Sunday Worship Prayers - August 25 - Ordinary 21C

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               We have come into the house of the Lord, to worship and praise Him.

People:                 May the Living God bless us with hope and peace.

Liturgist:               Let us glorify and honor God’s glorious Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Father, we are sustained by Your strength and our hearts are filled with Your love. We come to Your throne of grace, seeking to please You with our worship and exalt You with our devotion. You uphold the universe with a mighty word, and direct the paths and plans of humankind throughout history. We acknowledge Your greatness and applaud Your mighty acts.

People:                Gracious God, we confess our many sins and express our regret for disobeying You. Forgive our foolish, selfish, and faithless ways. When we spiritually stumble and fall, pardon our mistakes. When we deliberately hurt and show unkindness to others, forgive our self-centered and shameful sins. Hear us now as we silently confess to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, we are thankful for giving us Jesus, Your Holy Son, and the Savior of our souls. His obedience and sacrifice have purchased our salvation. His blood and power have cleansed us from our sinful past. In Jesus’ Name, we make our confessions and unite our spirits in Him, through the praying of His sacred words, saying "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER" (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide:                  Jesus asks us to have faith in His words, so that we may not fear death or lose our eternal salvation. His truth is almighty and His pardon of our sins is irrevocable. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ our Savior reigns! 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:                  Your love, O Lord, reaches beyond the heavens above; Your faithfulness is all around us. Your righteousness endures as the mightiest of mountains; Your justice is deep and complete.

People:                 O Lord, You preserve all living creatures, therefore we are sustained by Your almighty word. Your unfailing love is limitless, so we can find refuge and healing, strength and protection in You. Help us to rely upon Your power; grant us health and recovery, as well as peace and assurance, so that we may delight in Your goodness and grace.

People:                 Help all of our loved ones to seek You as the fountain of life, the healer of their ills, the deliverer of their addictions, and the keeper of their hearts. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  In Your light, O Lord, we experience bounty and blessing, health and healing.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.       (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)

Singing of Sanctuary

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, let Christ’s words penetrate our minds and fill our hearts with His love. Let us receive His teaching and grant us opportunities to apply this lesson of faith in our daily lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, we rejoice in Your great works and delight in Your faithful deeds. Before You, we gather our tithes and offerings. We pray that You will accept and use them for the building of God’s Kingdom, the preaching of Your Word, and the ministry of Your Church, both here and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray.  Amen. 

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ continue to forgive us of our mistakes; may the Father comfort us in times of anxiety and distress; and may the Holy Spirit protect us from being overwhelmed by loss and sorrow, so that we may worship and glorify the One, Triune, and Living God,  both now and always Amen.             

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Worship prayers - August 18 - Ordinary 20C

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               Let us lift up our hearts to the Lord, for our faith and strength come from Him.

People:                 The Lord is the Maker of Heaven and Earth; He is the source of all our help.

Pastor:                  May God watch over us as we sing and praise His glorious Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Loving God, Your wisdom enriches our lives and Your holy words sustain our faith, therefore we praise Your ever-present power and glorify Your boundless grace. Your sacred promises are always fulfilled and Your will is never thwarted; today we humbly bow before You and gladly seek to serve You.

People:                Almighty Lord, each day we live under Your judgment and we try to keep Your commandments. Sometimes we fail You by sinfully worshiping our achievements and idolizing our ambitions. Forgive our foolish ways and unholy deeds. Pardon our self-centered pride and faithless acts. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, without Your Son’s sacrifice, our souls would be separated from You forever. Without Your grace, our sins could never be forgiven. We therefore make our petitions in Jesus’ Name and unite our hearts to Him, through the praying of His sacred words:

"Our Father, Who art in Heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER" (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide:                  Jesus completely saves us from God’s judgment and wrath. We seek His mercy and rely upon His sacrifice to restore us to God’s love and eternal favor. In Christ alone, we find salvation. To Him be the glory forever and ever. 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:                  Contend, O Lord, with those things that harm us; defend us against all things which weaken our bodies, minds, and spirits. Brandish Your power against those viruses and diseases, sicknesses and addictions which threaten our health and diminish our peace.

People:                 Permit our loved ones to rejoice in Your healing, Lord; may they recover through Your total deliverance. Rescue the poor in spirit from illness and despair; deliver the anxious and needy from the fears which threaten to overwhelm them.

Pastor:                  Hear our heartfelt prayers for health and healing; arise Heavenly Father, and come to our aid. We bring You our pleas of concern and personal petitions. Hear us now as we silently pray.

                                Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His people.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

 (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 35)

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, lead us towards Christ and feed us with His words. Let His miracles touch our hearts and may His teaching strengthen our minds. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, each day our faith is tested and we patiently try to serve You faithfully. We know that we cannot be everywhere to share Your Gospel, to help the poor, or to heal the entire world. With these tokens, our tithes and offerings, we can do so much more for Your church in our town, throughout this country, and across the world. Take these gifts and bless them for the preaching of Your Word and the praising of God’s Name. In Jesus’ Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ redeem us from our sins and keep us free of temptation; may the Father protect our ways and guide our paths; and may the Holy Spirit fill us with hope, faith, and love, so that we may eternally serve the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Prayers for August 11 - Ordinary 19C

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               You surround us with Your Love, O Lord; You bless us with Your grace and fill our hearts with cheer.
People:                 The Lord supports us each day, therefore we have nothing to fear.
Liturgist:               Our help comes from the Lord; may He be a blessing to all of us gathered here. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Father, whose strength sustains our well-being, and whose power impacts our lives, we set aside this sacred time to worship You, bringing You our prayers and voicing our joy of knowing Your love. You are wise beyond all human limits and Your works far exceed our own. Today, we seek to serve You sincerely, and want to please You with our praise.

People:                 Merciful Lord, at times our faith is weak and we allow our anxieties to burden our hearts. During stressful times, we make foolish decisions and sometimes say hurtful words. Instead of seeking Your wisdom, we follow our own ways; instead of being guided by the Gospel, we get lost in sin. Forgive us for allowing pride and vanity, selfishness and temptation to contaminate our souls and eradicate our relationship with You. Hear us now as we humbly pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Everlasting God, we know that only Jesus can bring peace and restoration to our lives. Only He can save us from our sinful selves. By Christ alone, we are forgiven and returned to Your favor. In His words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)    

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  We are personally accountable for our sinful mistakes, and under God’s judgment each day. Jesus, however, intercedes for us at the throne of God, claiming us as His own. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our Compassionate King and Gracious Lord 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

Anthem

 Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 We are grateful to You, O God, for we are always in Your presence, surrounded by Your wonderful works and glorious deeds. In the midst of our present anxieties and concerns, steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds.

People:                 Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all of our loved ones. Restore to health and strength all those for whom we now silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: Let us remain confident in the goodness of the Lord. May we glorify His comforting ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, reveal to us the true greatness of Christ through the reading and hearing of these sacred scriptures. Open our hearts and minds to the simple and abiding message of His Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering and offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, You have restored us to God and sought His approval of our lives. You have blessed us each day, and promised us an abundant life that is yet to come. We can never repay the everlasting debt that we owe You, but we can give to Your church, to share the Good news, through word, deeds, and support. Take our tithes and gifts, as well as our lives and souls. Use them for the glorifying of God in our church, across our community, and throughout the entire world. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (in unison):               May the light of Christ brighten our lives; may the Father increase our knowledge of His words and ways; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to cheerfully worship and glorify the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude

Sunday Prayers for August 04 - Ordinary 18C

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to worship

Liturgist:         Let us proclaim the decrees of the Lord; let us rejoice in being called His children.
People:            We will gladly serve the Lord and celebrate His presence among us.
Liturgist:         May we be blessed for taking refuge in the Lord; may we worship and glorify His everlasting Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                         Lord of All Wisdom and Creator of Time, we come before You as a people of faith. We seek to delight You with our prayers and praises.
People:            Amazing and All Powerful God, You are the sure foundation of our lives and the source of our well being. We willingly give our hearts to You; we freely want to serve You.

Guide:                         Gracious King, we know that we have committed acts that disappoint You; we have said words that disrespect You; we have made decisions that dishonor You.
People:            Loving Father, we are guilty of so many sins, too numerous for us to recount and remember. Forgive us for those sinful deeds which we have forgotten, and for all those selfish mistakes that we still commit. Hear us now as we make our confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                         Most Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ is the key to our forgiveness and restoration. He is the One who saves us from our selfish past and present mistakes. His authority removes our sins and redeems for Your Kingdom.

People:            In Christ alone, our sins are deleted and our souls refreshed. Through His Name and in His words, we make these prayers, saying “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)    

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                         When we acknowledge Christ as our Savior and confess our sins to Him, we are liberated from our fears of God’s punishment and restored to His favor. Christ alone has the power to decide our ultimate destiny, so let us rejoice in His abiding mercy and abundant grace. 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:            O LORD, why does trouble come to us and why do good people suffer?

People:            We remember Your deeds of deliverance and Your ways of salvation. Come to us and heal us.

Pastor:            Turn towards us, O Living God, and take away our fears by strengthening our faith.

People:            O God, You have helped our people across many generations. Come to us now, in this holy place. Touch us with Your Presence. Heal us by Your Love.

Pastor:            Do not forget those whom we cherish and love, Almighty Lord. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, soul and spirit.

People:            Do not let our loved ones give into to despair. Fill them with peace and hope, strength and health, restoration and power.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:            May God rise up and deliver us. May His Healing touch be with us all day long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 74)

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:            Holy Spirit, heal us by the power of the Gospel and grant strength to our souls through Christ’s message. Open our hearts and minds to the bounty of wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement that Jesus provides.  In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication(unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, thank You for enabling us to set aside these tithes and gifts from the resources and income that we have been blessed with. Take them and bless them for the continuing work of Your church here, for the preaching of the Gospel, the spreading of Your love, and the glorifying of God. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Communion
Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):                        May Christ preach to our hearts each day; may the Father grant us opportunities to serve Him in this community; and may the Holy Spirit encourage us to worship the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers for July 28 - Ordinary 17C

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Liturgist:               May we come here today to listen to the Lord, who promises peace and faithfulness for our lives.
People:                 We will gladly return to our God, for His salvation is near and we are blessed to be His people.
Liturgist:               May the Lord’s glory be shared among us; may we express our love and praise to Him alone. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Holy and Almighty God, whose will sustains all of life and whose Kingdom never ends, we humbly bring our prayers of joy and concern to You alone. We are grateful for Your daily blessings and we are mindful of Your mighty works. You are the One, True, and Living God, whom we worship and adore forevermore.

People:                 Gracious Lord, we ask for Your mercy and grace, for we are often foolish and faithless. We succumb to temptation and surrender our souls to sinful ways. We forget to be persistent Christians and lack respect for Your ways. Forgive our selfish deeds and unholy words. Hear us now as we personally approach You with our confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Father, we are mindful of Your favor and acknowledge our dependence upon Your grace. Look down from Heaven and spare us from Your wrath. Unite our hearts and spirits with Your Loving Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, in whose words we conclude our prayers, saying, “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)    

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  When we sincerely and humbly ask for forgiveness, it is granted to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. His sacrifice has given us a sacred opportunity to successfully search for God’s favor and grace. He has opened the gates of Heaven, so that God hears and listens to our confessions. Let us praise and glorify the Name of Jesus Christ 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

Anthem

 

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Lord, when we are at a loss or fearful of the future, grant us Your goodness and strength. When we are beset with worry and overwhelmed by stress, grant us Your peace and favor.

People:                 You are always with us, O Lord, and we are strengthened by Your glory; come near to us now and embrace our weary spirits. Lead us and counsel us, O God; comfort and heal us in the days ahead.

Pastor:                 In You alone, we place our faith, for You are able to give what is good, and to heal all that is harmful.

Restore us and all our loved ones from all that damages us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 May the Lord prepare ways of healing, health, and wholeness to us, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.      

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to this sacred teaching today. As we seek to learn more about Christ, may our faith in Him be strengthened. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor):  Lord Jesus, we have been received into Your presence and restored to God’s favor. We bring before You our grateful gifts and thankful tithes. Bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church and Your mission throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ give us His blessing each day; may the Father find us serving Him throughout this week; and may the Holy Spirit open up opportunities for us to witness to others about our faith in the One, Triune, and Living God, forever and ever. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude