, renewed in spirit, and perfectly prepared for God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah reigns! Amen.
Gloria Patri
Children’s Sermon : (Parents and children come forward to the front of the church)
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
People: We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place. O Lord cleanse our souls and grant healing for our hearts; lift up our spirits and lead us by Your Truth.
Pastor: May we receive these blessings from the LORD and may our loved ones be touched by our Savior’s healing power. May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who 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.
(Healing Prayer based on words from Psalm 24)
Anthem
Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close.”
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 And Apostles Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (in unison) : 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.
Hymn :
Benediction: (in unison) 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 be to God forevermore. Amen.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday Prayers: Ordinary 24 - Sept 14
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
First Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Creator God, whose Spirit hovered above the waters of chaos and whose almighty word brought this universe into being, we come before You as Your servants and children, seeking to please You with our praise and serve You with our lives. Throughout the years You have sustained our people and delivered us from our enemies. You have grown Your church through the seeds of faith which Your Son Jesus Christ has sown in our hearts and minds.
People: Gracious Lord, the harvest of holiness which You desire from us is not always fulfilled or abundantly clear in our lives. We allow ourselves to cheat our faith by falling prey to temptation; by sustaining our pride; by making selfish choices, and doing sinful acts. Precious God, be patient with us and have mercy on our souls. Forgive our faults and pardon our foolish ways. Challenge our choices and change our lives. Hear us now as we come to You individually with our prayers of confession.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Father, without Your compassion, we would not have any everlasting hope. Without Your redeeming love, we would have no opportunity to escape eternal punishment. You have given us Jesus, Your Only Son and He has laid down His life for us. We know that we are unworthy to receive such a wonderful and amazing love, yet we are truly grateful for all that we have been given.
People: In Jesus’ Name, we praise You forever and through His words of prayer, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus comes into our world and dwells with us. He seeks to influence our spirits with God’s everlasting love. We are blessed through Him because He sacrificed His life for us. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah and Redeemer reigns. Amen.
Gloria Patri
Family Sermon: Children and parents come up to the front of the Church
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The LORD is our shepherd; He knows all of our needs. He allows us to rest in His presence; He gives us peace in the midst of our troubles.
People: He heals our wounded souls and guides us through our fears. Throughout all that deeply troubles us and in the face of all that harms us, we will not be afraid, for the LORD is with us; His strength and power can restore us to health.
Pastor: Lord, spread out the bounty of Your Love before us and anoint us with healing. May your goodness and love be granted to our families and friends. May Your peace be restored to their lives and may You heal them of all that harms them. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May we dwell in the Holy Presence of God from this time forth and forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words from Psalm 23)
Anthem
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Reader : Holy Spirit, may the words of our Lord Jesus Christ always go before us and be at the front of our minds. May His teaching be our strength and may His gospel equip us to overcome our troubles and fears. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Scripture Readings, Sermon and Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, by bringing this offering before You, we hope to please You with our giving. We do this to glorify Your Holy Name and to bring faith, hope and love into the lives of other people through Your message, ministry and mission so that many of them may be saved. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Jesus keep us from being influenced by the pleasures and riches of the world; may the Father protect us from sin and loss; and may the Holy Spirit enrich our lives with faith to overcome fear, hope to bring us health, and love to defeat all loneliness, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
First Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Creator God, whose Spirit hovered above the waters of chaos and whose almighty word brought this universe into being, we come before You as Your servants and children, seeking to please You with our praise and serve You with our lives. Throughout the years You have sustained our people and delivered us from our enemies. You have grown Your church through the seeds of faith which Your Son Jesus Christ has sown in our hearts and minds.
People: Gracious Lord, the harvest of holiness which You desire from us is not always fulfilled or abundantly clear in our lives. We allow ourselves to cheat our faith by falling prey to temptation; by sustaining our pride; by making selfish choices, and doing sinful acts. Precious God, be patient with us and have mercy on our souls. Forgive our faults and pardon our foolish ways. Challenge our choices and change our lives. Hear us now as we come to You individually with our prayers of confession.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Merciful Father, without Your compassion, we would not have any everlasting hope. Without Your redeeming love, we would have no opportunity to escape eternal punishment. You have given us Jesus, Your Only Son and He has laid down His life for us. We know that we are unworthy to receive such a wonderful and amazing love, yet we are truly grateful for all that we have been given.
