Blessedness/Trust
Worship
THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE
Liturgical Aids
Call to Worship
It is not what we have but who we are that counts.
We are children of the living God.
We are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are members of the household of faith.
So do we affirm our trust in the Author and Redeemer of life.
So do we gather now to worship God, an act that further confirms our identity.
Invocation
God, we are led to a life of service by One who himself came to serve. It is by giving ourselves away in your name that we find our greatest joy. Not only would we learn this, but ask to be inspired by your Spirit to follow through - that we put into practice what we know to be true. Thus can our whole life be one grand experience of our love for you and for neighbor, friend, and stranger. Though we have much learning and practicing left to do, we trust that your caring, your patience, and your mercy will indeed be with us as we move forward - to that level of living worthy of your blessing and benediction. Praise be to you, O God, for example and resources and motivating Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name, who brings all to fulfillment. Amen.
Call to Confession
We reach a certain level, whether that be of trust or service or right living, and at that point we say, "Enough." Though this may be far from the complete giving of self that Christ displayed, we balk at any further conditioning of body, mind, and spirit. And there it is that we stagnate. Let us pray that God shake us loose - for further growth, for a greater measure of service that only a true and full reliance on God can inspire.
Prayer of Confession
It seems, O God, that we are content with only a little, when you would give us much. We need to get our priorities aright, for inevitably these play mightily upon our relationship with you. What we want a lot of - is short--lived; it does not last for long. It is material, and rusts and erodes, until nothing is left. What truly endures - why, that we hardly recognize, and fail to pursue. Yet that comes to us as life, life eternal, and wondrously it is a gift from your hand to each of us. Forgive us this shortsightedness of spirit that limits us with little. Enable us to reach out to embrace the fullness, the abundance of life that you offer. It is not too late; at least such is our hope. In your mercy hear us, O God, and grant us newness of life, an appreciation of the eternal, and a zeal to share this as extravagantly with others as you have been willing to share it with us. We trust that this can yet be so; we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Words of Assurance
If we are willing to confess our need, God, so full of love and mercy, will forgive us all that brought us to that need, and will so equip us with resources that we experience not need but plenty, not a life that is meager but one that exceeds in abundance all that we can think or imagine. Moreover, not just for us, but for all who so bow before the Almighty; and trusting, pray in his name. Amen.
Praise be to God that we are so raised from poverty to plenty.
Psalter Reading (from Psalm 37)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
Do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Offering Sentences
God's giving is liberal, gracious, available to all, no strings attached. It is never an "ought" with God, but always a willing "glad to." How wonderful when our giving is of the same pattern. It wins friends, strengthens relationships, enables God's work to be done in the world. Let our giving today be of the same spirit.
Prayer of Dedication
Free our lives, O God, for service in your name. Just as we dedicate these monies, the fruits of our labors, so do we consecrate our talents and pledge their use to works of healing, reconciliation, and peacemaking. So would we do our part to advance your kingdom's coming on earth, even as it is known in heaven. Use us to the fullest, O God. Indeed, we are grateful whenever your light can shine through our lives and can so enrich the life of another. So be it. Amen.
Benediction
Trust - in God's way with you. Serve - that God's way be seen in you. Seek to grow - that God's way be perfected in you. And in all and through all, may Christ be your constant companion and guide. So will your life be truly blessed and will you be a blessing to others. Amen!
It is not what we have but who we are that counts.
We are children of the living God.
We are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are members of the household of faith.
So do we affirm our trust in the Author and Redeemer of life.
So do we gather now to worship God, an act that further confirms our identity.
Invocation
God, we are led to a life of service by One who himself came to serve. It is by giving ourselves away in your name that we find our greatest joy. Not only would we learn this, but ask to be inspired by your Spirit to follow through - that we put into practice what we know to be true. Thus can our whole life be one grand experience of our love for you and for neighbor, friend, and stranger. Though we have much learning and practicing left to do, we trust that your caring, your patience, and your mercy will indeed be with us as we move forward - to that level of living worthy of your blessing and benediction. Praise be to you, O God, for example and resources and motivating Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name, who brings all to fulfillment. Amen.
Call to Confession
We reach a certain level, whether that be of trust or service or right living, and at that point we say, "Enough." Though this may be far from the complete giving of self that Christ displayed, we balk at any further conditioning of body, mind, and spirit. And there it is that we stagnate. Let us pray that God shake us loose - for further growth, for a greater measure of service that only a true and full reliance on God can inspire.
Prayer of Confession
It seems, O God, that we are content with only a little, when you would give us much. We need to get our priorities aright, for inevitably these play mightily upon our relationship with you. What we want a lot of - is short--lived; it does not last for long. It is material, and rusts and erodes, until nothing is left. What truly endures - why, that we hardly recognize, and fail to pursue. Yet that comes to us as life, life eternal, and wondrously it is a gift from your hand to each of us. Forgive us this shortsightedness of spirit that limits us with little. Enable us to reach out to embrace the fullness, the abundance of life that you offer. It is not too late; at least such is our hope. In your mercy hear us, O God, and grant us newness of life, an appreciation of the eternal, and a zeal to share this as extravagantly with others as you have been willing to share it with us. We trust that this can yet be so; we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Words of Assurance
If we are willing to confess our need, God, so full of love and mercy, will forgive us all that brought us to that need, and will so equip us with resources that we experience not need but plenty, not a life that is meager but one that exceeds in abundance all that we can think or imagine. Moreover, not just for us, but for all who so bow before the Almighty; and trusting, pray in his name. Amen.
Praise be to God that we are so raised from poverty to plenty.
Psalter Reading (from Psalm 37)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
Do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Offering Sentences
God's giving is liberal, gracious, available to all, no strings attached. It is never an "ought" with God, but always a willing "glad to." How wonderful when our giving is of the same pattern. It wins friends, strengthens relationships, enables God's work to be done in the world. Let our giving today be of the same spirit.
Prayer of Dedication
Free our lives, O God, for service in your name. Just as we dedicate these monies, the fruits of our labors, so do we consecrate our talents and pledge their use to works of healing, reconciliation, and peacemaking. So would we do our part to advance your kingdom's coming on earth, even as it is known in heaven. Use us to the fullest, O God. Indeed, we are grateful whenever your light can shine through our lives and can so enrich the life of another. So be it. Amen.
Benediction
Trust - in God's way with you. Serve - that God's way be seen in you. Seek to grow - that God's way be perfected in you. And in all and through all, may Christ be your constant companion and guide. So will your life be truly blessed and will you be a blessing to others. Amen!
