Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 27B - Oct 07

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth: The LORD is King forever and ever.
People: He listens to our cries of affliction and embraces us with His love.

Youth: The LORD is our defender and protector. He diminishes our fears by enhancing our faith. Amen!

First Hymn:

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Lord of Life and Creator of the Universe, whose ways are everlasting and whose words are never thwarted, we humbly gather in Your holy house of prayer. We have come from our homes to be with You. We have set aside this sacred time to praise and adore You.
People:                 Merciful God, we have neglected to be Your faithful servants in the world. We have ignored opportunities to share the Gospel and to help other people in need. We are guilty of a multitude of sins. There are so many times each week when we allow temptation to overcome our faith, and for pride to diminish our beliefs. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving God, thank You for allowing us to be forgiven of our past mistakes. We praise You for bringing Christ into our world, to die for our sins, and to reclaim our lost souls. We make our confessions in Christ’s Name and through His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: We believe that Jesus came from heaven to reconcile people to God. He alone has the power to forgive our sins and restore us to God’s everlasting favor. Therefore, let us rejoice and be glad in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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

Anthem

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 the Lord bring us strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith. O Living God, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all of our prayers.

Pastor:                  Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry, and settle us with Your peace. Loving God, 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)

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, help us to hear what God is teaching to us through these sacred scriptures. Let His words be wholly received and gladly accepted in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication (in unison, led by pastor):    Lord Jesus, help us to carry on the great work that You have called our church to do in this community. Give us the courage to offer our time, talents, and treasures in sacrificial ways that will honor and glorify You. Take our tithes and gifts, and bless them for Your ministry and mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ strengthen our beliefs each day; may the Father fill us with His goodness and love; and may the Holy Spirit keep us devoted to the service of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude