Approaching God
Prelude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Gathering
Call to Worship
Pastor: Great is the LORD in the universe; He is exalted above all of Creation.
People: We will praise His almighty and everlasting name; He is awesome and holy.
Pastor: Let us worship and glorify our God. Let us magnify and bless the Lord! Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Guide: Immortal Creator and Everlasting Father, whose power sustains the universe and whose will enables life to endure; we applaud Your wonderful deeds and adore Your gracious ways. You formed our planet and permitted us dominion over the Earth. We approach You with our prayers and now come to You, confessing our sins.
People: Loving God, we often question Your words and sometimes doubt Your decisions about our lives. We cast aside Your counsel and decline to accept Your commands. We think too highly of ourselves and allow pride to diminish our humble faith. Forgive us for subverting Your kingdom and ignoring Your sovereignty over us. Hear us now as we express our regrets and repent of our sinful ways.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Merciful Lord, without Your Son Jesus Christ, there would be no opportunity for forgiveness or restoration, repentance or reconciliation. We thank You for His sacrifice and seek to pledge our lives to Him.
We have made our confessions in Christ's Name and so through His holy words, we further pray, saying, "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD’S PRAYER" (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Every day we break God's Law and dishonor His commands. We put ourselves under severe and eternal punishment, from which only Jesus can save us. He alone has the power to pardon and return us to God's Kingdom. Let us rejoice and be glad in His Name. Amen.
Gloria Patri(sung 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)
Offertory anthem and Offering
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You know the secrets of our hearts, and yet You still allow us to come to worship You. You have permitted Your holy presence to be experienced in this sacred place. We thank You for these blessings and bring before Your our tithes and gifts, our loyalty and lives. Bless them for the work of God's Kingdom and the praising of His Everlasting Name. Amen.
Children leave for Enrichment
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, You have searched our spirits and You know us completely. You see all that we do and perceive our thoughts, our worries and concerns.
People: You are familiar with all of our ways; You understand all that we experience.
Before we voice our prayers, You know what we are about to ask.
Pastor: When we feel pressure or suffer from stress, You lay Your loving hand upon us. Your presence is wonderful; we appeal to You for healing and peace to come upon us and all our loved ones. Hear us now as we pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: We are never out of God's reach. We always belong to Him. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 139)
Singing of “Jesus, Draw me Close.”
Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, spread God's Word into our hearts and souls, so that we may grow spiritually and become obedient to Christ Jesus in faith, hope, and love. In His Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ embrace us each day and fill us with His love; may the Father send us into the world with His strength; and may the Holy Spirit guide us to worship the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude
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