People: In Jesus’ Name, we praise You forever and through His words of prayer, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus comes into our world and dwells with us. He seeks to influence our spirits with God’s everlasting love. We are blessed through Him because He sacrificed His life for us. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah and Redeemer reigns. Amen.
Gloria Patri
Family Sermon: Children and parents come up to the front of the Church
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: The LORD is our shepherd; He knows all of our needs. He allows us to rest in His presence; He gives us peace in the midst of our troubles.
People: He heals our wounded souls and guides us through our fears. Throughout all that deeply troubles us and in the face of all that harms us, we will not be afraid, for the LORD is with us; His strength and power can restore us to health.
Pastor: Lord, spread out the bounty of Your Love before us and anoint us with healing. May your goodness and love be granted to our families and friends. May Your peace be restored to their lives and may You heal them of all that harms them. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May we dwell in the Holy Presence of God from this time forth and forevermore. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words from Psalm 23)
Anthem
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Reader : Holy Spirit, may the words of our Lord Jesus Christ always go before us and be at the front of our minds. May His teaching be our strength and may His gospel equip us to overcome our troubles and fears. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Scripture Readings, Sermon and Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication : Lord Jesus, by bringing this offering before You, we hope to please You with our giving. We do this to glorify Your Holy Name and to bring faith, hope and love into the lives of other people through Your message, ministry and mission so that many of them may be saved. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction: May Jesus keep us from being influenced by the pleasures and riches of the world; may the Father protect us from sin and loss; and may the Holy Spirit enrich our lives with faith to overcome fear, hope to bring us health, and love to defeat all loneliness, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sunday Prayers: Ordinary 23 7 September
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God and Everlasting Father, whose justice is based on mercy and whose judgments are full of grace, we praise You for the promises of hope and the covenants of faith You have made and sustained with humankind. You have gathered us to come and worship You in this holy sanctuary. We ardently applaud Your Sacred Ways and humbly accept Your authority over our lives.
People: Gracious Father, we have faltered in our faith and diminished our dependence upon You through our pride, selfishness and sinful choices. We have allowed ourselves to be deceived by our desires and distracted by our dreams. Please do not abandon us to our unfaithful ways and unfruitful lives. Forgive us for surrendering to temptation and neglecting Your Holy commands. Hear us now, as we seek Your pardon, in our silent prayers.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Precious Lord, only Your Son Jesus can save us from our sins. Only He can rescue us from the eternal consequences of our past mistakes and foolish choices. He is the Savior of our souls and the Restorer of our salvation. He alone is worthy of our worship and deserving of our praise.
People: We make these confessions in Christ's Name and continue to pray in His everlasting words saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus was sent by God to teach us new and passionate ways to worship and adore God. He glorified God by completing the works He set out to accomplish. Christ's sacrifice saved our souls. Christ's teaching restored us to God. Christ's obedience reclaimed us as the sons and daughters of the One, True and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We have come out from our homes, O God, to come to Your house of holiness and healing. In this sacred sanctuary, we dedicate our lives to Your dominion and power.
People: When we are overwhelmed with fear or anxiety, we need Your peaceful presence, O Lord. When our hearts are filled with hope and we seek to celebrate, we need Your loving presence, O Lord.
Pastor: When our bodies experience pain and our loved ones are distressed, we need Your healing presence, O Lord. Gracious Lord, heal us, our loved ones and all for whom we pray from all that harms us in body, mind , heart and soul.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May the Lord answer our prayers by changing our lives, refreshing our spirits and healing our wounds. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 114)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, touch our hearts with today’s scriptures and transform our thinking. Keep us focused on our faith and grant us opportunities to apply this lesson in our daily lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication: (unison)
Lord Jesus, You have granted us understanding of Your ways and given us guidance for our lives. We thank You for these blessings and show our gratitude by offering our gifts and tithes to You. Take them and bless them for the work of Your church which continues to glorify God and His Kingdom. In Your Holy name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ enable us to endure faithfully and witness effectively each day; may the Father continue to encourage us with His everlasting love; and may the Holy Spirit enhance our hope, so that we may worship and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God and Everlasting Father, whose justice is based on mercy and whose judgments are full of grace, we praise You for the promises of hope and the covenants of faith You have made and sustained with humankind. You have gathered us to come and worship You in this holy sanctuary. We ardently applaud Your Sacred Ways and humbly accept Your authority over our lives.
