Sunday Prayers for Advent 3 - Dec 14

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Lighting of Advent Candles

Herald:                 The Lord has done great things for us, so our hearts are filled with love.

People:                 May this sacred place be filled with gladness; may our lips sing out with joy.

Lighting of 3 candles (including Joy candle)

Herald:                 May Christ restore us to the One, Triune, and Living God. May we joyfully worship Him forever. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting God, who upholds the universe and sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. You know and see all things, therefore we thank You for sharing Your wonders with us and we glorify You for granting us a life filled with learning and love.

People:                 Gracious Lord, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your love for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We ask this in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. 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 our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing.

In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God. When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation.

People:                 Lord, when we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior. When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace, and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all our loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart, and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the Earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, call us to account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, through the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work, and ministry of our church. You know all that God requires us to do and You also know that we have been given all of the resources of time, talents, and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune, and Living God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers - Advent 3 - Third in Advent - Dec 11

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Light the Advent Wreath

Family: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of the Psalm and the prophet Isaiah.
Congregation: We hear of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices and blossoms.

Family:            A world where eyes will see and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
Congregation:            We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.

(Two purple candles are relit)

Family:            The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy.

(The pink candle is lit)

Family:            God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the forthcoming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience Your mercy and see Your glory.

Congregation:            May this house of prayer become a sanctuary of joy. May our hearts and spirits be lifted up through the praising and glorifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is yet to come amongst us again. Amen.

First Hymn:

           

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide: Almighty God, whose words of hope have been written across the universe as signatures of Your salvation and guarantees of Your grace, we rejoice at being in Your presence and are glad to worship You.

You know all things and see the years yet to come, therefore we acknowledge Your authority over our lives and proclaim You as Sovereign over all creation.

People:           Gracious Father, we confess our selfish feelings and faithless ways. We regret our past mistakes and sinful deeds. Instead of wanting to witness to Your glorious kingdom, we waste our lives on fulfilling our own desires. Forgive us for casting You aside when we make important decisions. Forgive us for casting others aside when they need our help. And pardon us for setting aside Your commands when we are under pressure, deeply troubled, or worried. Hear us now as we make our confessions to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Compassionate Father, without Your mercy, we would meander through life and drift into the darkness of death without any hope. Because of Your Son Jesus and through His sacrifice, we can be redeemed from our sins and restored to Your kingdom. We praise You for sending Jesus into the world and for giving Him authority over our lives. In His Name, we offer our confessions and with His own words we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father...” THE LORD’S PRAYER  (debts/debtors)

           

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Christ came to reveal to us the mercy of God and to grant us the opportunity of being restored to His Father. He alone can bring us this everlasting hope, and in Him, we can find eternal salvation. So let us praise our Savior's Name, both now and forever. 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)

           

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             Be merciful to us, O Lord, in the midst of our troubles. Heal us from all that harms us. When we get anxious about our lives, grant us peace. When we become impatient with our issues, grant us strength.

People:           Turn to us, O Lord, and deliver us; save us because of Your unfailing love. When we are worn out from worrying, and crushed by our concerns, take us by the hand and help us to overcome our fears.

Pastor:             When we are weak with sorrow and beset with problems, have mercy on us, O Lord. We bring before You all our loved ones, who need Your strength and compassion, Your care and healing. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:             The Lord has heard our cries for healing. The Lord accepts our prayers. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 6)

           

Singing of “Jesus Draw Me Close.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:           Holy Spirit, we have come to worship God in this holy place and we seek to become His servants. As we hear these sacred words, open our hearts and minds, as well as our spirits and souls to Christ’s teaching. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You brought to us the Gospel and now welcome us into God's Kingdom. You empower us to serve You and to use our gifts to glorify Your ways. Take our tithes and offerings, and bless them for the holy work of Your Church on Earth.  In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen.  

