Sunday Prayers - Memorial Day - May 30

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude and Gathering

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration & Confession

Guide: All Powerful Lord, whose ways are always fulfilled and whose words can never be extinguished, we gather before You as Your servants and children, seeking Your wisdom and needing Your grace.

People: Eternal God, whose will sustains the universe and whose sovereignty extends over our lives, we approach You humbly and sincerely, looking for Your favor and asking for mercy.

Guide:  Everlasting Father, we have failed to live up to our faith. We have ignored Your advice and sought our own counsel. We have set aside Your commands and have indulged in our own selfish desires. You could punish us for our past mistakes and reject us for elevating our sinful lifestyle choices. We pray that You will show us compassion and grant us Christ’s grace. Hear us now as we silently and sincerely confess our faults to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Merciful God, we are unworthy and unholy people, yet You still offer us pardon and restoration, forgiveness and renewal. We place ourselves under Your judgment and put our souls into Christ’s hands.

In His Name and through His words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  We cannot tell Christ what to do or when to forgive us for our sins. We can only confess our faults and lay our lives at His mercy seat, hoping and expecting Him to cleanse our souls and renew our spirits.  So let us celebrate this great miracle in each of our lives - the miracle of complete forgiveness and eternal restoration.  Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): 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:             Let us joyfully praise and bless the LORD with all the earth. We worship the LORD with gladness and come before Him with our prayers and pleas.

People:                        We know that the LORD has made us and that He can grant us peace and strength, help and healing. We have come into this holy place with hope. We seek the LORD's favor for ourselves and all our loved ones.

Pastor:             The LORD is good and His love endures forever. He is faithful and gracious to all His people. Almighty Lord, we ask for health and healing, peace and calm, strength and salvation to come to us. Heal us and all for whom we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

A list of the dearly departed is also read at this time.

Pastor:             We remember the dearly departed and praise God for His love which endures both here on earth and heaven. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

                        (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 100)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader:             Holy Spirit, kingdoms and powers may rise and fall, but Christ's words will outlast them. Teach us His precious lesson for today and enable us, as we hear these holy scriptures, to receive, ponder and apply them in our daily lives. Through the name of Jesus, our Lord and Anointed One, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message  & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You have blessed us in many ways so that our lives are both faithful and fruitful. Take these tithes and offerings that we give to You. Set them aside for the preaching of the Gospel, the teaching of the truth, and the healing of Your people. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Hymn:

Benediction (unison):  May Christ enable us to be tolerant of one another through His grace; may the Father remove our sinful obstacles and self-imposed barriers through His love; and may the Holy Spirit shower our souls with strength, faith and charity, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology        Praise God, from whom all blessings flow & Postlude

Prayers for Pentecost - Pentecost prayers - Worship Prayers - May 23

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude & Gathering

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Holy Spirit, on this sacred day of Pentecost we praise You for creating the Church and sustaining its Life across the centuries. We thank You for gathering Christians all over the Earth to make us The Faith Community of Christ’s Kingdom. Your ways are often mysterious, but Your works reveal God’s glory to us. We are truly blessed to be here, in Your Sacred and Powerful Presence.

People: Holy Spirit, You enter into our lives, our minds, and our hearts. You convict us of our mistakes and sins, faults and errors. You teach us that we are selfish creatures and that we need God’s grace to pardon our foolish ways. You lead us to Jesus  and reveal Him as our Savior and Lord. Hear us now as we silently confess to Christ through You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Holy Spirit, without Your Comfort and Guidance we would be lost and miserable. Without You as our Advocate and Counselor, we would constantly fail to live as God’s people and dishonor Christ each day. Your Presence allows us to find hope in Christ and encourages us to begin each day as forgiven followers of His Way. Thank You for leading us to Jesus, in whose Holy Name  we make these confessions and continue to pray, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: The Holy Spirit inspired Christ’s followers from long ago to write down the events, experiences and teachings of Christ. These Sacred Gospels contain promises of salvation and hope, forgiveness and everlasting life. Let us rejoice in the Lord and give thanks, for we are completely forgiven and restored to God’s Eternal Favor! Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): 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

Minute for Mission – Pentecost offering

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Holy Spirit, there are times when Life beats us down and we feel as though we are losing ground. Our physical and emotional wounds exhaust our spirits and we become weary of this world. In those bewildering times and wilderness moments, be our Guide and show us God’s goodness.

People:                        Holy Spirit, set us free from sickness and depression. Release us from the bonds of bitterness, loneliness, and despair. Grant our loved ones help and healing, strength and well being.

Pastor:              Holy Spirit, may the blessings of God’s favor be bestowed upon us. May our prayers be heard and our anxieties diminished. May we know the love of God in our lives. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:              May the blessing of the Lord be upon us. In Jesus' Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 129)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’.

