Sunday Prayers - Ordinary 23B - September 09

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   Our souls long for Your salvation, O Lord, and we have placed our hopes in Your Promises.

People:                                All of Your commands are trustworthy, O God; they help us, in the midst of all our troubles.

Youth:                   Preserve our lives according to Your love; and help us to obey Your words, by praising and                                           glorifying Your Name forever. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Almighty Lord, whose holiness and perfection are beyond our comprehension; whose power and glory are infinitely above all that we can achieve; we humbly bow in Your Presence, seeking Your Salvation and the comfort of Your Grace.

People:                 Gracious Father, speak to our hearts and change our foolish ways. In the midst of our problems and struggles with life, be our constant guide. When fear or anxiety threaten our faith, be our strength and shield. When we selfishly fall away from Your influence and care, grasp hold of our souls and return us to Your Love. Hear us now as we personally make our confessions to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Heavenly Lord, we thank You the forgiveness of our past mistakes and personal sins. We praise You for bringing Jesus into the world and our lives, so that we may have the opportunity of being restored to Your Holy Kingdom. In the Name of our Savior, we make these prayers and unite our hearts in His Spirit, saying,

“Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose perfect obedience and holy life fulfilled God’s great plan of salvation. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins, renewed in spirit, and completely restored to God’s Coming Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ, our Messiah 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:                  The Earth is the LORD's, and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it;  for He founded it upon                       the seas and established it upon the waters.

People:                 We have come into God’s Holy Presence, seeking His peace in this Holy place. O Lord, cleanse our                          souls and grant healing for our hearts; lift up our spirits and lead us by Your Truth.

Pastor:                  May we receive these blessings from the LORD and may our loved ones be touched by our Savior’s                        healing power. May we be united as a generation of those who seek Him, who look for God’s healing                   in all of our lives. Hear us now, O Lord, as we individually pray.

                                Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  The Lord is strong and mighty. He is the King of Glory and the Healer of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we                      pray. Amen.

Unison Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, make us glad in our hearts as we rejoice in Christ’s sacred words. Enable us to live in hope through the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):                       Lord Jesus, we follow Your Loving example by sacrificing these gifts from our resources and humbly placing them before Your Holy Throne. Bless these tokens of gratitude for the work of Your Church here on Earth. Help us to use these gifts for the proclamation of Your Word, the enhancing of Your Kingdom, and the glorifying of Your Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Jesus speak to our spirits and lead us every day; may the Father fortify our faith and send us out into the world to do His work; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to minister to the people we encounter each week, to the Glory of the One, Triune God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Epiphany 3 - Third Sunday in Epiphany - 24 January

Approaching God

Welcome & announcements

Gathering Song & prelude

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Almighty and Holy Lord, today we joyfully seek to praise Your ways and cheerfully give of ourselves to Your Kingdom. In this holy place of peace and prayer, we humbly await for Your Presence.

People:  Eternal Father, even though Your Name is renowned throughout the universe and Your power is revered across the cosmos, we still foolishly sin and selfishly err.

Guide:  Loving God, forgive our inconsiderate and careless ways; pardon our mistakes and misdeeds. Have mercy upon us when we are tempted and succumb to evil. Hear us now as we silently confess our faults to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Immortal God, let Jesus become the desire of our hearts so that our decisions may honor Him. Without His grace, we are godless; without His sacrifice, our lives are squandered. In His Words, we now pray, saying: Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  Christ is our Wonderful Counselor, Merciful Healer, and Prince of our Peace. He restores us to God’s favor and we are recovered for His ministry and mission. So let us rejoice and be glad, for on this day and at this time, all our sins are forgiven and we are reunited with God, both now and forever. In Christ’s Name, we pray. 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, You are the foundation of our lives, so we pray to You for love and favor. Enter into our hearts and minds; come into our spirits and souls; heal us of all that harms us.

People:                        We have heard glorious things spoken of You, Holy God. Grant us Your goodness and grace. We acknowledge and adore Your power, Loving Lord; affirm our faith and accept our prayers.

Pastor:  Gracious Father, establish Your strength amongst our loved ones. Free them from fear and save them from sickness. Let Your healing ways overcome their weakness; let Your perfect peace vanquish their pain. Hear us now as we personally and sincerely pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: We will rejoice in the greatness of the Lord; may His blessings restore our hopes and refresh our weary souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.             

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 87)

The Message: Part 1

Singing of “Jesus, Draw Me Close”

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader:             Holy Spirit, enable us to see the work of God in our lives. Through these sacred scriptures, open our hearts and minds to Christ’s teaching. Challenge us by the things He says; change us through the things that Jesus does.  In His Holy Name, we read and pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication (in unison): Lord Jesus, we have followed Your way of love and we eagerly await Your blessing. You have showered us with spiritual gifts and helped us to find meaning, purpose and hope in our lives. Take these monetary gifts and bless them for the continuing work of Your ministry in this church, throughout this community, across our country and the entire world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn:

Benediction (in unison):  May Christ clothe us with His compassion and love; may the Father free us from temptation and despair; and may the Holy Spirit keep us focused on the wisdom, words and ways of the One, Triune & Living God, now and forevermore. Amen.

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

Sunday prayers - 2nd Sunday of Easter - 30 March, 2008

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord of all the earth and King of every nation, we applaud Your glorious deeds and exalt Your Name above all others. Your power has been praised by every generation. You have enhanced the earth with hope and faith.

People: Glorious God of the Universe, we seek to serve You in this sacred sanctuary; we look to praise and honor You with our hearts and lives. Merciful Father, You know everything about us. You have seen us sin and have watched us yield to temptation. We crave Your forgiveness of all our faults and we plead for pardon of our past mistakes. Hear us now as we silently confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Gracious Lord, Your Sovereignty extends over all our lives. You are above and beyond all that we can ever experience or know. Without Your mercy, our lives are meaningless. Without Your Son, we have no salvation.

People: We make these petitions in the Name of Jesus, the Holy One, whose sacrifice takes away our sins. In His own words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father, …THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We can only go to Jesus for forgiveness, for He alone has the authority to restore us to God; He alone has the words of eternal life. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and Lord forever. 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

Choir Anthem

Minute for Mission

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: O LORD, You teach us lessons of faith in times of trouble. Hear us now as we pray and grant us relief from sickness and suffering. Help us to hold on to hope and take courage in Your promises.

People: In the face of fear, never forsake us. In times of isolation, be our Comforter. Help us and heal us, O Lord. Strengthen and support us, console our spirits and lighten our burdens.

Pastor: Loving Lord, when we are overcome with worry or weariness, grant us peace of mind and rest for our souls. When we are anxious about our families and friends, bestow upon them wholeness and healing that will generate joy and faith in their lives. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

All: The LORD is our fortress of faith and the Rock, in whom we take refuge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 94)

Singing of ‘Jesus Draw Me Close’

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, may we continue to praise God for all that happens in these scriptures. May these stories and events draw us closer to His ways and enable us to share our faith with other people. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (in unison) Lord Jesus, You have clearly called us to be here today. We have learned of Your ways and studied God's Word. Bless these offerings and tithes, as we dedicate them to Your continuing work in this world. May our gifts enhance Your mission to spread the Gospel throughout our community, and all over the earth. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Hymn:

Benediction: (in unison) May Christ enable us to live each day for Him alone; may the Father free us from fear and keep us in His constant care; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith, so that we may belong to the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

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

Sunday Prayers: February 10: Lent 01

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering & Introit

First Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Everlasting Lord, who speaks to all creation, sustaining the entire universe with Your Word, we come here to worship and adore Your wonderful ways. We are blessed with Your shalom and strengthened by Your love. Let us humbly come into Your presence, and sanctify our worship, for You are the One True and Living God
People: Gracious Father, You command us to listen to Your voice and to follow Your ways. We confess that we have been disobedient and rebelled against Your rules. We are weak, mortal and imperfect; You are holy, immortal and almighty. Forgive our faithless and selfish ways; pardon our wrong acts and sinful deeds. Hear us now as we silently pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Loving God, enable us to be attentive to You, listening to what You have to say through Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. In Christ alone, our spirits are reunited to You. Through Him, we are saved from eternal destruction.
People: We thank You, Immortal Lord, for bringing Jesus, our Savior into our lives. In His Name and by His words, we conclude these prayers, saying, saying, "Our Father, etc..."

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We thirst for Jesus and His soul-refreshing words. He is the Savior of our souls and the healer of our hearts. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ has overcome sin and death, bringing to us eternal blessings of faith, hope, and love 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

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: We call to You, with all of our hearts, O LORD; answer us and we will obey Your decrees. We call out to You to save us and heal us. We will follow Your divine counsel and accept Your ways.
People: Each day, Lord, we ask You for help; we place our hopes in Your promises and words. Hear our prayers, in accordance with Your love. Preserve and sustain us, in accordance with Your great compassion.

Pastor: You are near to us, O Lord, and Your promises are reassuring. We bring before You our loved ones, our neighbors, other people and ourselves. We need You to heal us of everything that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul Hear us now, as we faithfully pray.

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

People: Lord God, long ago Your words were established and our people faithfully followed You by them. Grant us healing through Your promises and in Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.,
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Qoph)

Singing of 'Jesus Draw Me Close".

Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, let these words of scripture send us a meaningful message today. Enable our hearts to receive Christ's teaching, and open our minds to His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication:
Lord Jesus, You come to display God's good works in our lives and throughout the entire world. You call us to faithfully serve You in ministry and mission. Take these tithes and gifts as our cheerful response to that invitation. Bless them for the life, work and tasks that our church undertakes and fulfills to the glory of God and His Kingdom. Amen.

Closing 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 Spirit; One God forevermore. Amen.

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

Sunday Prayers - February 3, 2008 - Ordinary/ Epiphany 4

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering


First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Almighty God, whose kingdom is boundless and whose authority can never be diminished, we come before Your Holy Throne to worship and adore Your ways; to honor and glorify Your deeds; to revere and esteem Your sacred words. You have called us to this place of peace and prayer. You have brought us to this sanctuary for strength and salvation, so that we may praise Your Holy Name and become renewed through Your wonderful love.

People: Gracious Lord, at times we spoil our faith through selfish and dishonest ways. There are moments in our lives when we scorn Your sacred guidance and reject Your Holy commands. Forgive our foolish sins and redeem us from our random acts of unkindness, bitterness, indifference and intolerance. Pardon our neglect of caring for others; of forgiving our debtors; of ignoring those who need our help. Hear us now as we silently and sincerely confess our sins, our faults, our everyday mistakes.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Merciful Father, lead us to Jesus Christ Your Holy Son and help us to follow His faithful ways. For we ask all this in His Sacred Name and through His own words we pray, saying,

People: "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus heals us of our sinful past and spiritual blindness. He sends us out into the world as defenders of the faith and witnesses of His glory. We are forgiven by the power in His precious blood. Through His everlasting grace, we are restored to God’s favor. In Christ’s Name, we rejoice and pray. 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

Minute for Mission: Loaves and Fishes

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Be merciful to us, O God, for worries constantly burden us; each day we experience stress and pressure. O Lord, when we are anxious or afraid, we will trust in You.
People: O God, whose words we praise, take away our fears and grant us peace of mind. We place our lives, our loved ones, our prayers and concerns into Your healing hands.

Pastor: We pledge ourselves to Your Kingdom and humbly ask that You will heal us, and all whom we pray for, from all that harms us in body, mind, soul and spirit. Deliver us from despair and keep us from falling into fear or frustration. Hear us as we sincerely pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

People: May we walk before the Lord in the light of life and His love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 56)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination: Reader: Holy Spirit, teach us God’s everlasting truth from the words and deeds of Jesus. Enable us, through the reading and hearing of today’s scriptures, to recognize and proclaim Christ as the Righteous One sent from God. In His Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication:
Lord Jesus, challenge and change our natures so that we may gladly give to You from our resources and wealth. Receive our tithes and gifts from the bounty of the blessings that You bestow upon us. Take them for the work of Your Church and the spreading of the Gospel. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Communion

Closing 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 Spirit, One God forevermore. Amen.

Doxology

Sunday prayers - Ordinary 3 - 27 Jan 08

Approaching God

Welcome & Church Announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Call to worship (based on Psalm 26)
Leader: Let us trust in the LORD without wavering;
People: For His love is ever before us and we walk in His truth.
All: In this holy assembly of God’s people, we will rejoice and praise the LORD!

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Holy Lord, Sacred and Perfect Creator, we joyfully walk in the ways of Your laws and cheerfully give ourselves to Your Kingdom..
People: Powerful Protector and Gracious God, in this holy place of purpose and prayer, we wait for You; at this precious time of peace and praise, we seek Your blessing.

Guide: Eternal Father, even though Your Name is renowned throughout the universe and Your power is revered across the cosmos, we still foolishly sin, and we still selfishly err.
People: Compassionate Lord, forgive our corrupt and careless ways; pardon our mistakes and misdeeds; have mercy upon us when we fall into temptation and succumb to evil. Hear us now as we silently confess our faults to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Immortal God, let Jesus become the desire of our hearts so that our decisions may honor Him. Without His grace, we are godless; without His sacrifice, our lives are squandered.
People: Humbly, we adore You for sending Jesus into our world and through His own precious words, we untie ourselves in prayer, saying, “Our Father, etc.

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Even though we may grumble and groan about life, we would never choose to offend or affront Jesus. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Merciful Healer and Prince of our Peace. He restores us to God’s favor and we are recovered for His ministry and mission. So let us rejoice and be glad, for on this day and at this time, all our sins are forgiven and we are reunited with God, both now and forever. In Christ’s Name. 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

Leader: O Lord, You are the foundation of our lives, so we pray to You for love and favor.
People: Enter into our hearts and minds; come into our spirits and souls; heal us of all that harms us.

Leader: We have heard glorious things spoken of You, Holy God. Grant us Your goodness and grace.
People: We acknowledge and adore Your power, Loving Lord; affirm our faith and accept our prayers.

Leader: Gracious Father, establish Your strength amongst our loved ones. Free them from fear and save them from sickness.
People: Let Your healing ways overcome their weakness; let Your perfect peace vanquish their pain. Hear us now as we personally and sincerely pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: We will rejoice in the greatness of the Lord; may His blessings restore our hopes and refresh our weary souls. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 87)

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to see the work of God in our lives. Through these sacred scriptures, open our hearts and minds to Christ’s teaching. Challenge us by the things He says; change us through the things that Jesus does. In His Holy Name, we read and pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication: Lord Jesus, we have followed Your way of love and we eagerly await Your blessing. You have showered us with spiritual gifts and helped us to find meaning, purpose and hope in our lives. Take these monetary gifts and bless them for the continuing work of Your ministry in this church, throughout this community and across our country and the entire world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Hymn:


Benediction: May Christ clothe us with His compassion and love; may the Father free us from temptation and despair; and may the Holy Spirit keep us focused on the wisdom, words and ways of the One, Triune & Living God, now and forevermore. Amen.

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

Sunday Prayers: Epihany 1 - 13 Jan, 2008

Approaching God

Welcome, Announcements & Verse of the Day

Prelude, Gathering & First Hymn

Prayer of Approach

Guide: Sacred God, whose power formed the universe and whose creativity made our world, we gather in this place of peace and praise to honor and glorify Your wonderful Name. For generations our people have been blessed by Your loving deeds and mighty acts. Your words and works continue to amaze and inspire us throughout the ages and across the nations.

People: Heavenly Father, we are humbled by Your blessings, for we recognize that we are unworthy of Your grace. You are righteous and we are sinful. You are mighty and truthful; we are weak and deceitful. Forgive us, Lord, for allowing pride, greed, and anger to blemish our hearts and souls. Too often we are shallow and selfish, faithless and false, hurtful and unholy. Hear us now as we personally ask forgiveness of You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving Lord, we thank You for Jesus who cleanses our past mistakes and restores us to Your favor. His mercy takes away our sins and allows us to become trusted servants of Your Kingdom. We are eternally indebted to Christ and we unite our spirits with Him through the saying of His words:

People: Our Father, who art in heaven….. (The Lord’s Prayer – debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus never said that believing in Him would be easy. He asks us to follow His ways and apply His words to our daily lives. When we fail to live up to His teaching, He is willing to forgive us if we choose to sincerely confess our faults to Him. So let us rejoice and be thankful that Christ is Our Savior, Lord, and God, both now and evermore. 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)

Anthem

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Hear, O LORD, and answer us, for we are poor in spirit and in need of Your care. Guard our lives and protect us from illness, for we are devoted to You and Your ways.

People: Have mercy upon us, O Lord, for we call to You this day for health and healing. Bring comfort to us, O Lord, for to You alone we lift up our prayers and healing petitions.

Pastor: You are compassionate and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. Hear our prayers, O God and listen to our cries for help. Heal us and each of our loved ones from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

People: In the day of our trouble we will call to You, O Lord, for You will answer us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 86)

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, encourage us through these sacred scriptures and open our hearts to receive God’s word. Astonish us with this teaching and enable us to take note of all that God fulfills in the life of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, we read and pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings, Sermon & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we can never repay You for the eternal blessings of salvation. We gather before You our gifts and tithes as a thanksgiving offering for the faith we share. Bless these tokens and give us guidance to use these gifts for the preaching of the gospel, the sharing of Your love, and the praising of our God. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. 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 & Postlude

Sunday prayers: Epiphany Jan 06, 2008

Approaching God

Welcome, Announcements & Verse of the Day

Prelude, Gathering & First Hymn

Prayer of Approach

Guide: Almighty Lord, our world is sustained by Your strength and the universe around us displays Your unequaled power of creation. We are creatures of Your kingdom and servants of Your Son. You have called us to worship Your ways and glorify Your everlasting name. We are humbled by Your majesty and elated with Your love.