People: Gracious Father, we have faltered in our faith and diminished our dependence upon You through our pride, selfishness and sinful choices. We have allowed ourselves to be deceived by our desires and distracted by our dreams. Please do not abandon us to our unfaithful ways and unfruitful lives. Forgive us for surrendering to temptation and neglecting Your Holy commands. Hear us now, as we seek Your pardon, in our silent prayers.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Precious Lord, only Your Son Jesus can save us from our sins. Only He can rescue us from the eternal consequences of our past mistakes and foolish choices. He is the Savior of our souls and the Restorer of our salvation. He alone is worthy of our worship and deserving of our praise.
People: We make these confessions in Christ's Name and continue to pray in His everlasting words saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus was sent by God to teach us new and passionate ways to worship and adore God. He glorified God by completing the works He set out to accomplish. Christ's sacrifice saved our souls. Christ's teaching restored us to God. Christ's obedience reclaimed us as the sons and daughters of the One, True and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We have come out from our homes, O God, to come to Your house of holiness and healing. In this sacred sanctuary, we dedicate our lives to Your dominion and power.
People: When we are overwhelmed with fear or anxiety, we need Your peaceful presence, O Lord. When our hearts are filled with hope and we seek to celebrate, we need Your loving presence, O Lord.
Pastor: When our bodies experience pain and our loved ones are distressed, we need Your healing presence, O Lord. Gracious Lord, heal us, our loved ones and all for whom we pray from all that harms us in body, mind , heart and soul.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May the Lord answer our prayers by changing our lives, refreshing our spirits and healing our wounds. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 114)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, touch our hearts with today’s scriptures and transform our thinking. Keep us focused on our faith and grant us opportunities to apply this lesson in our daily lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication: (unison)
Lord Jesus, You have granted us understanding of Your ways and given us guidance for our lives. We thank You for these blessings and show our gratitude by offering our gifts and tithes to You. Take them and bless them for the work of Your church which continues to glorify God and His Kingdom. In Your Holy name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ enable us to endure faithfully and witness effectively each day; may the Father continue to encourage us with His everlasting love; and may the Holy Spirit enhance our hope, so that we may worship and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday Prayers: Ordinary 22 Aug 31
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Lord, whose power is limitless and whose works are glorified throughout Creation; we come before You, seeking to please Your Spirit, and faithfully blessing Your Holy Name. Your ways still astound us and Your love strengthens our hearts, therefore we turn to You for hope and renewal, comfort and peace.
People: Loving God, You know us completely and comprehend all of our ways. You see the mistakes that we make and observe all of our foolish and selfish choices. You bring us here to confess our sins and silently admit our guilt. You lead us to this sacred moment when we ask for pardon and seek Your grace. Hear us now as we privately pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Immortal Father, we are gathered in Christ' Name. Only He can cleanse us of the past and restore us to Your Kingdom. His sacrifice is our salvation; His obedience is our offering. His perfection is our prayer. His cross is our confession.
People: We make these prayers in the Holy Name of Jesus and through His everlasting words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus amazed His own people with His knowledge and preaching of the Gospel. Those things still amaze us today, but we are also astonished by His bravery and courage, which led Him to the Cross - to suffer and die for our sins. Only He can restore us to God. Only He can take us into the glorious, eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and give thanks for Christ our Savior is supreme and His grace is more than sufficient for all our needs. 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
Minute for Mission
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Throughout the day, from beginning to end, we will praise the Name of the Lord. He is exalted over all the nations; His glory extends from heaven to earth.
People: Our God is sovereign of all that we know; His power is displayed among His people. The Lord looks down upon the earth and sees all of our problems and troubles.