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, open our minds to Christ’s teachings and our hearts to His love as we read and hear these sacred scriptures. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Holy Spirit, we are truly thankful for Your Presence among us today. You have comforted our souls and given guidance to us. We cheerfully offer our tithes and gifts in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We ask that You will bless and use them for the proclaiming of the Gospel and the praising of God’s Name. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May the Holy Spirit lead us to Christ each and every day; may the Spirit show and reveal to us the gift of the Father’s amazing love; and may the Holy Spirit inspire our souls so that we may continue to serve the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayer: 7th Sunday in Easter - Easter 7 - May 16

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude & Gathering

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Almighty Father, we praise You for creating Life and sustaining our planet. We thank You for gathering us as a community of faith and a church of Your Kingdom. Your ways are never thwarted and Your works declare Your glory each day. We are blessed to be here in Your Sacred Presence.

People: Gracious Father, before we knew You, we were enemies of Your kingdom, and rebelled against Your Son. At times, we have squandered our faith, and have been wasteful with our lives. We constantly struggle with temptation and often give way to our fears. Save us from our sinful and selfish ways. Help us to seek forgiveness and to humbly ask for Your grace. Hear us now as we silently confess to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Heavenly Father, without Jesus as our Savior, we would be cast away from your loving presence forever. Without His sacrifice, we would have no opportunity to be forgiven, nor would we be restored to Your everlasting kingdom. Thank You for sending Jesus to us, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides and counsels us. We make these prayers in Christ's Name and through His own words continue to pray, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus challenged the people, rulers, and leaders of His day to repent of their sins and be restored to God. Today, we face the same challenges from Christ. We have humbly confessed our sins and sought His mercy. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and we are accepted by God.

Gloria Patri(sung in unison): 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 revere the Lord and seek His blessings; we come into His presence and abide in Him. May the Lord grant us health and healing, strength and support. May the fruits of our prayers enhance our faith and increase our devotion to Him.

People:                        May our loved ones and siblings, our families and friends receive help and power, energy and strength to overcome their illnesses and anxieties, their troubles and worries. O Lord, we seek peace for our souls, health for our hearts, and strength for our minds.

Pastor:              Gracious God, have mercy upon as we ask for healing. May we experience Your Holy Spirit and be restored physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray, for our loved ones and neighbors, our families and ourselves.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:              May the LORD favor us with His blessings of health and strength. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 128)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’.

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, You inspired the disciples of long ago to spread Christ's Good News and to proclaim the victory of God's Kingdom over all the earth. Lift up our spirits in the same ways and rekindle our faith. In Christ's Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison):   Lord Jesus, we have sang Your praises and received Your message. We have been empowered by Your Spirit and embraced by God. Take these gifts and tokens, tithes and offerings as our cheerful response to Your Word and our grateful thanks for Your Love. Bless them for the continuing work of the gospel, the glorifying of God's kingdom and the praising of Your Name. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ continue to welcome us into His flock; may the Father enhance our faith and friendships in Him; and may the Holy Spirit challenge and convert our ways, so that we may glorify, worship and serve the One Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayer - Easter 6 - 6th Sunday in Easter - May 09

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Gathering Song & Prelude

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: All Knowing God and Almighty Creator, who sees everything across the Universe and who knows all that happens on the Earth, we gather at Your command and congregate to do Your bidding. Loving Father, You shield Your people from everlasting despair and give guidance to our daily lives, therefore we worship Your Ways and cherish Your Counsel.

People:            Heavenly Lord, we are in awe of Your perfection and humbled by our mistakes. We are fully aware of Your Holiness and constantly mindful of our sinfulness. When we lose control of our lives and damage our faith; when we ignore Your advice and turn away from Your commands, forgive our stupidity; pardon our foolishness; and have mercy over our selfish choices and sinful ways. Hear us now as we sincerely confess our faults to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Lord God, we are dust in Your eyes and do not deserve Your forgiveness. We are unworthy of Your Son's sacrifice, which blesses us through His precious blood. We praise You for sending Jesus to save us. In His Name, we make these prayers and unite our spirits to Him, through His own words, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus came to persuade us to turn to God, to repent of our sins, and to ask for mercy. We have followed His guidance and sought His forgiveness. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our Savior, Restorer and King, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri(sung in unison): 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 look to the LORD to strengthen our spirits; otherwise our efforts would be in vain. We seek the LORD to watch over our lives; otherwise our hopes may be unfulfilled.

People:                        When we are wearied through worry and exhausted by anxiety, may God grant us peace and rest. May God grant us good health and give us the blessing of strength for each day.

Pastor:              O LORD, we gather the prayers of our hearts and bring before You the petitions of our souls. Heal us, and all our loved ones, from all that harms us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray,

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:  May the LORD accept our prayers and grant us healing. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 127)

The Message: Part #1

Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close.”

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, guard our spirits through the power of the Gospel. Keep us closely connected to Jesus through His words and actions. Teach us His truths and empower us with His Strength. In Christ's Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message: Part #2   & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison):

Lord Jesus, our spirits constantly pray to You and seek Your favor. Before You, we gather our tithes and offerings, as pledges of our faith and tokens of our gratitude to You alone. Bless them for the continuing work of the Gospel, the preaching of Your word, and the expanding of God's kingdom through this community, country and world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction(unison): May Christ continue to claim our lives for His ministry; may the Father keep us grateful for His blessings; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen the Sacred Church of the One, Triune and Everlasting God, now and always. Amen.

Doxology         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow & Postlude