Holy Week Devotions & prayers

For the past three years, I've written a special daily devotional book for Holy Week. Each book contains poems, prayers, and devotionals exclusively written by me. I wrote for Christian folks who may be too busy at work, school, or other places to join in the traditional services and masses that take place during Holy Week.

The books can be read on a daily basis, which helps the reader cultivate a sense of the sacred in her or his life during Holy Week. The following books are all available for those interested in Holy Week devotions.

 

Sunday Prayers - First Sunday in Lent - Feb 14

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:                 May the Lord's unfailing love come among us; may we know of His promised salvation.

People:                 We come here freely to praise God and to seek His wisdom and teaching.

Pastor:                  Let us lift up our hearts and spirits as we worship the Lord, whom we eternally adore. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Loving God, whose power sustains all that lives and whose promises remain unbroken across the centuries, we worship You with our hearts and seek to serve You with our lives. Your ways are infinitely beyond our own, and Your works are gloriously displayed throughout the universe. Today we pledge our faith and confidence in You.

People:                Gracious Father, we still have sinful desires and selfishly make bad choices. We sometimes neglect Your holy words and choose to act upon our own understanding. Forgive us for being foolish and inconsistent, insensitive and ungrateful. Pardon all of our sins, and forgive us for allowing our pride to dictate our thoughts and deeds. Hear us now as we sincerely pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, we look to You for salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we find peace and pardon, as well as redemption and restoration. We are thankful for His sacrifice and we glorify His Holy Name. Hear us now as we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus could truly judge us and cast us out of God's Kingdom forever. We rely upon His mercy and grace to restore us to God’s love. Without them, we are lost forever, but with Christ we are given God's everlasting favor. To Him be the glory and power, 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.

Choir Anthem

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Praise Song

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O Loving Lord, within our hearts we know that You are with us. In each of our lives, we experience Your compassion and grace. Look favorably on us, O Lord, and help us to understand Your ways. Have mercy upon us as we pray and seek Your blessing.

People:                 As we turn to You for help, Heavenly Father, calm our spirits and subdue our fears. When we call upon You for healing, release us from any anxiety, illness, or pain. When our strength is at its lowest, grant us Your presence. When our health is weak and fragile, sustain us with Your love and grace. Hear us now as we silently pray for ourselves and others.

Silent Prayers. A candle is lit.

Pastor:                  May the Lord restore us physically and mentally, as well as emotionally and spiritually. In Jesus' Name, we ask of God. Amen.    (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 14)

Singing of “Sanctuary”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, You have brought us here to be in church today. You want us to receive God’s message, so that we may apply His teachings in our daily lives. Open our hearts and minds to all that God gives us through these sacred words. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You have called us to follow You and to faithfully serve Your Church on Earth. Through worship, in service, and with faith, we give to You our lives, as well as these tokens of our gratitude. Take and bless them for the sacred work of Your ministry and mission in our congregation, community, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May Christ make our lives effective testimonies of faith; may the Father's love keep us focused on His Kingdom; and may the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom and grace. To the glory and honor of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.        

Doxology & Postlude

Lent devotions: A 40 Day Journey of Renewal

My latest Lent devotional e-book has just been published on Amazon. It contains daily devotions, prayers, suggested Bible readings, and reflective questions for every day of Lent. It's a simple and beneficial way to keep Lent, in order to become prepared for Holy Week.

Click the link below to check out a copy. Other links for different countries can be found here:

In US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGREW2M

In UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGREW2M

In Canada  http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01BGREW2M

In Australia  http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01BGREW2M

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