Call to Worship
Hear God call you to worship through His Word
“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonders. Blessed be his glorious name forever; the whole earth is filled with his glory.” (Psalm 72:18-19)
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
Who can we compare you with, our God? Who is like you? One who is glorious in holiness? Who does what you have done and continue to do? You alone are LORD. There is no-one like you. You are worthy of our praise and we give it to you now. We boldly come to your throne through the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which He has opened up for us, to offer with our lips a sacrifice of praise. Be pleased to receive it as we give to you all blessing and honour and glory and power.
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 murder.” (Exodus 20:1-2, 13)
Confession of Sins
Confess your sins to God1
Living God, I confess today my deep tendency to pretend and perform. Rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ, I try to earn your favor through what I do. And when I fail to live up to your standard, I hide and pretend rather than running to the cross of Christ. In this pattern of pride and unbelief, I am weary. And so I come to you, knowing that I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weakness. I have one who was tempted in every way, yet without sin. So let me draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strengthen me by your Spirit to live in the good of the gospel, today and always.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Receive these words of comfort
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
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
Give glory to God
Glory to God that reigns above, Th’ eternal Three in One, who by the wonders of His love has made His nature known.
Amen.
Prayer of Intercession
Seek God's grace as you make your requests to God
Personal
It is easy for us to think that we are in no danger of breaking the command “Do not murder,” and yet we are, and we do, because we do not love our neighbour as we should. We have murdered in our hearts, destroyed others with our tongues, sought revenge and made uncharitable judgments about people. How we need your Spirit to be at work in our lives, so that we do not allow the sun to go down on our anger that it becomes hatred, resentment or bitterness. Help us to value the lives of those who look, think, and act differently to us. Open our eyes to see the needs of people. Give us boldness to speak up for the poor and needy in society including those without a voice. To do what we can to look after the orphan and the widow. And to cherish the sanctity of human life, especially the unborn, the elderly and the disabled.
Amen.
Church
Sovereign God, we want this local church to be devoted to prayer; to be committed to drawing near to your throne of grace to find mercy and help for everything. We pray that our corporate prayer meetings would be the heartbeat of this church. Give us a commitment to these gatherings. May they draw us closer to one another and closer to you. We ask that as we pray together, you would help us by your Holy Spirit, to pray ambitious prayers that are in response and according to your Word, and to do so, believing that you are willing and able to do more that we can ask and think.
Amen.
Elders
Gracious Lord, we pray that our pastors and elders would be warm, friendly, and welcoming, willing to open up their homes to friends and strangers alike. Fill them with your Spirit so that their lives bear fruit through good deeds that benefit others. Help them to hold loosely to all you have given them, and to know that their homes, food, time, and everything else belongs to you, and to be faithful stewards of these things. Please give them great joy and freedom in hospitality, and may their motivation be to glorify you by showing others your perfect love.
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 rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?
The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s prayer.
Prayer of Illumination
Ask God to give you understanding as you read His Word
Our God, you spoke into the darkness, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Your Word is effective. You speak and it happens. So, we pray now that your Word would be effective in our lives. If we are lost, would your Word bring salvation through faith in Christ. If we are drifting and going astray, would your Word bring conviction and call us to repent. If we are ignorant or lacking in knowledge, would your Word bring us understanding. If we are downcast, would your Word bring comfort and encouragement. Speak to us and change us by your powerful Word, Lord.
Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read today's passage from The Big Read Bible reading plan and pray in response
Read Ephesians 2:4-10
Benediction
Receive this blessing from the Lord for the day ahead2
Now may the Saviour, who has abolished death, come to you in your sorrows, stay by your side in the darkness, carry you through your distresses, and give you joy in the morning.
Amen.
Daily Liturgy
Taken from Grace Be With You by Dale Ralph Davis