People: Gracious Father, we admit to being sinful and selfish. We confess to making mistakes and hurting other people. We have allowed our pride to justify our misdeeds and neglected to seek Your pardon. We have excused our thoughtless words and ignored our faithless ways. We seek forgiveness and ask for Your mercy. We pray for pardon as we silently confess our faults to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Everlasting God, we know that our sins can only be forgiven through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We place our lives into His hands and look to Him to restore us to Your favor. We gather as a church in Christ’s name and we untie our spirits to Him through the saying of Christ’s precious words:-

People: (The Lord’s Prayer – debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus is our One and Only Savior. When we repent of our sins and confess them to Christ, he redeems us by His blood and restores us to God’s love. In Him, we are totally forgiven and completely accepted by God. Let us rejoice and declare our allegiance to Jesus, both now and evermore. 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)

Anthem

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: O Lord, grant us Your favor and restore our health through Your holy power. Alleviate our fears and delete our doubts; strengthen our broken bodies and heal our anxious minds

People: Lift up our hearts, O God and help us to experience Your peace within our hearts. Allow our families and friends to know of Your unfailing love and tender mercy.

Pastor: Loving Father, speed our recovery through Your favorable grace. Grant health and healing to our bodies, minds, hearts and souls. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: May the LORD indeed give what is good, so that our lives experience healing and strength. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 85)

Singing of "Jesus, Draw Me Close."

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, we look to You to provide us with counsel and guidance. As we read and hear God’s holy words, help us to accept and apply them each day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication (in unison): Lord Jesus, as we begin another year, give us devoted hearts and generous natures. Help us to gladly give from our resources the tithes and gifts that You need for our church. Take them and bless them for the preaching of the Gospel, the spreading of God’s word, and the praising of Your Name. Amen.

Communion

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 & Postlude

Sunday prayers for Christmas 1: 12-30-07

Approaching God

Prelude: Welcome & Announcements

Call to worship ( based on Psalm 123)

Leader: Let us lift up our eyes to the Lord, whose throne is in heaven
People: Let us look to the LORD our God, for He shows us mercy.
Leader: In all that we experience or endure, the Lord is with us. Let us praise and glorify God.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Eternal God, whose ways are mysterious and whose words are meaningful; whose judgments are incontestable and whose justice prevails; we approach You as Your servants, called to worship in Your presence and chosen to praise Your Holy Name.
People: Gracious Father, You anoint us to be priests and prophets, heralds and messengers of Your Holy Will. You count upon us to be faithful witnesses of Christ’s Gospel and living examples of His teaching in our community and neighborhoods.

Guide: Merciful Lord, despite Your sacred counsel and holy guidance, we often follow our own sinful paths and make selfish decisions. Instead of bowing to Your Will and accepting Your ways, we choose to fulfill our own desires and complete our own plans.
People: Loving God, forgive us for neglecting our service to Your Kingdom. Have mercy upon us when we are sinful and selfish, deceptive and disloyal, argumentative and arrogant, peace hating and proud. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Eternal Lord, we regret our past mistakes and ask that You will unite us to Christ’s Spirit. His sacrifice assures us of Your mercy. His resurrection restores us to Your Kingdom. We praise You for giving us this opportunity to begin again; to serve You once more.
People: We make our confessions in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, and through His own Holy Words, we sincerely pray, saying, “Our Father, etc...

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: We travel through life at times without giving thought to its direction, purpose or meaning. We set off on a journey of hope and opportunity, only to be frustrated by hindrances and obstacles. Thankfully, Jesus joins us and will rescue our souls from the damage that sinful and selfish ways inflict upon our spirits. He does this because He is God’s Anointed Son and the One, True and Only Savior of humankind. Let us therefore rejoice and praise His Name 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.

Children’s Sermon

(No anthem this Sunday)

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Leader: O LORD, if we have been foolish and disappointed You, forgive us. If we have been sinful and angered You, be merciful to us.
People: Gracious Father, sometimes we suffer sickness and experience illness because of our selfish ways and sinful habits.
Leader: Pain and isolation, fear and anxiety, guilt and worry can overwhelm our spirits, damage our souls, weaken our bodies and stifle our minds.
People: Sometimes our faith is feeble and our confidence is crushed. We need You Lord to save us from all that diminishes us and heal us from all that harms us.
Leader Let us wait for the LORD and seek His answer. Let us focus our thoughts on Him and look for His love.
People: May You also remember our loved ones, Lord, and never forsake them in the midst of their troubles. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: Come quickly to us and help us, O Lord our God and Savior. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 38)

Anthem

Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts for the holy promises of God which are revealed to us through these sacred scriptures. Help us to accept the wisdom of God’s ways, so that we may apply these lessons to our lives and teach them to each succeeding generation in this church and community. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings :

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:



Dedication : Lord Jesus, despite our weaknesses, You still love us. Despite our failings, You still forgive us. In response to the riches of Your Grace, we gather before You these gifts of gratitude and tithes of thanksgiving. Accept and bless them for the holy work of this church. Sanctify these gifts for the ministries and missions that You have called us to undertake, support and fulfill. In Your Holy Name, we pray. 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

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

Sunday Prayers: 12-09-07

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Call to Light the Advent Wreath

Family: Today - the second Sunday in Advent - we hear about Isaiah's
vision of a new and transformed world.
Congregation: A world where all creatures live together in harmony and peace.

Family: We wait with hope for this vision to become reality.
Congregation: The God of hope fills us with joy and peace in believing. We light the candle of hope.
(The first purple candle is relit)
Family: We proclaim our belief in God's faithfulness in keeping promises, as we light the candle of peace.
( A second purple candle is lit)

Family: God of all faithfulness - Isaiah's vision paints a picture of a world shaped in accordance with Your will and Your design.
Congregation: He tells of One so enlightened by your Spirit that he would open eyes and ears and hearts to a new understanding of your will and your design for the world. Isaiah described the one for whom the people waited - the Messiah .

