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