|
Worship Order for
Sunday
|
Call to Worship
Jeremiah 23:23-24
scripture text ©2001 Nathan
Nettleton www.laughingbird.net
Listen to the Lord speak through the prophet
Jeremiah:
“What kind of God do you think I am:
........a pocket God who lives where
you put me,
................or a God far beyond
your grasp?”
........................says the LORD.
“Can anyone find a secret hiding place
........where I won’t be able to
see them?”
................says the LORD.
“Do I not fill the entire universe,
........heaven and earth alike?”
................says the LORD. |
If you are able, please stand and sing a simple song of praise to
this "Awesome
God." You find the words and music on your bulletin
insert.
|
|
Opening
Prayer
Indeed, Lord God, you are awe-inspiring. When we make the time to
really become aware of you, ...your presence in this world - in
our very lives - takes our breath away. Even when we can explain,
with words of science or philosophy, some of what lies behind what
you have created, our thoughts are like baby steps along the way
of real wisdom.
Forgive us, Lord, when we lose our sense of awe and wonder, when
our worship and work assumes we’ve got you in our pocket, ready
to do our bidding.
| Yes, you have promised to be with us
always.
Yes, you said whenever two or more are gathered in your
name that you are among us, and that when we agree - in
your Spirit - upon anything, you will honor our prayer.
Yes, you are as close to us as our very breath, nearer
than we can imagine possible. |
Even so, help us not to take this for granted. We are comforted by
your presence. We are also challenged, especially when we wander
in directions we know we shouldn’t travel.
Awesome God, you fill the entire universe! Right now, fill this
time of worship, fill us. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. |
|
Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
Hebrews 13:15-16 (NRSV)
We read in the New Testament this instruction for giving
offerings to God:
"Through (Jesus), let us continually offer a sacrifice of
praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such
sacrifices are pleasing to God."
As the plate is passed, ponder how your gift may be a
"sacrifice of praise," "bearing fruit,"
"doing good," "sharing what you have,"
"pleasing God." With these words or others, say your own
silent prayer as you give. |
|
Benediction
"Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the
eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you
may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and
ever. Amen."
(Hebrews 13:20-21) |
|