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Worship
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Series VII, Cycle A
Call To Worship
When we have given a lot of time to something, whether in a financial investment, a relationship, or an endeavor, we are reluctant to let go, stop, and turn around, even when we know that this is a dead end and it is finally time to admit it. Samuel had qualms about God's people claiming a King but he had given in, at the Lord's command, and had anointed Saul. For a time things had gone well, but the situation had soured. God insists he will do a new thing, and that Samuel needs to let go, but it's hard to do that without some measure of grieving. We fear the future, no matter how bright the promise, and cling to the toxins of today. When Samuel left to do God's will he looked for another Saul, tall and powerful, and wasn't ready for the fact that God looks at things just a little differently. Let us look at each other with the eyes of God today.
Collect
God is love. God is with us in times of uncertainty. There is so much about which we are unsure, but this day we are certain that God calls us in love to become his people.
Prayer Of Confession
The word "repentance" implies a complete turn around in direction. If we are going the wrong direction we cannot fix things by continuing that way. We must stop, turn around, and work our way back. Lord, we're turning around. For some of us it may be a long journey back to your arms. Run to us, bridge the gap, beckon us home. Amen.
Hymns
"Lord, I Am Fondly, Earnestly Longing"
"Come, Let Us All Unite To Sing"
"Nearer My God To Thee"
Fourth Sunday In Lent
Second Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14
Theme: Live As Children Of The Light!
Call To Worship (Psalm 23 [KJV])
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Collect
Lord, you are our shepherd. Your guidance has brought us together this morning. Our trust in your mercy and goodness keeps us together as your flock. Bless us in our gathering. We pray for your Spirit's presence in our midst as a pledge to open our hearts and our hearing towards your message for us this morning. These things we pray in your name as Shepherd and King. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Once more, Lord, we offer up to you the sum and total of our lives, the successes and failures, the joys and concerns. We share these aloud in the midst of the community of faith. We whisper these softly with a trusted friend. We offer them up silently from the depths of our hearts. Nothing is hidden from you, God. For this we are thankful. Hear our prayers, grant our petitions, heal us, give us hope where we see none. Lord, we pray as the people of your flock. Amen.
Hymns
"Christian Let Your Burning Light"
"Sleepers, Wake!"
"Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us"
Fourth Sunday In Lent
Gospel Lesson: John 9:1-41
Theme: Afraid Of The Light
Call To Worship (Isaiah 61:1-3)
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion - to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
Collect
Like road signs the miracles point to you, Lord. We follow the signs. We have come to this sanctuary. Others challenged us, come and see. We came. We saw. We believe in you. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
God of miracles, how can it be that some were afraid of the world's disapproval in the face of your healing? When you give light to us who walk in darkness will we slink back into the shadows? I believe, Lord. Strengthen me in my witness. Amen.
Hymns
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus"
"I Believe In You, Lord Jesus"
"Shine, Jesus, Shine"
When we have given a lot of time to something, whether in a financial investment, a relationship, or an endeavor, we are reluctant to let go, stop, and turn around, even when we know that this is a dead end and it is finally time to admit it. Samuel had qualms about God's people claiming a King but he had given in, at the Lord's command, and had anointed Saul. For a time things had gone well, but the situation had soured. God insists he will do a new thing, and that Samuel needs to let go, but it's hard to do that without some measure of grieving. We fear the future, no matter how bright the promise, and cling to the toxins of today. When Samuel left to do God's will he looked for another Saul, tall and powerful, and wasn't ready for the fact that God looks at things just a little differently. Let us look at each other with the eyes of God today.
Collect
God is love. God is with us in times of uncertainty. There is so much about which we are unsure, but this day we are certain that God calls us in love to become his people.
Prayer Of Confession
The word "repentance" implies a complete turn around in direction. If we are going the wrong direction we cannot fix things by continuing that way. We must stop, turn around, and work our way back. Lord, we're turning around. For some of us it may be a long journey back to your arms. Run to us, bridge the gap, beckon us home. Amen.
Hymns
"Lord, I Am Fondly, Earnestly Longing"
"Come, Let Us All Unite To Sing"
"Nearer My God To Thee"
Fourth Sunday In Lent
Second Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14
Theme: Live As Children Of The Light!
Call To Worship (Psalm 23 [KJV])
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Collect
Lord, you are our shepherd. Your guidance has brought us together this morning. Our trust in your mercy and goodness keeps us together as your flock. Bless us in our gathering. We pray for your Spirit's presence in our midst as a pledge to open our hearts and our hearing towards your message for us this morning. These things we pray in your name as Shepherd and King. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Once more, Lord, we offer up to you the sum and total of our lives, the successes and failures, the joys and concerns. We share these aloud in the midst of the community of faith. We whisper these softly with a trusted friend. We offer them up silently from the depths of our hearts. Nothing is hidden from you, God. For this we are thankful. Hear our prayers, grant our petitions, heal us, give us hope where we see none. Lord, we pray as the people of your flock. Amen.
Hymns
"Christian Let Your Burning Light"
"Sleepers, Wake!"
"Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us"
Fourth Sunday In Lent
Gospel Lesson: John 9:1-41
Theme: Afraid Of The Light
Call To Worship (Isaiah 61:1-3)
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion - to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
Collect
Like road signs the miracles point to you, Lord. We follow the signs. We have come to this sanctuary. Others challenged us, come and see. We came. We saw. We believe in you. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
God of miracles, how can it be that some were afraid of the world's disapproval in the face of your healing? When you give light to us who walk in darkness will we slink back into the shadows? I believe, Lord. Strengthen me in my witness. Amen.
Hymns
"I Have Decided To Follow Jesus"
"I Believe In You, Lord Jesus"
"Shine, Jesus, Shine"
