Order of Service – Sunday 26 September 2021 – PENTECOST 18
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CALL TO WORSHIP
O come, let us sing to the Lord;
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3)
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
Tell of His salvation from day to day.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
Let the afflicted hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt His name together! (Psalm 34:1-3)
HYMN: 141 “Praise to the Holiest in the Height”
A PRAYER OF ADORATION
O God, our true life, to know You is life, to serve You is freedom, to enjoy You is kingdom, to praise You is the joy and happiness of the soul. I praise and bless and adore You, I worship You, I glorify You. I give thanks to You for Your great glory. I humbly beg You to live with me, to reign in me, to make this heart of mine a holy temple, a fit habitation for Your divine majesty. (Augustine of Hippo 354-430)
PSALTER READING Psalm 124 Page 613
HYMN: 79 “Now Israel May Say, and that in Truth”
PRAYER FOR CONSTANT FAITH
Keep us, O Lord, from the vain strife of empty words, and grant us a constant profession of faith. Preserve us in the way of truth, so that we may ever hold fast to that which we professed when we were baptised into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and may we give glory to You, our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, now and for evermore. Amen. (Hilary of Paitiers 310-367)
THANKSGIVING
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord our God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right for us to give thanks. It is our joy and our peace, at all times and in all places, to give thanks to You, holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, through Christ our Lord.
We bless You for Your continual love and care for every creature. We praise You for forming us in Your image and calling us to be Your people. We thank You that You did not abandon us in our rebellion against Your love but sent prophets and teachers to lead us into the way of salvation. Above all we thank You for sending Jesus Your son to deliver us from the way of sin and death by the obedience of His life, by His suffering upon the cross, and by His resurrection from the dead. We praise You that He now reigns with You in glory and ever lives to pray for us. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, who leads us into truth, defends us in adversity, and out of every people unites us into one holy church. Therefore, with the whole company of saints in heaven and on earth we worship and glorify You, God most holy, and we sing with joy.
HYMN: “This is the Day, the Day which the Lord has Made”
RESPONSIVE READING Psalm 27 Page 546
HYMN: 47 “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past”
A PRAYER BEFORE READING THE SCRIPTURES
In effortless phrases, well-worn upon our lips, simple forms of inspiration catch us and call to us again. As these words settle into our minds, may we feel them stir and lift our hearts. Amen! (Gretta Vosper Another Breath)
BIBLE READINGS –
James 5:13-20 (Page 1199) Mark 9:38-50 (Page 1001)
SERMON: “Power Of Prayer” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 590 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
OFFERING – “Honour the Lord with your wealth.” (Proverbs 3:9)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Father we come before You with aching hearts. Father, we live in this beautiful world, but it is damaged by sin and terrifying COVID pandemic. We need You and we pray, please contain the virus, give Your wisdom, energy and perseverance to our leaders making decisions that have such a huge impact on our community. We especially pray for the Prime Minister, the NSW Premier, Health Minister and Chief Health Officer.
We pray and ask You Lord to protect our frontline workers and essential service providers – teachers, police, doctors, nurses, paramedics, those in aged care, and so many other roles. Uphold them when their spirits and energy levels flag and anxiety rises. Where there are Christians in these roles may they be Your instruments of peace, showing constant love and kindness, ever ready to give a reason for the hope they have in You.
We pray for those who are fearful, those living in abusive relationships or with serious financial challenges, those who are lonely, isolated, sick or in pain or grief. By Your presence, protection and provision please bring them Your peace.
We pray for the Uniting Church and our sister churches at this time. Lord You said, “I will build my church”. We ask You Lord to fulfil Your promise even in the COVID season. May our churches grow and be strengthened at this difficult time.
We know more Australians are thinking about the meaning of life than was the case before COVID, and more are turning to prayer. Lord help them to find the Living Hope of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, at this time.
May Your love, care, hope and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be shared with all those in need. In Jesus name. Amen!
HYMN: 143 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
BENEDICTION
The Peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
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To contact Krikor call 0418 417 411
Church Website: http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au
Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740