Family: We wait also, but we wait in the joyful knowledge that the Messiah has come in the form of your beloved Son.
Congregation: We wait in faith, praying that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus - Prince of Peace - will be born anew in our hearts and in our lives. Amen

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Eternal Majesty, whose riches and resources are unlimited; whose power is absolute and abounding with holiness; we gather before You in this place of praise, peace and prayer. You have set apart this time in our lives to worship and adore You. We have responded to Your call and we continue to bless Your Holy Name.
People: Everlasting Lord, whose deeds of deliverance and almighty acts have been declared and announced by countless generations, we seek to serve You with our lives and love You with our souls. We want to devote ourselves to following Your ways and fulfilling Your Will.
Guide: Precious Father, we confess our sins to You. We have stored up bitterness in our hearts. We have allowed pride to damage our souls. We have hurt other people with our words and disappointed You with our deceptions. We have fulfilled our own desires and cast aside Your commandments.
People: Holy God, we have tampered with our faith by falling into temptation. We have neglected our devotion to Your Son by satisfying our dreams and needs. Forgive us, Gracious God, for we repent of our reckless ways and diminished faith. Hear us now as we personally seek Your pardon.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Compassionate Creator, who permits us to call upon Your Son for help, healing and wholeness, we praise You for the promises of salvation through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus. Without His obedience to You, without His agonizing death on the Cross, we would be unforgiven and forever doomed to be eternally cast out from Your Sacred Presence and Everlasting Love.

People: In the abundant grace of Jesus and through His own precious words , we now pray, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v18)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus is the King of Creation and the Lord of our lives. We did not give this honor to Him. Through His complete devotion and perfect obedience, God bestowed upon Jesus all authority on earth and in heaven to forgive our sins, to restore us to God’s favor and to be welcomed into His Eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our One, True and Only Savior, both now and always. Amen.
(John 6v14)

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.

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God
Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing


Leader: Your healing love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
People: Your strength is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
Leader: O LORD, we pray that you will preserve our lives and loved ones. How precious is your unfailing love and mercy to us!
People: May our families and friends find refuge in Your presence and healing from all that harms them.
Leader May we all regain our health and strength from the abundance of Your power; may You grant us our petitions and delight us with Your grace.
People: For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light; through Your peace, we are released from pain; by Your love we are set free from our fears. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: Living and Gracious Lord, continue Your love to those who need You, Your healing to the most cherished of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)


Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, challenge and change us through the truths that these sacred scriptures reveal. Move our hearts and show us how to fulfill Christ’s message in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:37)

Scripture Readings :

Sermon


The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, You know us completely and perfectly understand everything about our lives. We often fail to fulfill our service and devotion to You, and yet You still allow us to receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. With humble and sincere thanks, we offer You our time, talents and money. Take these tokens of our gratitude and bless them for the continuing life, work and ministry of Your Church in this community, across this nation and throughout the world. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v28)

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ protect us from our sinful nature and keep us on His Holy path; may the Father continually cultivate our faith through His Love and Grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to branch out into the world to effectively witness to God’s kingdom, glory and power. Both now and forever. Amen. ( Romans 11v24)

Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Postlude

Sunday Prayers 25 Nov 2007

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements
Prelude and Gathering

Call to worship

Pastor: With thankful hearts and grateful spirits, we approach You, O King of the Universe.
People: We seek to love and serve You; we wish to please You and follow Your commands.
Pastor: We are truly grateful for Your presence in the world and Your influence over our lives. Hear us now as we worship and glorify Your wonderful Name. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Everlasting God, who looks at the entire world and sees the lives that we each lead; whose wonders and deeds far outshine our greatest achievements and highest successes; we humbly approach Your Holy Presence, seeking Your approval and hoping for Your favor.
People: Almighty Lord, without You, we are a people of no significance, a church without meaning, a community with no purpose. You created us in Your Perfect image, fillings our hearts with eternal notions and the hope of everlasting life.

Guide: Gracious Lord, at times we have forsaken Your paths and followed our limited understanding. We have exalted our intellect and replaced Your ways with our ideas. We have stripped Your Holy Word of meaning, and have rebelled against Your sacred scriptures. We have falsified our faith and denied our dependence upon You.
People: Heavenly Father, we have made selfish choices and shameful decisions. We have damaged our souls with pride and anger, stubbornness and greed. Forgive our faults and cleanse us of our careless ways. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Merciful Lord, reclaim our rebellious lives and restore us to Your Son’s salvation. Rekindle our faith in Jesus, renewing our hearts and minds, so that we may gratefully, thankfully and cheerfully serve You forever.
People: For we make our confession in the mighty and powerful Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father,…”

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus gathers us to Himself, filling us with His grace and love. He takes the broken pieces of our sinful lives, to heals us of all our past and personal sins. Let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, both now and 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.

Children’s Sermon

Anthem

Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.
People: The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Pastor: O Living God, who formed the hearts, minds and bodies of us all, consider our present troubles and provide for our personal needs.
People: Your eyes are constantly on us; You know our worries and fears. We place our lives into Your hands and put our hope in Your unfailing love.
Pastor: You are our help and shield, O Lord. We wait for Your mercy and ask that You heal us, including our families and friends, of all that hurts, harms and hinders us.
People: For we trust in Your Holy Name and we humbly ask that You hear our heartfelt petitions and personal prayers.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 33)

Sing: Jesus Draw Me Close

Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, descend upon us and open our hearts to God’s message. Grant us understanding of these scriptures, and give us opportunities to apply these sacred words in our daily lives. For the sake of our Savior and in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings, Sermon & the Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your death, You made a new covenant with the world. We freely give our lives to You in service of Your Everlasting Kingdom. Take the tithes and gifts that we offer, blessing them for the ministries and missions that You would have our church undertake, support and fulfill to the glory of God, and the preaching of His Word. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ deliver us from all evil and enable us to do His will; may the Father spare us from temptation and reclaim us as His own; and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide, counsel and comfort us, as we worship and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Sunday prayers; Nov 18, 2007

Approaching God

Welcome & announcements
Prelude & Gathering

Call of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:156,159 &160))

Leader: O Lord, Your compassion is wonderful; sustain us with Your merciful grace.
People: We love Your holy words and sacred ways, O Lord; refresh us with Your abiding love.
Leader: All Your promises are true; all your righteous laws are eternal, therefore we will worship and glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Almighty Father, who knows the hidden secrets of our hearts, and to whom our innermost thoughts are revealed; we come before You as humble servants, seeking to please You with our worship and honor You with our praise.
People: Gracious Lord, You have given us commandments and laws, guidance and grace to live our lives cheerfully, abundantly and faithfully. However, we have sinfully chosen to yield to temptation and crush Your godly counsel with our selfish ways.
Guide: Merciful God, forgive our foolish deeds and faithless decisions. Pardon our indifference to Your commands. Liberate us from those longings and desires which damage our souls through greed, pride, defiance and despair.
People: Loving Father, restrain us from blemishing our lives with wickedness and corruption, bitterness and fear, anger and temptation. Hear us now as we personally confess our individual sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Heavenly Lord, we place our lives into Your Son’s keeping. We seek Christ’s grace and ask that He will intercede on our behalf, by cleansing our souls and restoring us to Your Favor.
People: For we ask this in Jesus’ Name and through His own prayer, we seek Your blessing, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v12)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus satisfies our souls with His love and grace. When we confess our sins to Him, He gathers us to His heart and assures that our lives will not be wasted by sin, nor overcome by temptation. He is our One True and Living Savior, so let us rejoice and give glory to His Name. Amen. (John 6v12)

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.

