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Worship Order for
Sunday
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Call to
Worship
Imagine taking a walk early in
the morning. A mist covers the landscape before the sun burns it
away, so sight gives way to listening. What do you hear? This is
the beginning point of our first hymn this morning. The words to
it were written 125 years ago, as the author went on one of his
regular early morning hikes, telling his wife, "I am going out
to see my Father's world." However, this poem - published almost
twenty years later - is less about "seeing" than "hearing." By
the third verse, the words give way from "rocks and trees,"
"skies and seas," "birds" that sing, and "rustling grass," to
the "wrong" in this world that "seems oft so strong."
Listen for God as you sing.
Rest in the thought that this world is, and that you also are,
God's handiwork. Are you listening to "hear him pass" nearby as
the song affirms? Are your ears open that the Lord might "speak
to (you) everywhere"? Even here? Even now? Is God "the ruler
yet" of your life?
Rise in body or spirit and let us walk together in
worship as we sing, "This is
my Father's world,"
#154 in your hymnal.
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Opening
Prayer
Indeed, this is your world, Father God. Just like this is your
day. In fact, we are yours, also. "Bought with a
price," we declare, recalling the sacrifice of your Son whom
you sent to redeem this world, and us. Forgive, Lord, when we
foolishly treat it all as if we were the owners. We tend to
get mixed up, you know. Thanks for your patience, your mercy, your
correction, your salvation. And, yes, help us never to
"forget that though the wrong seems so strong, (you) are the
ruler yet." Guide this worship, and our lives, in Jesus'
name. Amen.
(used previously
March 23, 2003)
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For
Children
"Fighting
giants is for children" Ed Lewis
1 Samuel 17 |
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Pastoral Prayer
written closer to the time (if not at the
moment)
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Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
“Like good
stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with
whatever gift each of you has received.” That’s what it says
in the 10th verse of 1 Peter, chapter four. Think
about it as you return your offering.
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Benediction
Go out and imitate God, living in love.
Put your hope in God’s Word
and let your own words be truthful and constructive.
May sin rouse your anger,
........but never let anger cause you
to sin.
Don’t allow any room for evil.
And may God always hear your voice.
May Christ Jesus raise you to new life;
and may the Holy Spirit nourish you for the life of love.
©2003 Nathan Nettleton
http://www.laughingbird.net
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(para traducir a español, presione la bandera de España)
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