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
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