Pastor: He raises us from the pits of despair; in the midst of our pain, He fulfills our needs. May the Lord hear our prayers for all our loved ones and ourselves. May He bring healing to our hearts, peace to our minds, strength to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May the Lord restore our hopes and accept our prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 113)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with Christ's teaching and love. Enable us to understand and retain today's message, so that we may apply these lessons each day of our lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You have enabled our church to come together to sing praises to God, to pray for one another, and to receive the blessings of Your words. We now bring to You our thankful response. Take these gifts and tithes for Your continuous ministry amongst us and Your mission throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ continue to direct our lives each day; may the Father encourage us to devote more of our time to His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit inspire us to go out into the world expressing our faith, with joy, hope and love. To the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and evermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Lord, whose power is limitless and whose works are glorified throughout Creation; we come before You, seeking to please Your Spirit, and faithfully blessing Your Holy Name. Your ways still astound us and Your love strengthens our hearts, therefore we turn to You for hope and renewal, comfort and peace.
People: Loving God, You know us completely and comprehend all of our ways. You see the mistakes that we make and observe all of our foolish and selfish choices. You bring us here to confess our sins and silently admit our guilt. You lead us to this sacred moment when we ask for pardon and seek Your grace. Hear us now as we privately pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Immortal Father, we are gathered in Christ' Name. Only He can cleanse us of the past and restore us to Your Kingdom. His sacrifice is our salvation; His obedience is our offering. His perfection is our prayer. His cross is our confession.
People: We make these prayers in the Holy Name of Jesus and through His everlasting words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus amazed His own people with His knowledge and preaching of the Gospel. Those things still amaze us today, but we are also astonished by His bravery and courage, which led Him to the Cross - to suffer and die for our sins. Only He can restore us to God. Only He can take us into the glorious, eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and give thanks for Christ our Savior is supreme and His grace is more than sufficient for all our needs. 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
Minute for Mission
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Throughout the day, from beginning to end, we will praise the Name of the Lord. He is exalted over all the nations; His glory extends from heaven to earth.
People: Our God is sovereign of all that we know; His power is displayed among His people. The Lord looks down upon the earth and sees all of our problems and troubles.
Pastor: He raises us from the pits of despair; in the midst of our pain, He fulfills our needs. May the Lord hear our prayers for all our loved ones and ourselves. May He bring healing to our hearts, peace to our minds, strength to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May the Lord restore our hopes and accept our prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 113)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with Christ's teaching and love. Enable us to understand and retain today's message, so that we may apply these lessons each day of our lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You have enabled our church to come together to sing praises to God, to pray for one another, and to receive the blessings of Your words. We now bring to You our thankful response. Take these gifts and tithes for Your continuous ministry amongst us and Your mission throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ continue to direct our lives each day; may the Father encourage us to devote more of our time to His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit inspire us to go out into the world expressing our faith, with joy, hope and love. To the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and evermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sunday Prayers: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - 24 Aug
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God, whose kingdom never ends and whose sovereignty is limitless, we praise Your wonderful works and glorify Your godly ways. When our spirits are downcast and we are weary, You refresh our souls and grant us strength. When our hopes diminish and our beliefs falter, restore us to Your love and favor.
People: Gracious Father, sometimes we lack understanding of our faith and the responsibilities You expect us to fulfill. Sometimes we focus too much on ourselves and forget the needs of other people. We are sorry for those moments and seek Your mercy. Enable us now to turn to You, to silently confess our sins and wait upon Your grace.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Everlasting God, without Jesus, we are nothing. Without His Death, we have no life. Without His forgiveness, we have no future. In Him, we are shielded from Your wrath and through Him, we are restored to Your blessed love.
People: Our confessions are made in the precious and Holy Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, in whose words we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus comes amongst us to teach us His truth, to win us with His words, and to liberate us through His glorious life. We have sincerely confessed our mistakes to Him, so we are now wonderfully and completely forgiven. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King and Everlasting Savior. 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: Let us revere the LORD and delight in His healing power. God is mighty throughout the earth and we are blessed by His compassion.
People: The LORD enriches our lives with His resources; His righteousness endures forever. In the midst of our troubles, God is gracious and supportive. In our time of fear, He is faithful.
Pastor: May the goodness of the Lord come to us; may He free us from all that harms our bodies, minds, hearts and souls. May God strengthen our loved ones and heal them. May the Holy Spirit bring them peace of mind, renew their hopes and restore their health.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May our hearts be steadfast, as we trust in the Lord and make our prayers in Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 112)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, You enrich our lives so that we may share our faith with other people. Bless us with these sacred words and enable us to apply them in a practical, effective and positive way. In the glorious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, by Your words, we are shown how to live our lives. Through our deeds, we express to the world how much we believe in You. You call upon us to give of our time, talents and treasures to the ministries and missions that our church is expected to fulfill. Bless our tithes and offerings, which are symbols of our dedication and devotion to You. Enable us to be faithful servants and Christian witnesses in our congregation and community. In Your Holy name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ enable us to please our neighbors with faith and love; may the Father continually call us to be kind and good to the people we encounter each day; and may the Holy Spirit grant us the resources and strength to enhance and build up the faith in all whom we love and all whom we know. To the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty God, whose kingdom never ends and whose sovereignty is limitless, we praise Your wonderful works and glorify Your godly ways. When our spirits are downcast and we are weary, You refresh our souls and grant us strength. When our hopes diminish and our beliefs falter, restore us to Your love and favor.
People: Gracious Father, sometimes we lack understanding of our faith and the responsibilities You expect us to fulfill. Sometimes we focus too much on ourselves and forget the needs of other people. We are sorry for those moments and seek Your mercy. Enable us now to turn to You, to silently confess our sins and wait upon Your grace.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Everlasting God, without Jesus, we are nothing. Without His Death, we have no life. Without His forgiveness, we have no future. In Him, we are shielded from Your wrath and through Him, we are restored to Your blessed love.
People: Our confessions are made in the precious and Holy Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, in whose words we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus comes amongst us to teach us His truth, to win us with His words, and to liberate us through His glorious life. We have sincerely confessed our mistakes to Him, so we are now wonderfully and completely forgiven. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King and Everlasting Savior. 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: Let us revere the LORD and delight in His healing power. God is mighty throughout the earth and we are blessed by His compassion.
People: The LORD enriches our lives with His resources; His righteousness endures forever. In the midst of our troubles, God is gracious and supportive. In our time of fear, He is faithful.
Pastor: May the goodness of the Lord come to us; may He free us from all that harms our bodies, minds, hearts and souls. May God strengthen our loved ones and heal them. May the Holy Spirit bring them peace of mind, renew their hopes and restore their health.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May our hearts be steadfast, as we trust in the Lord and make our prayers in Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 112)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, You enrich our lives so that we may share our faith with other people. Bless us with these sacred words and enable us to apply them in a practical, effective and positive way. In the glorious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, by Your words, we are shown how to live our lives. Through our deeds, we express to the world how much we believe in You. You call upon us to give of our time, talents and treasures to the ministries and missions that our church is expected to fulfill. Bless our tithes and offerings, which are symbols of our dedication and devotion to You. Enable us to be faithful servants and Christian witnesses in our congregation and community. In Your Holy name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ enable us to please our neighbors with faith and love; may the Father continually call us to be kind and good to the people we encounter each day; and may the Holy Spirit grant us the resources and strength to enhance and build up the faith in all whom we love and all whom we know. To the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday prayers - 20th in ordinary Time - 17 Aug 2008
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Lord of Heaven and Earth, whose power fortifies our spirits and whose love sustains our lives; we come before You as chosen children and elected worshippers, as humble servants and blessed heirs. You have never abandoned Your faithful people nor forsaken Your sacred promises. You have allowed us to abide in Your Presence and to seek refuge in Your sanctuary.
People: Merciful God, we have sinfully taken You for granted. We have placed our own wants above Your will. We have selfishly made our own foolish choices, opposing Your perfect counsel. Have mercy upon us and forgive our reckless acts of disobedience, disinterest and disdain. Pardon us for being uncaring, unfaithful and unholy. Hear us now as we silently seek Your forgiveness for all our faults and fallen ways.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Gracious Father, we seek salvation from Your Holy Jesus Christ, our Lord. By His supreme sacrifice, our mistakes are pardoned and our sins are absolved. Through His Grace, we are restored to Your Favor and set free from the past.
People: We make these confessions in Christ’s Name and place our lives into His Hands. In His holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We are not afraid to worship Jesus and broadcast His Name in the world, for He alone has the power on earth to grant us God’s everlasting peace He is the High Priest of our hearts and the sacred Savior of our souls. So let us rejoice and express our faith in the praising and glorifying of His Name forever. 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: Let us extol the Lord with all our hearts in this place of holiness and healing. Great are the works of the LORD; we will recall His words and delight in them.
People: Glorious and majestic are the deeds of God; His righteousness endures forever. We remember His wonderful ways, for the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Pastor: May He provide strength and sustenance for those who need Him; may He remember the prayers of our people for health, hope and healing. May the Lord show us the power of His works to us and our loved ones; may he set us free from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Hear us now, Gracious God, as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; we will trust all of His merciful ways. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 111)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, You know us by name and call us into Christ’s service. Let His words and teaching challenge our lives, so that we may better honor and glorify His sacred Name. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication: (unison)
Lord Jesus, You speak to us everyday in our lives and grant us many blessings. From the fruits of our work and the plenty of our resources, we place our tithes and offerings before You. Take these gifts and consecrate them for the ministries You want to accomplish by our church, in this community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give our lives and seek Your blessing. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ be all the strength that we need each day; may the Father support us in times of weakness and failure; and may the Holy Spirit teach us to delight in the Lord by pleasing the One, triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Eternal Lord of Heaven and Earth, whose power fortifies our spirits and whose love sustains our lives; we come before You as chosen children and elected worshippers, as humble servants and blessed heirs. You have never abandoned Your faithful people nor forsaken Your sacred promises. You have allowed us to abide in Your Presence and to seek refuge in Your sanctuary.
People: Merciful God, we have sinfully taken You for granted. We have placed our own wants above Your will. We have selfishly made our own foolish choices, opposing Your perfect counsel. Have mercy upon us and forgive our reckless acts of disobedience, disinterest and disdain. Pardon us for being uncaring, unfaithful and unholy. Hear us now as we silently seek Your forgiveness for all our faults and fallen ways.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Gracious Father, we seek salvation from Your Holy Jesus Christ, our Lord. By His supreme sacrifice, our mistakes are pardoned and our sins are absolved. Through His Grace, we are restored to Your Favor and set free from the past.
People: We make these confessions in Christ’s Name and place our lives into His Hands. In His holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We are not afraid to worship Jesus and broadcast His Name in the world, for He alone has the power on earth to grant us God’s everlasting peace He is the High Priest of our hearts and the sacred Savior of our souls. So let us rejoice and express our faith in the praising and glorifying of His Name forever. 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: Let us extol the Lord with all our hearts in this place of holiness and healing. Great are the works of the LORD; we will recall His words and delight in them.
People: Glorious and majestic are the deeds of God; His righteousness endures forever. We remember His wonderful ways, for the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Pastor: May He provide strength and sustenance for those who need Him; may He remember the prayers of our people for health, hope and healing. May the Lord show us the power of His works to us and our loved ones; may he set us free from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Hear us now, Gracious God, as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; we will trust all of His merciful ways. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 111)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, You know us by name and call us into Christ’s service. Let His words and teaching challenge our lives, so that we may better honor and glorify His sacred Name. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication: (unison)
Lord Jesus, You speak to us everyday in our lives and grant us many blessings. From the fruits of our work and the plenty of our resources, we place our tithes and offerings before You. Take these gifts and consecrate them for the ministries You want to accomplish by our church, in this community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give our lives and seek Your blessing. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ be all the strength that we need each day; may the Father support us in times of weakness and failure; and may the Holy Spirit teach us to delight in the Lord by pleasing the One, triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Sunday prayers 19th in Ordinary Time 08-10-08
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Creator and Immortal Lord, whose holiness purifies the universe, and whose sacred words sustain all life; we humbly gather before You as servants seeking to honor You and as sinners needing salvation. Your ways are beyond our imagining and Your noble works have been glorified for centuries. We reverently approach Your Throne of grace, looking for mercy, favor and love.
People: Heavenly Father, we have built barriers of pride and prejudice, insolence and ignorance, faithlessness and fear around our souls. We have damaged our spirits by our greedy ways; we have diminished our faith by our selfish sins. Remove the sinful fruits of our fallen lives. Pardon our guilt and forgive our foolish choices. Enable us to seek Your Son Jesus Christ to crush the rocks of rebellion in our hearts and restore the foundations of His peace in our minds. Hear us now as we confess and pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving Father, Your forgiveness restores us to Your divine favor and godly grace. The blood of Jesus Christ our Lord has atoned for our guilt. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. Without His perfect obedience, we would have no everlasting hope.
