FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Worship
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Series III
* CALL TO WORSHIP
Happy is the person who takes delight in the word of the Lord and
meditates upon it yielding the fruits of the Spirit in season.
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One God, undivided in being, undiverted in purpose, we confess
that we are often distracted from waiting on you. Whether
married or single, we are easily attracted and engrossed by
worldly things. When married or responsible for a family we may
have additional cares that divide our minds, giving undue weight
to the provision of daily bread and too little attention to what
is good, what is seemly, what is true devotion to your work.
Forgive faithless anxiety and half-hearted discipleship, unlike
your exemplary Son, Jesus Christ, who was and is dedicated to you
in body and in spirit. Amen.
* DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS
Hear the Good News! Jesus has power to rid us of unclean
spirits, to cast out our sins. Friends, believe the Good News.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
* EXHORTATION
Be free from anxious care and use your freedom to wait upon the
Lord without distraction.
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
Jesus of Nazareth, Holy One of God, grant that we may hear the
ring of authority in your teaching so that we may be rid of
anything that profanes and shackles the human spirit, and be free
to serve at your pleasure. Amen.
* PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God of purifying fire, God of true prophets, God of cleansing
Spirit, of all the prophets you have sent speaking your word, no
one measures up to the true authority of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Of all the healers of body, mind, and spirit, none have touched
the lives of the sick, the troubled, and the sinful, with as
gentle power as Jesus of Nazareth. Of all the scholars and
teachers we have known, none have influenced for good as many by
their lives and teaching as the Spirit of your Holy Child, Jesus.
We are dazzled
by visions of your holiness. We are astounded by the deepest
revelations of your authority. We are sanctified by the inner
baptism of your Spirit. You are worthy of all praise, O God.
Amen.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Lord of the church, we would serve you without distraction,
taking the time, and giving the money that is needed, to give
genuine expression to the care we have for your business. May it
always be our aim to please you, Lord. Amen.
* PSALM 111
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright,
in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
Happy is the person who takes delight in the word of the Lord and
meditates upon it yielding the fruits of the Spirit in season.
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One God, undivided in being, undiverted in purpose, we confess
that we are often distracted from waiting on you. Whether
married or single, we are easily attracted and engrossed by
worldly things. When married or responsible for a family we may
have additional cares that divide our minds, giving undue weight
to the provision of daily bread and too little attention to what
is good, what is seemly, what is true devotion to your work.
Forgive faithless anxiety and half-hearted discipleship, unlike
your exemplary Son, Jesus Christ, who was and is dedicated to you
in body and in spirit. Amen.
* DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS
Hear the Good News! Jesus has power to rid us of unclean
spirits, to cast out our sins. Friends, believe the Good News.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
* EXHORTATION
Be free from anxious care and use your freedom to wait upon the
Lord without distraction.
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
Jesus of Nazareth, Holy One of God, grant that we may hear the
ring of authority in your teaching so that we may be rid of
anything that profanes and shackles the human spirit, and be free
to serve at your pleasure. Amen.
* PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God of purifying fire, God of true prophets, God of cleansing
Spirit, of all the prophets you have sent speaking your word, no
one measures up to the true authority of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Of all the healers of body, mind, and spirit, none have touched
the lives of the sick, the troubled, and the sinful, with as
gentle power as Jesus of Nazareth. Of all the scholars and
teachers we have known, none have influenced for good as many by
their lives and teaching as the Spirit of your Holy Child, Jesus.
We are dazzled
by visions of your holiness. We are astounded by the deepest
revelations of your authority. We are sanctified by the inner
baptism of your Spirit. You are worthy of all praise, O God.
Amen.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Lord of the church, we would serve you without distraction,
taking the time, and giving the money that is needed, to give
genuine expression to the care we have for your business. May it
always be our aim to please you, Lord. Amen.
* PSALM 111
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright,
in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