Children’s Sermon

Anthem
Encountering God
Minute for Mission? - Guatemala

Prayers for Health and Healing


Pastor: Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven by the Lord, and whose fears are divinely diminished.
People: Blessed are those people who love the Lord and in whose spirits there is faith and hope.
Pastor: Let everyone pray to You, O Lord and find the answers to our questions; let us reach out and touch You for help, health, and healing.
People: You are our refuge and salvation, Lord; protect us from trouble and grant us deliverance.
Pastor: Instruct and enable our loved ones to follow Your ways. Counsel and watch over them. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind and spirit.
People: May Your unfailing love surround and uplift them, for we entrust them into Your Hands. Hear us now as we quietly pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, people of God; celebrate and fill your hearts with faith, hope and love! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 32)


Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, pour out the blessings and shower us with God’s promises through His Holy Word. Enable us to receive Christ’s teachings through all that we see and hear. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Acts 2:33)

Scripture Readings, Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, through Your entire life, You always gave thanks to God. By Your Loving example, we gather together our tokens of gratitude from our own resources, seeking to honor God with our tithes and gifts. May they enhance Your ministry among us. Take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and mission of our church. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v24)

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ grant us unity with Him forevermore; may the Father continue to strengthen our faith each day; and may the Holy Spirit deliver us from pride and teach us to revere God, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v20)

Sunday Prayers - 11 Nov 2007

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:145,149 &151)
Pastor: Loving Lord, we call to You from our hearts; answer us with Your blessing and help us to obey Your decrees.
People: Hear our praises, in accordance with Your love. Preserve our souls, O LORD, according to Your laws.
Pastor: For You are dear to us, O LORD. We hold Your promises to be true, therefore we will praise and glorify Your Name. Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Lord God of Hosts, whose power maintains life throughout this Universe and whose will is absolute; we come before You as disciples of Christ, children of Your grace, and humble servants in Your Kingdom.
People: Everlasting God, who judges the nations and holds them eternally accountable for their actions; who watches over the earth and scrutinizes every person’s deeds, we humbly approach You, seeking forgiveness for our failures and mercy for our mistakes.

Guide: Loving Father, You have a predetermined plan for each of our lives and a sacred path that we should follow. You can remove chaos and trouble, tragedy and grief from our midst. You can also heal the damage that sin inflicts upon our minds and spirits, hearts and souls.
People: Gracious Lord, hear us now as we silently, personally and sincerely confess our faults to You alone. Have mercy upon us as we admit the mistakes that we have made, and the sins that we have selfishly committed which dishonor You and diminish our Christian faith.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Heavenly Father, restore our lives to Your favor and replenish our faith in Your Son. Allow us the blessing of Christ’s forgiveness and renew our souls through the eternal blessings and riches of His grace.
People: For we make these prayers in Jesus’ Name and with His own words, we unite our souls, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v11)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: When we sincerely confess our faults to God, Jesus takes our sins and nails them to His Cross. He then acknowledges our repentance to God and enables our spirits to be reconciled with our Father in Heaven. Christ distributes His grace to all who believe in Him, giving us as much as we need to be perfectly restored to God’s favor and Kingdom. So let us heartily rejoice and truly give thanks, for Jesus, our Savior, is the Lord of all ourlives. Amen. (John 6v11)

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.

Children’s Sermon

Minute for Mission

Anthem

Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In You, O LORD, we have taken refuge; keep us free from despair; deliver us in Your righteousness.
People: Turn Your ear to us, Living God, come quickly to our rescue; be our rock of refuge, a strong power to heal us.

Pastor: Since You are our rock and our strength, for the sake of Your Name we ask that You heal and be gracious to us.
People: Loving Father, free our families and friends from the sicknesses, injuries and worries that harm them, for You are also their refuge and salvation.

Pastor: Into Your hands we commit our prayers, lives, and spirits. Redeem us, O LORD, for You are the God of hope and truth.
People: We will be glad and rejoice in Your love, O God, for You see our afflictions and know the anguish of our souls. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: May we be strong and take heart, for we hope in the power of the LORD. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 31)

Singing of “Jesus, Draw me Close.”

Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, resurrect our faith through the life of Christ. Open up our hearts and minds to these sacred pages and let them perfectly witness to the wonders, work and words of our Savior’s ministry and mission. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:32)

Scripture Readings, Sermon & Apostles’ Creed – Time of Silence for Veteran’s Day


Serving God Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, for centuries our churches and congregations have received many blessings from You. You have kept us in communion with God and passed on Your Gospel message throughout the ages until it has reached our present generation. Take these tithes and gifts, promises and annual pledges of faith. Bless them for the praising of God’s deeds, the preaching of Your Word, and the building up of Your Church on earth. In Your Precious Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ speak to us and unify our lives to His holy ministry; may the Father continue to grow our spirits with His love and grace; and may the Holy Spirit anoint us in faith and appoint us to the service of God’s Kingdom, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v19)

Postlude

Sunday Prayers - Nov 4, 2007

Approaching God

Prelude: Welcome & Announcements

Call to worship ( based on Psalm 119:140,142 &144)

Leader: Almighty God, Your promises have been fulfilled; because of this, we love You.
People: Gracious Lord, Your righteousness is everlasting and Your Word is forever true.
Leader: Heavenly Father, Your statutes are always right; grant us the favor of living in Your Presence forever.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Almighty Father, Who created the land, sea and air, we worship Your wonderful ways and praise Your Everlasting Name. You are the King of Glory, whose words produce Life and whose thoughts uphold the Universe.
People: Lord of Creation, You have plowed history with Your deeds of deliverance, and sustained our people with Your Love. You have directed our destinies and pre-determined all the paths that we should follow.
Guide: Merciful God, we have sought safety in Your plan of salvation, and refuge in Your acts of redemption. You have become a haven of healing and a harbor of holiness for our minds, hearts, bodies and souls.

People: Gracious Father, become a river of life for us, cleansing our past mistakes, freeing us from our vilest sins, and pardoning us of our selfish ways. We know that we have disappointed You with our false choices and feeble faith. Hear us now as we personally confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Father God, without Jesus, we have no hope of complete forgiveness. Without His sacrifice, we have no way to be restored to Your favor. We place our sinful selves into Christ’s Hands and pray that His power will restore us to the blessings of Your Eternal Kingdom.
People: For we ask this in our Precious Savior’s Name and through His own words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v10)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins, to heal our souls and to grant us God’s blessings. When we truly believe that He is the Son of God and place our lives into His Keeping, we are guaranteed forgiveness of our sins and God’s everlasting love. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our One, True and Living Savior, both now and always. Amen. (John 6v10)

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.

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing

Leader: We will exalt you, O LORD, for You lift us out of the depths of despair and will not let our troubles overwhelm us.
People: O LORD our God, we call to You for help, for You alone can truly heal us of all that besets us.
Leader: We feel secure in Your Holy Presence and safe in Your Abiding Love. Strengthen our faith and diminish our fears. Fill us with peace and free us from pain.
People: O LORD, please show Your favor to our friends and families. Grant them health and healing; release them from dismay and depression. Bring health, hope and happiness to them.
Leader: Hear us, O LORD, as we pray. Be merciful to us and all our loved ones, for You alone have the power to help us recover from all of our troubles.
People: Turn our worries into cheers; remove our sadness and replace it with joy. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: May our hearts sing to You, O God, and never be silent. O LORD, we will give You our thanks forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 30)

Anthem

Minute for Mission : Stewardship

Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, You know what lies ahead of each of our lives. You know the joys we will celebrate. and the problems we will encounter. Prepare our hearts and minds for those future times by enabling us to hear Christ’s words, receive them in our hearts, and apply them in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:31)


Scripture Readings :

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, may we primarily give of our lives to Your ministry in this church, community, and Your Kingdom. May we freely give to You of our time, talents and resources in ways and means that will honor and glorify Your Name. May You favorably bless these tokens and pledges, these gifts and offerings for the life, work and mission of Your church at Erin and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
( 1 Cor 11v18)

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ enable us to branch out into the world in service, ministry and mission; may the Father establish strong and firm roots of faith in our hearts, souls and minds; and may the Holy Spirit empower us with godly gifts, so that we may witness to Christ’s grace, God’s love and the Spirit’s compassion, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v18)

Sunday prayers - Oct 28

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Gathering & Prelude

Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:129,130 & 135)

Leader: O Lord, Your statutes are wonderful; therefore we seek to obey them.
People: The meaning of Your Holy words gives us light; it brings us understanding and wisdom.
Leader: Make Your face shine upon Your servants, O God, and teach us Your decrees, for we worship and glorify Your Name.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: LORD Almighty, whose plans are always fulfilled and whose will is never thwarted, we adore and revere You as our True Creator, Heavenly Father and Everlasting God.

People: Gracious Lord, You have called us to this place of prayer and worship, so that we may know Your peace, share Your Words and experience Your Love.

Guide: Loving God, we praise You for being patient with us. We acknowledge Your kindness and compassion. We know that we have sinned against You by allowing pride to determine our actions, fear to diminish our faith, and greed to overcome our charity.

People: Merciful Father, humble us in Your Holy Presence. Enable us to cast off our sinful ways. Forgive our vile mistakes and corrupt decisions, our selfish choices and unworthy deeds. Please hear us now as we personally confess our faults to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Eternal God, You can only save us from ourselves when we place our lives into Christ’s hands. You can only forgive our sins when we humbly confess our mistakes to Jesus, Your Son, who died for our sake.

People: We pray these personal petitions in Christ’s Name, seeking His forgiveness and uniting our spirits with Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”(Isaiah 23v9)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus receives our prayers and changes our lives. He takes each one of us, despite our weaknesses and failings, and blesses us with forgiveness and faith, salvation and strength. So let us rejoice In God’s grace and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our Savior, Jesus is our Lord. Amen. (John 6v9)

Gloria Patri

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Leader: Ascribe to the LORD, all you His people, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
People: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; for He is powerful, compassionate and kind.
Leader: We worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; in this place of prayer, we seek His healing.
People: The voice of the LORD is powerful; He speaks and we are restored to health, wholeness and happiness.
Leader: The voice of the LORD is majestic; therefore, we humbly call upon Him to heal us of all that harms us.
People: Almighty LORD, be merciful to our family and friends; love them and comfort them. Release them from pain and suffering. Renew their strength and mend their broken bodies, minds, hearts and spirits in Jesus’ Name. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 29)



Prayer for Illumination :

Reader : Holy Spirit, reveal to us God’s message for our lives today through the words of these sacred scriptures. Enable us to seek, find and experience the promises of blessing, guidance and wisdom that emerge from Christ’s life and teaching. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:30)


Scripture Readings :

Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, direct our lives and enable us to freely give our lives to You. Please take these gifts and bless them for the life, work and ministry that You have called our church to undertake and fulfill. Let Your Name be praised through this offering and let Your Word be spread through these resources. For we give and pray in Your Holy Name. Amen. ( 1 Cor 11v17)

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ set us free from clinging to fear and wallowing in sin; may our Heavenly Father graft us to His Kingdom and grow us in His Love; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to share in God’s work and be nourished by His Everlasting Word, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v17)

Sunday prayers - Oct 21, 2007

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Gathering & Prelude

Word of Acclamation ( based on Psalm 119:124 & 125)

Leader: O Lord, deal with us according to Your Love; teach us Your precious decrees.
People: We are Your servants; open our hearts and minds so that we may understand Your sacred ways.
Leader: Come among us, Almighty Lord, and do Your wonderful deeds; for we praise and glorify Your Name forever! Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Heavenly Father, Bestower of blessings and Lord of life, we adore and applaud Your mighty works of creation, which remind us of Your majestic Power and inspire us to confidently place our lives into your hands.
People: Wonderful Lord, we have set aside this sacred time and planned our praise and worship to reflect upon Your ways, rejoice in Your deeds and regenerate our faith in Your Holy Word. You are the One, true and Living God; we are privileged to be Your humble servants.

