Order of Service – Sunday 8 November 2020 – PEBTECOST 23
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CALL TO WORSHIP
We draw strength from the Living God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. We draw strength from one another. We are not alone. Let us worship the God of power and might.
PRAYER – Seeking the Lord
O gracious holy God, give us diligence to seek You, wisdom to perceive You and patience to wait for You.
Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on You; eyes to behold You; ears to listen for Your word; a heart to love You; and a life to proclaim You; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Benedict (480-543)
HYMN: “O Praise Ye the Lord”
RESPONSIVE READING
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have revealed Your continual love to humankind through the Bible.
We thank You, Lord, for the faithful service of those followers who wrote the original manuscripts of the Bible, directed by the Holy Spirit.
We thank You Lord, for the tireless efforts of those who copied the Holy Book by hand, verse by verse and page by page.
We thank You Lord, for the tedious labour of those who translated the words into different languages.
We thank You, Lord, for the scholarly devotion of those teachers who seek to interpret the biblical truths for our use in life today.
Grant that we may hear, read and learn these truths for our spiritual edification.
Help us to commit ourselves to study Your word that we may grow in the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Redirect our lives that we may find the truth You intended for us to learn.
(Together) O Lord, grant that by the inspiration of Your Holy Word, we may find strength for living and eternal hope for dying; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
HYMN: 28 “God is Our Strength and Refuge”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord, we thank You for the love, power and mercy that have brought us to this moment in our lives and our life together.
We confess that we have not always wanted the best for each other or for those around us.
Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.
We confess that we have too often and too easily pleased ourselves and put our own wants and needs before those of others.
Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.
We confess that we have memories of the past that still hurt us, that we do not always find it easy to cope with what is happening today, and that tomorrow’s uncertainty sometimes makes us afraid.
Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us.
Lord we ask not only for forgiveness, but for the desire and strength to begin again.
Jesus, Lord of the world, forgive us. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
God is gracious and merciful. Even in our failures, God provides the resources we need to overcome sin and to resist temptation. In the name of Jesus Christ, and in his strength, you are being forgiven. Amen.
TIME TO PRAY
In silence please offer your prayers to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus.
THE LORD”S PRAYER
HYMN: 123 “Be Still My Soul, the Lord is on Your side”
THE PEACE
God’s Spirit has given us life. Let us follow the Spirit and greet one another with the life-giving peace of Jesus Christ.
The peace of the Christ be with you all. And also, with you.
(Please exchange a sign of peace if you are worshiping with your spouse or a friend.)
A PRAYER OF PRAISE
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us: You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
HYMN: 687 “God Gives Us a Future”
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Thank You, Father, for making Yourself known to us and showing us the way of salvation through faith in Your Son. Teach us through Your word and equip us for every good work, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
A PRAYER BEFORE READING THE SCRIPTURES
Even as we seek understanding, our minds too often shelter us from the realities we might uncover. May we have the courage to hear and hold truths found within these words. Amen. (Gretta Vosper Another Breath)
BIBLE READINGS –
Joshua 24:14-27 (Pages 231-232) Psalm 78:1-8 (Page 579)
SERMON: “We Will Serve the Lord!”
OFFERING – In enthusiasm and hope, in humility and community, in
trust and expectation, we make our offering to God.
HYMN: 228 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
BLESSING
Do not be confronted to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Know that God goes with you, to strengthen you, to protect you, to give you peace. 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