July 5th, 2020 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost : God revealed in Jesus
Prelude: Battle Hymn of the Republic arr. by Alice Jordan, played by David Christensen
Gracious and loving God, You desire us to know Your passion for us. We, also, desire to know that You walk with us. We want to know how to pray, and how to live lives open to Your ways, and guidance. Send Your Holy Spirit that we know without doubt that You hear our hearts fully. Guide us by Your wisdom to open ourselves to the brightness of Your presence and grace as we pray for those among us who need Your presence.
During this time of worship, center our hearts, our souls, and our minds on Your Presence with us as we lift to you the prayers of our hearts. We know You promise to hear our prayers, always, and in confidence,
We come to pray for Our Church, for it's leaders and congregation Our world and our country our loved ones - keep them: keep them in health, in safety, in comfort, in Your care Keep us, also and send forth Your Holy Spirit of truth, of comfort, and of power. We pray for any among us who feel constrained, or emotionally distressed by our time and era and for any who need to know Your love for them in this hurting world. We also lift to You those who need comfort as they mourn their loved ones. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, The comforter, who would remind us of Your promises that Nothing in life, or in Death, things present, nor things to come, nor angel or demons within our lives, nor anything in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from Your love in Jesus the Christ, our Lord.
The Lord's Prayer
Opening Hymn: No. 157 Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun
Call to Worship: Psalm 145: 8-14
- Pastor: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
- People: The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
- Pastor: All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
- People: They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
- Pastor: to make known to all people your[a] mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your[b] kingdom.
- People: Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
- Pastor: The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.[c]
- People: The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Ever present God, you have walked with Your people. Today we need to know Your presence within our lives as we walk on our journey of faith. We hear news of our world and we are unsettled by what we hear. Calm our hearts. Call to us so we can clearly hear Your voice among the rabble of disease, anger, hatred, and even our own fears and discomfort. Jesus taught us about Your love, a love for all persons. Help us in our journey to make wise choices that bring Your peace into our lives. Keep us within Your care. Teach us Your ways and Truth. Guide our hearts and minds by Your Word that changes our understanding of Your Kingdom and Your ways. Let the Holy Spirit guide us in the ways of Your love and grace that transforms our souls into rest and peace.
Hymn: No. 526 What a Friend We Have In Jesus
Gospel Reading and message Matthew 11:16-19,25-30 God revealed in Jesus
Closing Hymn: No. 696 America the Beautiful
- Pastor: As we journey in our life, we carry thoughts about God;
- People: Our thoughts about God inform our hopes, our life, and our actions toward others.
- Pastor: Jesus teaches us to open our hearts, our minds, and our lives to new understandings of God;
- People: We desire to be God's people, led by the teachings of Jesus.
- Pastor: God asks us to be God's people, and asks us to do it God's way;
- People: We desire to learn God's way, so we can bring hope and healing to our world and our lives.
- Pastor: Jesus promises us rest, and peace when we follow God's ways;
- People: we want to know the rest and peace of God within our journey of faith.
- Pastor: Go! Know that God's presence goes with you and God loves you with a passionate love.
- People: Praise be to God!
Postlude: Dixon: Postlude on America the Beautiful, played by Mark Pace