People: Our prayers are given in the Name of Jesus Christ and through His words, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus lived among us to show us God's love. His goodness and grace established in the hearts and minds of many people a new faith, a new understanding, and a new hope. We have received His blessings and are called to be His disciples. He forgives all our faults and releases us from the wrath of God. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our Savior and we are restored to God's everlasting favor. 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 Glenfinnan
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, come amongst us and let Your Spirit abide in our presence. Loving Father, extend Your power and favor upon us as we pray.
People: In the midst of all that troubles us, be our strength. Throughout our times of worry and fear, be our shield. You are our constant hope and the solid foundation of our faith, so we present our prayers for healing to You alone.
Pastor: Gracious Lord, hold us in Your precious hand. Heal us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and soul. Let Your sovereign and sacred power touch all our loved ones in the midst of their pain, sickness and distress. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: Lord, refresh our spirits with Your love that heals. Lift up our hearts, so that we may praise You alone. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 110)
Singing of ‘Jesus Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, sow seeds of salvation within our hearts and minds. Let the scriptures enrich our lives so that we may serve Christ all of our days. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, across the centuries You have spoken to our people in the language of hope, faith and love. Today, we willingly give of ourselves and our resources to continue Your sacred work on earth. Bless our tithes and offerings. May they be used for the praising of God and the glorifying of His kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ diminish our doubts by enhancing our faith each day; may the Father sustain us by supplying our daily needs; and may the Holy Spirit keep us from sin with good guidance and constant counsel; to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Creator and Immortal Lord, whose holiness purifies the universe, and whose sacred words sustain all life; we humbly gather before You as servants seeking to honor You and as sinners needing salvation. Your ways are beyond our imagining and Your noble works have been glorified for centuries. We reverently approach Your Throne of grace, looking for mercy, favor and love.
People: Heavenly Father, we have built barriers of pride and prejudice, insolence and ignorance, faithlessness and fear around our souls. We have damaged our spirits by our greedy ways; we have diminished our faith by our selfish sins. Remove the sinful fruits of our fallen lives. Pardon our guilt and forgive our foolish choices. Enable us to seek Your Son Jesus Christ to crush the rocks of rebellion in our hearts and restore the foundations of His peace in our minds. Hear us now as we confess and pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving Father, Your forgiveness restores us to Your divine favor and godly grace. The blood of Jesus Christ our Lord has atoned for our guilt. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. Without His perfect obedience, we would have no everlasting hope.
People: Our prayers are given in the Name of Jesus Christ and through His words, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus lived among us to show us God's love. His goodness and grace established in the hearts and minds of many people a new faith, a new understanding, and a new hope. We have received His blessings and are called to be His disciples. He forgives all our faults and releases us from the wrath of God. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our Savior and we are restored to God's everlasting favor. 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 Glenfinnan
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, come amongst us and let Your Spirit abide in our presence. Loving Father, extend Your power and favor upon us as we pray.
People: In the midst of all that troubles us, be our strength. Throughout our times of worry and fear, be our shield. You are our constant hope and the solid foundation of our faith, so we present our prayers for healing to You alone.
Pastor: Gracious Lord, hold us in Your precious hand. Heal us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and soul. Let Your sovereign and sacred power touch all our loved ones in the midst of their pain, sickness and distress. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: Lord, refresh our spirits with Your love that heals. Lift up our hearts, so that we may praise You alone. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 110)
Singing of ‘Jesus Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, sow seeds of salvation within our hearts and minds. Let the scriptures enrich our lives so that we may serve Christ all of our days. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, across the centuries You have spoken to our people in the language of hope, faith and love. Today, we willingly give of ourselves and our resources to continue Your sacred work on earth. Bless our tithes and offerings. May they be used for the praising of God and the glorifying of His kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ diminish our doubts by enhancing our faith each day; may the Father sustain us by supplying our daily needs; and may the Holy Spirit keep us from sin with good guidance and constant counsel; to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday prayer 18th in ordinary Time August 03
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord God of hosts and Sacred Creator of humankind, we gather in this precious place to honor and magnify Your Holy Name. Your will sustains our lives and Your words strengthen our souls. We humbly come before You to offer our service and praise.
