The Greatest Gift
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series VII, Cycle A
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Theme: The Greatest Gift
Call To Worship (based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
Let us resolve because of the love we have for each other to share not only the precious gospel of God but also our own selves, that we might through the revelation of God's good gift in us come to know God more perfectly in our worship today.
Collect
Sisters and brothers, let us gather together in God's name, sharing the gifts that are present among us. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Steadfast God, the world is opposed to you. We should not be surprised to discover that the world is opposed to us as well. We will speak, not to please mortals, but to proclaim the good news of forgiveness for sins and the gift of everlasting life. In your name we pray. Amen.
Hymns
"Help Us To Help Each Other"
"Will You Let Me Be Your Servant"
"Bringing In The Sheaves"
* * * * * *
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 22:34-46
Theme: Even Greater
Call To Worship (Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17)
One: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Two: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Three: You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals."
One and Three: For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
Two: You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
Three and Two: Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
One: Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Two and One: Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.
Three: Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
One, Two, and Three: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands - O prosper the work of our hands!
Collect
We have come, Lord, not to test but to be taught, not to trap but to be torn by the challenge and the beauty of a disciple's life. We come to love, to learn, to linger upon the page as you demonstrate the simplicity of your Law. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
The spirit of the Law gives life. The letter of the Law brings death. God of Revelation, we are thankful that you are judge, and that you know our infirmities better than we ourselves. Judge us with mercy and kindness. Forgive us. Heal us. Amen.
Hymns
"O God Our Help In Ages Past"
"I Love To Tell The Story"
"A Charge I Have To Keep"
Theme: The Greatest Gift
Call To Worship (based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
Let us resolve because of the love we have for each other to share not only the precious gospel of God but also our own selves, that we might through the revelation of God's good gift in us come to know God more perfectly in our worship today.
Collect
Sisters and brothers, let us gather together in God's name, sharing the gifts that are present among us. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Steadfast God, the world is opposed to you. We should not be surprised to discover that the world is opposed to us as well. We will speak, not to please mortals, but to proclaim the good news of forgiveness for sins and the gift of everlasting life. In your name we pray. Amen.
Hymns
"Help Us To Help Each Other"
"Will You Let Me Be Your Servant"
"Bringing In The Sheaves"
* * * * * *
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 22:34-46
Theme: Even Greater
Call To Worship (Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17)
One: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Two: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Three: You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals."
One and Three: For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
Two: You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
Three and Two: Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
One: Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Two and One: Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.
Three: Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
One, Two, and Three: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands - O prosper the work of our hands!
Collect
We have come, Lord, not to test but to be taught, not to trap but to be torn by the challenge and the beauty of a disciple's life. We come to love, to learn, to linger upon the page as you demonstrate the simplicity of your Law. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
The spirit of the Law gives life. The letter of the Law brings death. God of Revelation, we are thankful that you are judge, and that you know our infirmities better than we ourselves. Judge us with mercy and kindness. Forgive us. Heal us. Amen.
Hymns
"O God Our Help In Ages Past"
"I Love To Tell The Story"
"A Charge I Have To Keep"
