Call to Worship
Hear God call you to worship through His Word
“I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works. I will rejoice and boast about you; I will sing about your name, Most High.” (Psalm 9:1-2)
Collect for Purity
Prepare your heart for worship
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Adoration
Give praise to God
We give to you our praise, Almighty God, for you are great and powerful. You made the heavens and the earth by your might. You have determined the number of stars and given each one of them their names. As we consider the works of your hands, we see your greatness and majesty, and we are amazed that you would use this on our behalf: to save us through your Son who has defeated sin, Satan, and death; to change us by your Spirit to be like Christ; to preserve us in this life and through death by keeping us in your powerful hands that nothing and no-one can snatch us out of. With your outstretched arm you have rescued your people time and time again, because nothing is too difficult for you and none can withstand you. So, to you, Lord God Almighty, we give the glory which you deserve.
Amen.
Reading of the Law
Hear the Law of God
“Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:1-3)
Confession of Sins
Confess your sins to God1
Lord God, in Christ you have adopted me as your beloved child. But I confess that deep inside my soul I doubt your love for me. Instead of being satisfied in your acceptance, I look for acceptance elsewhere. Instead of resting in your love, I am restless with fear, control, and worry. Forgive my lack of trust in your promises. Forgive my doubt of your great love. Let your perfect love cast out all fear, and free me to glorify and enjoy you fully. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Receive these words of comfort
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
The Creed
Confess what you believe about the Christian faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Doxology
Respond by giving glory to God
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Prayer of Intercession
Seek God's grace as you make your requests to God
Personal
Help us, Lord, to have no other gods before you. To not put anything or anyone in your place, for you alone are our Creator and our Redeemer. Help us to worship you, to adore you, to listen to you, to trust you, to obey you, to serve you, and to live for you more than anything else. Give us the strength we need to resist the schemes of the devil which would have us makes other things – our possessions, wealth, hobbies, interests, talents, family members and friends – as more important than you. Today may we eagerly seek you and love you above all things.
Amen.
Church
It is our heart’s desire, our God, that people would be saved; that none would perish but come to the knowledge of the truth about Jesus, the good news that He lived, died, and rose again so that they can be rescued from sin and death and hell. Give us an urgency as a church, and as individuals, to reach out to those around us. Bless all our efforts to share the gospel. Provide opportunities to speak of the hope we have and give us the boldness we need to take them. We pray for salvation to come to our community. For lost people to be converted. Help us to not get discouraged and give up when we see no visible results. Gracious God, we plead with you to add to our number those who are being saved.
Amen.
Elders
We pray for our elders that they would be above-reproach with unquestionable characters, and for them to maintain credible reputations and be examples worthy of following. Keep their lives so consistent that there are no opportunities for blame or disgrace to be attached to them. May their conduct match their profession, so that their lives do not display even a trace of hypocrisy. When they sin, Lord, would they be quick to repent and seek your forgiveness and the forgiveness of those they have sinned against. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, would they identify, battle, and kill sin wherever it exists in their lives.
Amen.
Church Members
We pray for [member/s] that they would become more like Jesus everyday as they grow in their love of God and hatred of sin. Increase their humility, wisdom, compassion, and courage. Help them to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and leading. Give them opportunities to serve your people and open doors to share the gospel. O God, save your people, bless your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever.
Amen.
Lord's Prayer
Pray the words that Jesus taught us to pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Catechism
Receive this instruction from the church
What is the duty of such who are rightly baptized?
It is the duty of such who are rightly baptized to give up themselves to some particular and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Prayer of Illumination
Ask God to give you understanding as you read His Word
Lord God, you spoke, and creation came into existence. How we need you to speak to us. By your word make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ. Show us what we need to know, believe, and do, to be saved by Him and to live a life that pleases Him. Speak to us now, because we, your servants, are listening.
Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read today's passage from The Big Read Bible reading plan and pray in response
Read Ephesians 1:1-10
Benediction
Receive this blessing from the Lord for the day ahead
And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and always, until the day of Christ's return.
Amen.
Daily Liturgy