People: Eternal God, we know that we are guilty of contending with Your counsel; we confess that we are sometimes rebellious and resentful, as well as being sinful and selfish people. We regret our foolish mistakes and the many ways in which we disappoint You and others. Hear us now, Gracious Father, as we silently admit our mistakes.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving Lord, we seek forgiveness through the blood of Christ, our King. We look for mercy by the wounds He received and the pain He endured. Without His Cross, we have no communion with You. Without His Sacrifice, we have no salvation.
People: We give these prayers in the precious Name of Jesus, the Lamb of God and Savior of our souls. In His words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Many people waiated for Jesus throughout His lifetime, in order to experience hope, faith and love. We are the recipients of His blessings, for by His grace, we are forgiven and through His mercy, we are restored to God, both now and evermore. 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 Sovereign LORD, deal well with us for Your Name's sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver us. When we are poor in spirit and in much need of Your encouragement, heal the wounds within our hearts and grant us Your peace.
People: When our health is diminished and fear damages our minds, deliver us from being consumed by worry, and keep us free from stress and exhaustion. When we buckle under pressure and lose strength in the midst of our troubles, help us to refocus our faith and look to You for healing.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, when others around us are in need of help, be their salvation. When our loved ones suffer illness or injury, insecurity and anxiety, grant them healing and wholeness, protection and peace. Hear us now as we personally pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: With our prayers, we exalt the Lord. In the midst of His people, we will forever praise His holy grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 109)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, encourage us with the Living words of Christ; call us as devoted disciples, seeking to discern today's message and the meaning of our Master's teaching. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You speak to us in many ways - through music, to reach our hearts; through scripture, to feed our minds; through prayer, to heal our souls. In response, we offer You our gifts. Take these tithes and offerings and bless them to be used for the work of God's Kingdom in this church, community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ keep growing our beliefs each day; may the Father approve of our daily deeds; and may the Holy Spirit free us from everlasting condemnation by encouraging us to worship the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering Song
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord God of hosts and Sacred Creator of humankind, we gather in this precious place to honor and magnify Your Holy Name. Your will sustains our lives and Your words strengthen our souls. We humbly come before You to offer our service and praise.
People: Eternal God, we know that we are guilty of contending with Your counsel; we confess that we are sometimes rebellious and resentful, as well as being sinful and selfish people. We regret our foolish mistakes and the many ways in which we disappoint You and others. Hear us now, Gracious Father, as we silently admit our mistakes.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving Lord, we seek forgiveness through the blood of Christ, our King. We look for mercy by the wounds He received and the pain He endured. Without His Cross, we have no communion with You. Without His Sacrifice, we have no salvation.
People: We give these prayers in the precious Name of Jesus, the Lamb of God and Savior of our souls. In His words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Many people waiated for Jesus throughout His lifetime, in order to experience hope, faith and love. We are the recipients of His blessings, for by His grace, we are forgiven and through His mercy, we are restored to God, both now and evermore. 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 Sovereign LORD, deal well with us for Your Name's sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver us. When we are poor in spirit and in much need of Your encouragement, heal the wounds within our hearts and grant us Your peace.
People: When our health is diminished and fear damages our minds, deliver us from being consumed by worry, and keep us free from stress and exhaustion. When we buckle under pressure and lose strength in the midst of our troubles, help us to refocus our faith and look to You for healing.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, when others around us are in need of help, be their salvation. When our loved ones suffer illness or injury, insecurity and anxiety, grant them healing and wholeness, protection and peace. Hear us now as we personally pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: With our prayers, we exalt the Lord. In the midst of His people, we will forever praise His holy grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 109)
Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, encourage us with the Living words of Christ; call us as devoted disciples, seeking to discern today's message and the meaning of our Master's teaching. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You speak to us in many ways - through music, to reach our hearts; through scripture, to feed our minds; through prayer, to heal our souls. In response, we offer You our gifts. Take these tithes and offerings and bless them to be used for the work of God's Kingdom in this church, community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Christ keep growing our beliefs each day; may the Father approve of our daily deeds; and may the Holy Spirit free us from everlasting condemnation by encouraging us to worship the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
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