Guide: Merciful God, despite our enthusiasm for Your Will, we confess to being partial to our own understanding and more apt to follow our own desires. Instead of seeking Your guidance, we cherish our own opinions and ideas. Instead of accepting Your counsel, we furnish our own, which leads us into temptation and causes us to diminish our faith.
People: Holy and Sacred Lord, forgive us when we offend You by our sinful actions and selfish deeds. Pardon our personal mistakes and foolish choices which taint our souls with greed, pride, envy, hatred, anger and disinterest. Hear us now as we individually confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Gracious God, our hope is in the Lord and our salvation is in Christ’s hands. By His blood, we are cleansed. By His sacrifice, we are saved. He alone can forgive our past mistakes and restore us to Your Favor.

People: We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and unite our hearts through Him, saying, “Our Father, etc.”

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Jesus calls us to be his disciples and we are empowered to speak up for Him. Through faith, we testify to Christ’s power of forgiveness and His sovereignty over all of creation. So, let us rejoice in Him and express our thanks to Him, by sharing His promises and gospel with all whom we love, and with all whom we personally need to forgive. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. (John 6v8)

Gloria Patri

Children’s Sermon

Anthem
Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

Leader: We call upon You, O Lord, the Rock of our salvation. Hear our prayers and grant us peace.
People: Hear our cries for mercy as we call to You for help; listen to our pleas in this holy place of prayer.
Leader: We lift up our hearts to You, Living God, and humbly ask for healing..
People: For You are our strength and shield; our hearts trust in You and we are encouraged.
Leader: Lord God, have mercy upon us and all whom we love. Bless us all with healing and strength, wholeness and peace, renewal and hope.
People: For You alone have the strength and power to overcome illness, anxiety, injury and insecurity. hear us now as we silently pray for all those who are precious to our hearts.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Leader: Save all Your people, Lord and bless us one by one; be our shepherd and carry us forevermore. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 28)


Reader : Holy Spirit, grant our spirits confidence and deepen our faith through these sacred scriptures. Open our hearts to Christ’s amazing love and enhance our minds with His precious teaching. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 2:29)

Scripture Readings :

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication : Lord Jesus, our hearts are exposed to You at all times, therefore You know completely what and how we give. We pray that these tokens may be given to You honorably, cheerfully and faithfully. Grant us the wisdom to use them in the enhancement of God’s Kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel, the serving of the Church and the praising of God’s Name, both now and always. Amen.

Hymn :

Benediction: May we grow in Christ’s grace each and everyday; may we be spiritually fruitful to the glory of our Father in heaven; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen the foundations of our faith, so that we may confidently share the good news of Jesus with the world, both now and always. Amen. ( Romans 11v16 )

Sunday prayers - Oct 7, 2007

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 10)

Pastor: The LORD is King for ever and ever.
People: He listens to our cries of affliction and embraces us with His love.
Pastor: The LORD is our defender and protector. He diminishes our fears by enhancing our faith. Amen!

First Hymn:

Prayers of 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.
People: Almighty Father, we have come from our homes to be with You. We have set aside this hallowed hour to praise and adore You.

Guide: 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.
People: Gracious Lord, we are guilty of a multitude of sins. There are so many times each day 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 the lost.
People: 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) (Isaiah 33:14)


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. So let us rejoice and be glad, for though we have sinned greatly, we also have a Great Savior. Amen. (John 9:29)

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: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies and nurturing our spirits.
People: May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
Pastor: In the midst of our weakness, may the Lord bring us strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith.
People: Lord, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry, and settle us with Your peace.
People: 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
Leader: 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 '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

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. (Acts 8:14)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication: 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. (1 Corinthians 16:8)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Sep 30, 2007

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 9)
Pastor: We will praise You, O Lord, with all of our hearts.People: We will tell of Your wonders and rejoice in Your ways.
Pastor: We will be glad and sing praise to Your Name, O Lord Most High. Amen!First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession

Guide: Almighty God, throughout our lives we have heard of the great things that You have done. You have watched over our people for generations. You have delivered us from evil and blessed us with good.
People: Everlasting Majesty, as we gather in this sacred and special place, receive us as Your servants and children. Accept the praises we bring and allow us to acknowledge Your power, presence, and wisdom over our lives.

Guide: Gracious God, we understand our human frailties and limitations. We confess to being sinful and selfish, proud and impassive, stubborn and defensive.
People: Loving Lord, we have failed You many times and we regret our past failures. Hear us now as we silently bring to You our confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Christ’s grace and mercy. In Him, we are forgiven and restored. By Him, our lives are given meaning and purpose, strength and hope. We make these prayers in Christ’s Name and through His everlasting words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:13)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: God speaks to us through the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. He allows us to be forgiven of all our mistakes when we sincerely seek His forgiveness and pardon. Let us rejoice in our King, for Jesus is our Savior and everlasting Lord. Amen. (John 9:28)

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)

Baptism of Ella Grace Levering

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works!
People: Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
Pastor: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers.
People: Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.
Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: The Lord will feed us with hope and strength; with His goodness and grace, we shall experience healing, hope and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to receive these scriptures in ways that will challenge and change our lives. Let God’s words be acceptable to our hearts and minds, so that we may be transformed into becoming better servants for His Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:13)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication: Lord Jesus, in the giving pf these gifts, we open doors for effective ministries and missions to be accomplished by our church. Our tithes and offering reflect our devotion to You and the work of Your Gospel throughout the world. Accept our treasures and our lives; our time, as well as our talents. May they be used for the glory of God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we freely give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May the death of Christ make us realize how precious we are to Him; may the Father’s words and ways strongly influence our spirits and guide our lives; and may the Holy Spirit keep us faithful serving the One, triune and Living God, from this day forth and forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:12)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude