Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Sovereign Lord of the Universe, we praise Your glorious ways and bless Your wonderful Name. We are honored at being called into Your Holy Presence. We feel favored when You summon us to Your Holy House of praise and prayer.
People: Loving Lord of Life, You rule over the earth and see all of its ways. You know that we are sinful and selfish, foolish and faithless, proud and pitiless at times. Merciful God, forgive our faults and pardon our past mistakes. We have neglected to do good deeds, and have inflicted hurt on other people. We have followed our own foolhardy ways and allowed temptation to contaminate our souls. Hear us now as we inwardly confess our sins to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, help us to honor You by placing Christ at the center of our lives. May His Passion free us from our sins. May His sacrifice restore us to Your Favor. In Christ’s Name, we pray and through His own words, we unite our hearts, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’s PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus wants us to turn away from sinful ways and return to Him. He calls us to follow Him and be witnesses of His mercy. Our past sins are forgiven because He loves us. We honor Christ’s authority over our lives by asking for His redeeming grace. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our Savior and we are eternally restored to God’s favor and blessing. Amen.
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Lord, we proclaim Your love this morning and thank You for Your faithfulness to us.
You make us glad through Your wonderful deeds; we rejoice in the work of Your healing hands.
People: Loving Lord, we know that You understand us perfectly, and that You think about us constantly. May we flourish by Your grace; may we be healed through Your mercy.
Pastor: In the midst of our illnesses, be our salvation. During times of depression or despair, be our defender and deliverer. Loving Lord, look after our loved ones and heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, heart and soul. Hear us now as we pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit
All: The Lord is our righteousness, our peace and strength. He loves and restores us in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 92)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to judge between right and wrong through the guidance of these scriptures. Open our hearts and minds to Christ’s teaching, so that we may please and obey God every day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have revealed Your ways through the Living Word of the scriptures. In response, we gather together our tithes and offerings, placing them into Your keeping. We ask that You will bless these tokens and enable us to use them for the many ministries and missions You have called us to pursue and fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Hymn :
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Kirking of the Tartan Service, Kirkin' of the Tartan
Kirkin' of the Tartan Service – Kirking of the Tartan Service
(I have done this on many occasions, at different Games & in churches in the United States. I also speak at Burns Suppers and have given humorous after-dinner speeches at St. Andrews Day events. If you need a Scottish-native speaker or chaplain for your event, contact me by e-mail at Traqair@aol.com) if you need any advice about hosting your own church service, please feel free to contact me at the same email address)
(The following is a copy of the service that I have used at several Highland Games)
Introduction:
On this special day, we gather for the Kirkin of the Tartan. In the middle of the eighteenth century, when our forefathers in Scotland had been defeated in the Jacobite rebellion, the wearing of the Tartan, the playing of the bagpipes and the bearing of arms were all ruthlessly outlawed by the Hanovarian English government.
On Sunday mornings at church, during the years when these bans were publicly enforced, Scots people would secretly carry a small piece of their clan's tartan to church under their clothes. Thus, when the minister ended the worship service with the benediction, that tartan was blessed and God's favor was bestowed upon the Scottish people.
Today, we celebrate their persistence and strong independence by proudly displaying the tartans and publicly parading the clans to the stirring sounds of the pipes.
Clan representatives and flag bearers are piped across the Games field. They stand in line in front of the altar.
We begin this commemoration with the roll call of the Clans. As you hear your own clan being called, please stand.
Honored representatives, proudly declare the names of your sacred clans!
Starting at the left, the Flag bearers will state the name of their Clan, Society or District. The Flags are held upright. When finished with the Roll Call, the pastor announces and gives the prayer of Dedication. During this prayer, heads are bowed and flags are tipped at a 45 degree angle.
On behalf of all Scots away from Scotland, these honored representatives present their tartans before Almighty God and ask His blessings on these sacred colors.
Let us dedicate these tartans to the One, True and Living God.
Prayer: Almighty God, who has promised that in all places where You record Your Name, that You will meet with Your servants to bless them; fulfill Your sacred promise and make this field a place of power, heritage, courage and prayer. May our worship be offered in the Holy Name of Jesus; may You bless us with the presence of the Holy Spirit; may You sanctify this time as profitable to our hearts and souls.
We rejoice in this opportunity to dedicate these tartans to You as symbols of the unwavering loyalty, steadfast faith and great achievements of our Scottish forefathers. We praise You for their ingenuity and integrity; for their respect of truth and justice; for their rejection of hype and hypocrisy; and for their regard of liberty, life and the equality of all people.
Grant us, O God, the ability to remain true to the faith of our fathers, which has enlightened, encouraged and enhanced the people of our beloved lands. Use us to bring peace and goodwill on earth and to advance equality and justice throughout the world, through the name of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Flag bearers raise their heads and hold the flags upright.
Piper, play a joyful sound to the Lord! "Amazing Grace."
The Flowers of the Forest
The pastor tells the story of the Flowers of the Forest.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Scottish people joined their beloved King James IV in a battle against Henry VIII at Flodden Field. Highlanders, lowlanders and borderers fought side by side against an overwhelming foe.
In the midst of this tragic battle, in which 10000 Scottish warriors were killed, beloved King James was also slain. Many leaders and nobles, knights and common folk lost their lives. It was later said that "the slaughter struck at every farm and household throughout lowland Scotland."
All those who had fallen in battle, the best and finest in the Scottish kingdom, came to be known as the "Flowers of the Forest." To this day, Scots honor their dead and loved ones by listing their names at the gathering of the clans and playing the beautiful pipers' lament, "The Flowers of the Forest."
Please stand, as we name the Flowers of the Forest of our people gathered here today. Clan bearers, lower your flags.
Clan flags are lowered to the ground. The pastor reads the names submitted previously by the representatives. After this list is read, the pastor asks, "Are there any others?"
Once all the names have been read and expressed, the pastor then says:
Piper, play for our beloved people the "Flowers of the Forest."
After the playing of this lament, there is a ten second silence. The flags are solemnly raised to the upright position.
Let us dismiss with prayer.
The flags are again tipped to 45 degrees and heads bowed.
Prayer: May the Light of the World shine within and around you, like the sunlight to warm your heart, like a great peat fire to signify welcome and friendship, hospitality and faith.
May the Water of Life fall upon you - the sweetness of a gentle rain, growing in your souls and strengthening your heart.
May the Holy Spirit shower upon you the blessings of God, cleansing your souls and lifting you to the sacred heights of heaven.
And may the soft earth embrace you; may the land that you love enhance your spirit, lift up your heart and grow goodness, courage and faith throughout your life till that precious day in God's sacred time when you are called to be a flower in His everlasting forest, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Upon completion of the prayer, flags are held upright and the clan bearers are led off the field by the piper, who usually plays "Scotland the Brave."
(I have done this on many occasions, at different Games & in churches in the United States. I also speak at Burns Suppers and have given humorous after-dinner speeches at St. Andrews Day events. If you need a Scottish-native speaker or chaplain for your event, contact me by e-mail at Traqair@aol.com) if you need any advice about hosting your own church service, please feel free to contact me at the same email address)
(The following is a copy of the service that I have used at several Highland Games)
Introduction:
On this special day, we gather for the Kirkin of the Tartan. In the middle of the eighteenth century, when our forefathers in Scotland had been defeated in the Jacobite rebellion, the wearing of the Tartan, the playing of the bagpipes and the bearing of arms were all ruthlessly outlawed by the Hanovarian English government.
On Sunday mornings at church, during the years when these bans were publicly enforced, Scots people would secretly carry a small piece of their clan's tartan to church under their clothes. Thus, when the minister ended the worship service with the benediction, that tartan was blessed and God's favor was bestowed upon the Scottish people.
Today, we celebrate their persistence and strong independence by proudly displaying the tartans and publicly parading the clans to the stirring sounds of the pipes.
Clan representatives and flag bearers are piped across the Games field. They stand in line in front of the altar.
We begin this commemoration with the roll call of the Clans. As you hear your own clan being called, please stand.
Honored representatives, proudly declare the names of your sacred clans!
Starting at the left, the Flag bearers will state the name of their Clan, Society or District. The Flags are held upright. When finished with the Roll Call, the pastor announces and gives the prayer of Dedication. During this prayer, heads are bowed and flags are tipped at a 45 degree angle.
On behalf of all Scots away from Scotland, these honored representatives present their tartans before Almighty God and ask His blessings on these sacred colors.
Let us dedicate these tartans to the One, True and Living God.
Prayer: Almighty God, who has promised that in all places where You record Your Name, that You will meet with Your servants to bless them; fulfill Your sacred promise and make this field a place of power, heritage, courage and prayer. May our worship be offered in the Holy Name of Jesus; may You bless us with the presence of the Holy Spirit; may You sanctify this time as profitable to our hearts and souls.
We rejoice in this opportunity to dedicate these tartans to You as symbols of the unwavering loyalty, steadfast faith and great achievements of our Scottish forefathers. We praise You for their ingenuity and integrity; for their respect of truth and justice; for their rejection of hype and hypocrisy; and for their regard of liberty, life and the equality of all people.
Grant us, O God, the ability to remain true to the faith of our fathers, which has enlightened, encouraged and enhanced the people of our beloved lands. Use us to bring peace and goodwill on earth and to advance equality and justice throughout the world, through the name of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Flag bearers raise their heads and hold the flags upright.
Piper, play a joyful sound to the Lord! "Amazing Grace."
The Flowers of the Forest
The pastor tells the story of the Flowers of the Forest.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Scottish people joined their beloved King James IV in a battle against Henry VIII at Flodden Field. Highlanders, lowlanders and borderers fought side by side against an overwhelming foe.
In the midst of this tragic battle, in which 10000 Scottish warriors were killed, beloved King James was also slain. Many leaders and nobles, knights and common folk lost their lives. It was later said that "the slaughter struck at every farm and household throughout lowland Scotland."
All those who had fallen in battle, the best and finest in the Scottish kingdom, came to be known as the "Flowers of the Forest." To this day, Scots honor their dead and loved ones by listing their names at the gathering of the clans and playing the beautiful pipers' lament, "The Flowers of the Forest."
Please stand, as we name the Flowers of the Forest of our people gathered here today. Clan bearers, lower your flags.
Clan flags are lowered to the ground. The pastor reads the names submitted previously by the representatives. After this list is read, the pastor asks, "Are there any others?"
Once all the names have been read and expressed, the pastor then says:
Piper, play for our beloved people the "Flowers of the Forest."
After the playing of this lament, there is a ten second silence. The flags are solemnly raised to the upright position.
Let us dismiss with prayer.
The flags are again tipped to 45 degrees and heads bowed.
Prayer: May the Light of the World shine within and around you, like the sunlight to warm your heart, like a great peat fire to signify welcome and friendship, hospitality and faith.
May the Water of Life fall upon you - the sweetness of a gentle rain, growing in your souls and strengthening your heart.
May the Holy Spirit shower upon you the blessings of God, cleansing your souls and lifting you to the sacred heights of heaven.
And may the soft earth embrace you; may the land that you love enhance your spirit, lift up your heart and grow goodness, courage and faith throughout your life till that precious day in God's sacred time when you are called to be a flower in His everlasting forest, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Upon completion of the prayer, flags are held upright and the clan bearers are led off the field by the piper, who usually plays "Scotland the Brave."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sunday prayers: Lent 3 February 24, 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, we approach You with awe and reverence; we gather in humility and service. Your Hands have formed our universe; Your Will sustains our lives. What are we that You are mindful of us? Who are we to receive Your compassion and care?
People: Gracious Lord, nothing is hidden from Your gaze; no secrets can be kept from Your heart. We have shamefully sinned and selfishly centered our lives upon greed, power, desire and deceit. We have neglected our faith; spoken harsh words; passed by people in need and put You to the back of our minds. We are guilty of many sins, so we seek Your compassion and ask for mercy. Hear us now as we solemnly pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, we are unworthy to receive grace and yet You have given us Your Son Jesus to die for our mistakes, to take the punishment due for our sins, and to sacrifice Himself for all the wrong things we have committed and all the right thing we have omitted. Without our Savior, we are unforgiven. Without Christ’s obedience, we are not restored. Hear us now as we unite our hearts with His, through Christ’s own words, saying “Our Father, etc...THE LORD’S PRAYER debts/debtors
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ knows all of our secrets and everything that goes on in our minds, hearts and lives. Only He can fully offer us salvation. Only He can restore us to the One, True and Living God. When we honestly believe in Him and sincerely confess our sins, He will forgive us and bring us back to God. Let us rejoice and be glad for Jesus has pardoned our foolish ways and re-established our everlasting relationship with the LORD, both now and always. Amen. (John 6:64)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Lord, You have been our dwelling place and healing source throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or Time began, You existed.
People: O LORD, how long shall we suffer? Have compassion upon us and heal all Your servants. Satisfy our prayers with Your unfailing love, so that we may praise and glorify You every day.
Pastor: Make us glad by restoring our health; bring peace, hope and healing to all our loved ones.
May Your compassionate deeds be shown to us; may the splendor of Your strength be experienced by all, for whom we now pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit
All: May the favor of the LORD rest upon us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 90)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader: Holy Spirit, open our hearts to Christ’s teaching, and enable us to spread His message amongst the people we know and love, through applying these sacred words in our everyday lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, through the things that we do, we witness to others about Your ministry. Today, we gather this offering as a true token of our faith and loving response to Your sacred words. Take these gifts and tithes and bless them for Your continuing work and ways amongst us. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, we approach You with awe and reverence; we gather in humility and service. Your Hands have formed our universe; Your Will sustains our lives. What are we that You are mindful of us? Who are we to receive Your compassion and care?
People: Gracious Lord, nothing is hidden from Your gaze; no secrets can be kept from Your heart. We have shamefully sinned and selfishly centered our lives upon greed, power, desire and deceit. We have neglected our faith; spoken harsh words; passed by people in need and put You to the back of our minds. We are guilty of many sins, so we seek Your compassion and ask for mercy. Hear us now as we solemnly pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, we are unworthy to receive grace and yet You have given us Your Son Jesus to die for our mistakes, to take the punishment due for our sins, and to sacrifice Himself for all the wrong things we have committed and all the right thing we have omitted. Without our Savior, we are unforgiven. Without Christ’s obedience, we are not restored. Hear us now as we unite our hearts with His, through Christ’s own words, saying “Our Father, etc...THE LORD’S PRAYER debts/debtors
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Christ knows all of our secrets and everything that goes on in our minds, hearts and lives. Only He can fully offer us salvation. Only He can restore us to the One, True and Living God. When we honestly believe in Him and sincerely confess our sins, He will forgive us and bring us back to God. Let us rejoice and be glad for Jesus has pardoned our foolish ways and re-established our everlasting relationship with the LORD, both now and always. Amen. (John 6:64)
Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Lord, You have been our dwelling place and healing source throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or Time began, You existed.
People: O LORD, how long shall we suffer? Have compassion upon us and heal all Your servants. Satisfy our prayers with Your unfailing love, so that we may praise and glorify You every day.
Pastor: Make us glad by restoring our health; bring peace, hope and healing to all our loved ones.
May Your compassionate deeds be shown to us; may the splendor of Your strength be experienced by all, for whom we now pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit
All: May the favor of the LORD rest upon us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 90)
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader: Holy Spirit, open our hearts to Christ’s teaching, and enable us to spread His message amongst the people we know and love, through applying these sacred words in our everyday lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, through the things that we do, we witness to others about Your ministry. Today, we gather this offering as a true token of our faith and loving response to Your sacred words. Take these gifts and tithes and bless them for Your continuing work and ways amongst us. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday prayers: Lent 2 - Feb 17, 2008
Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Lord, whose words have shaped our civilization and whose love sustains all our people, we humbly approach Your Holy presence. In these times which try our souls, we pray for protection, perseverance and peace. Merciful God, each day we are surrounded by sinful distractions, which plague our faithful ways. We are tempted to surrender to our selfish desires and keep justifying our misdeeds.
People: Gracious Father, enter our hearts and strengthen our Christian beliefs. Anoint our souls with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may overcome our reckless and foolish ways. Loving Lord, forgive us for being weak and sinful people. Pardon our neglect of good works, charitable deeds and selfless giving. Teach us Your ways and redirect our paths so that we may sincerely serve and honor You. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious Lord, You have returned to us our hope and thanksgiving. May we adore Jesus as our Savior, who gave His Life so that we may be cleansed of the past, strengthened in the present and restored to Your eternal Kingdom in the future. For we place our souls into Christ’s Hands and through His Own Words, we now pray, saying “Our Father, etc…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: In the midst of our troubles, Jesus is here beside us, ready to calm the rough times in our lives with His mercy, grace and everlasting love. Let us celebrate His wonderful deeds and glorious life, 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.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We have heard what God has done in the past and experienced His unfailing love in our lives. By God’s guidance, we have overcome our troubles and through His mercy, we have flourished.
People: The Lord is our King and God forever. We look to Him for the health and healing. We pray that God will relieve us from our pain and sickness, our illness and disease, discomfort and despair.
Pastor: Almighty LORD, hear our prayers and answer our heartfelt pleas. Touch us with Your Holy Spirit and enter into the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of all our loved ones, so they may healed of all that harms them. Restore them to health, happiness and wholeness. Hear us now as we silently bring our prayers and requests for healing to You alone.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
All: May the LORD rise up and help us, restoring us through His unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 44)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, possess our minds with Christ’s goodness and fulfill our spiritual needs through the power of the sacred scriptures. Open our hearts to His godly ways and change our lives by challenging our ideas, opinions and beliefs. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, sometimes we are distracted by worldly concerns, causing our giving to diminish through our insecurity. Today, You have granted us a new hope and restored us to Your Father’s Kingdom. In return, we cheerfully give these tokens to You, praying that You will bless them for the ministries and missions that You have called our church to establish and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty Lord, whose words have shaped our civilization and whose love sustains all our people, we humbly approach Your Holy presence. In these times which try our souls, we pray for protection, perseverance and peace. Merciful God, each day we are surrounded by sinful distractions, which plague our faithful ways. We are tempted to surrender to our selfish desires and keep justifying our misdeeds.
People: Gracious Father, enter our hearts and strengthen our Christian beliefs. Anoint our souls with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may overcome our reckless and foolish ways. Loving Lord, forgive us for being weak and sinful people. Pardon our neglect of good works, charitable deeds and selfless giving. Teach us Your ways and redirect our paths so that we may sincerely serve and honor You. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Gracious Lord, You have returned to us our hope and thanksgiving. May we adore Jesus as our Savior, who gave His Life so that we may be cleansed of the past, strengthened in the present and restored to Your eternal Kingdom in the future. For we place our souls into Christ’s Hands and through His Own Words, we now pray, saying “Our Father, etc…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: In the midst of our troubles, Jesus is here beside us, ready to calm the rough times in our lives with His mercy, grace and everlasting love. Let us celebrate His wonderful deeds and glorious life, 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.
Children’s Sermon
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We have heard what God has done in the past and experienced His unfailing love in our lives. By God’s guidance, we have overcome our troubles and through His mercy, we have flourished.
People: The Lord is our King and God forever. We look to Him for the health and healing. We pray that God will relieve us from our pain and sickness, our illness and disease, discomfort and despair.
Pastor: Almighty LORD, hear our prayers and answer our heartfelt pleas. Touch us with Your Holy Spirit and enter into the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of all our loved ones, so they may healed of all that harms them. Restore them to health, happiness and wholeness. Hear us now as we silently bring our prayers and requests for healing to You alone.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
All: May the LORD rise up and help us, restoring us through His unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 44)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, possess our minds with Christ’s goodness and fulfill our spiritual needs through the power of the sacred scriptures. Open our hearts to His godly ways and change our lives by challenging our ideas, opinions and beliefs. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings :
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, sometimes we are distracted by worldly concerns, causing our giving to diminish through our insecurity. Today, You have granted us a new hope and restored us to Your Father’s Kingdom. In return, we cheerfully give these tokens to You, praying that You will bless them for the ministries and missions that You have called our church to establish and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn :
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Postlude
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sunday Prayers: February 10: Lent 01
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering & Introit
First Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting Lord, who speaks to all creation, sustaining the entire universe with Your Word, we come here to worship and adore Your wonderful ways. We are blessed with Your shalom and strengthened by Your love. Let us humbly come into Your presence, and sanctify our worship, for You are the One True and Living God
People: Gracious Father, You command us to listen to Your voice and to follow Your ways. We confess that we have been disobedient and rebelled against Your rules. We are weak, mortal and imperfect; You are holy, immortal and almighty. Forgive our faithless and selfish ways; pardon our wrong acts and sinful deeds. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving God, enable us to be attentive to You, listening to what You have to say through Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. In Christ alone, our spirits are reunited to You. Through Him, we are saved from eternal destruction.
People: We thank You, Immortal Lord, for bringing Jesus, our Savior into our lives. In His Name and by His words, we conclude these prayers, saying, saying, "Our Father, etc..."
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We thirst for Jesus and His soul-refreshing words. He is the Savior of our souls and the healer of our hearts. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ has overcome sin and death, bringing to us eternal blessings of faith, hope, and love Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Choir Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We call to You, with all of our hearts, O LORD; answer us and we will obey Your decrees. We call out to You to save us and heal us. We will follow Your divine counsel and accept Your ways.
People: Each day, Lord, we ask You for help; we place our hopes in Your promises and words. Hear our prayers, in accordance with Your love. Preserve and sustain us, in accordance with Your great compassion.
Pastor: You are near to us, O Lord, and Your promises are reassuring. We bring before You our loved ones, our neighbors, other people and ourselves. We need You to heal us of everything that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul Hear us now, as we faithfully pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
People: Lord God, long ago Your words were established and our people faithfully followed You by them. Grant us healing through Your promises and in Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.,
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Qoph)
Singing of 'Jesus Draw Me Close".
Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, let these words of scripture send us a meaningful message today. Enable our hearts to receive Christ's teaching, and open our minds to His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You come to display God's good works in our lives and throughout the entire world. You call us to faithfully serve You in ministry and mission. Take these tithes and gifts as our cheerful response to that invitation. Bless them for the life, work and tasks that our church undertakes and fulfills to the glory of God and His Kingdom. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering & Introit
First Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting Lord, who speaks to all creation, sustaining the entire universe with Your Word, we come here to worship and adore Your wonderful ways. We are blessed with Your shalom and strengthened by Your love. Let us humbly come into Your presence, and sanctify our worship, for You are the One True and Living God
People: Gracious Father, You command us to listen to Your voice and to follow Your ways. We confess that we have been disobedient and rebelled against Your rules. We are weak, mortal and imperfect; You are holy, immortal and almighty. Forgive our faithless and selfish ways; pardon our wrong acts and sinful deeds. Hear us now as we silently pray.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving God, enable us to be attentive to You, listening to what You have to say through Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. In Christ alone, our spirits are reunited to You. Through Him, we are saved from eternal destruction.
People: We thank You, Immortal Lord, for bringing Jesus, our Savior into our lives. In His Name and by His words, we conclude these prayers, saying, saying, "Our Father, etc..."
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We thirst for Jesus and His soul-refreshing words. He is the Savior of our souls and the healer of our hearts. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ has overcome sin and death, bringing to us eternal blessings of faith, hope, and love Amen.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Choir Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We call to You, with all of our hearts, O LORD; answer us and we will obey Your decrees. We call out to You to save us and heal us. We will follow Your divine counsel and accept Your ways.
People: Each day, Lord, we ask You for help; we place our hopes in Your promises and words. Hear our prayers, in accordance with Your love. Preserve and sustain us, in accordance with Your great compassion.
Pastor: You are near to us, O Lord, and Your promises are reassuring. We bring before You our loved ones, our neighbors, other people and ourselves. We need You to heal us of everything that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul Hear us now, as we faithfully pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
People: Lord God, long ago Your words were established and our people faithfully followed You by them. Grant us healing through Your promises and in Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.,
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Qoph)
Singing of 'Jesus Draw Me Close".
Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, let these words of scripture send us a meaningful message today. Enable our hearts to receive Christ's teaching, and open our minds to His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You come to display God's good works in our lives and throughout the entire world. You call us to faithfully serve You in ministry and mission. Take these tithes and gifts as our cheerful response to that invitation. Bless them for the life, work and tasks that our church undertakes and fulfills to the glory of God and His Kingdom. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction (in unison): May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
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