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ continue to comfort us in the midst of our troubles; may the Father embrace us each and every day; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to share these blessings with others, to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology         May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday Prayers: 3rd Sunday in Advent - Advent 3 - December 13

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Gathering Song & Prelude

Call to Worship: Third Sunday in Advent: JOY

Advent Guide: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Everlasting Joy of God’s Heart and the Holy Savior of the nations.

All:      You come among us to release us from our burdens and take great delight in our eternal happiness.

(Lighting of Two Purple candles and the Pink Joy Candle)

Advent Guide:              Lord Jesus, quieten us with Your Precious Love and fill our spirits with heavenly joy. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who sets the stars on their courses and sustains the entire universe, we praise and worship You from our hearts. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning, and love.

People:  Loving Lord, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. In His Holy Name, we pray saying:  “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)”

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. 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 our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.

People:                        When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer, and Savior.

Pastor: When fear overcomes our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close.”

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, call us into account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message  & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication(unison): Lord Jesus, we freely give of our tithes and resources to enable us to fulfill the life, and work of our church. Empower us to do everything that You require of us in ministry and mission. Help us to prayerfully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. 

Hymn:

Benediction(unison):  May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow & Postlude

Sunday prayers: Advent 3 - 3rd in Advent - Dec 14

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude & Gathering Song

Lighting of Advent Candles

Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(2 Purples and the Pink candle are lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people (John 1:1– 4).

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who constantly sustains the universe and who sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. Heavenly Lord, You know and see all things. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning and love.

People: Divine Majesty of Good and grace, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We pray in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung) : 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

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: O Lord our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.

People: When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.

Pastor: When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Anthem

Singing of Jesus, Draw me Close.

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, call us into account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, by the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work and ministry of our church. You know all that You require us to do and You also know that we have been given all the resources of time, talents and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to carefully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen.

Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Worship prayers: 3rd Sunday Advent

Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements

Prelude and Gathering

Lighting of the Advent Candle

Family: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of thePsalm and the prophet Isaiah
Congregation: of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices andblossoms.

Family: A world where eyes will see and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
Congregation: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.

(Two purple candles are relit)

Family: The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy.
(The pink candle is lit)

Family: God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the forthcoming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience Your mercy and see Your glory.
Congregation: May this house of prayer become a sanctuary of joy. May our hearts and spirits be lifted up through the praising and glorifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is yet to come amongst us again. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of Life, who sustains the universe and who keeps all creation in order, we glorify and praise Your Holy Name.
People: Lord of Love, who knows everything about our lives and from whom we can never hide, thank You for granting us grace and giving us Your blessing.

Guide: Gracious Lord, we seek Your mercy and favor. We ask for pardon and forgiveness of all our sins.
People: Loving Father, we have failed to be truly faithful. We have allowed pride and stubbornness to withhold our confessions. We have allowed greed and insecurity to diminish our compassion. Hear us now as we silently pray to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Eternal God, we owe our salvation to Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we can find forgiveness and grace, mercy and restoration.
People: Hear our confession, given to You in Christ’s Name. In His own words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father, etc.

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus Christ is our One and Only Savior. When we place our lives into His Hands, He accepts us fully into God’s Kingdom. We are pardoned and forgiven, redeemed and reassured. Let us rejoice and thank Him forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri : 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 our God, come near to us and grant us strength when we pray to You for healing.
People: When we are troubled, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.

Pastor: When we are fearful and afraid, become our shield and firm foundation.
People: When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.

Pastor: When anxiety overcomes our families and despair attacks our friends, grant them assurance, peace, and love.
People: By Your Power, Lord, and in the Name of Christ, we ask that You heal us and our loved ones from all that harms our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone have the power to heal all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, keep us focused on God’s message for today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us. In the Name of Jesus, we earnestly pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God
Offering & Offertory:

Dedication: (in unison) Lord Jesus, You have called us to support Your life, ministry and mission through the resources of this congregation. In Your Holy Name, we gather before You our tithes and gifts. Bless for everything that we seek to do to glorify, honor, and proclaim You as the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Amen.

Hymn:

Benediction: (in unison) May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; One God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude