Second Sunday In Advent
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series IV, Cycle B
Call To Worship
Based on the Genesis 17 passage.
Leader:
To the God who claims our lives off the refuse pile,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who changes our names from "Not My People" to "My Beloved."
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who transforms our hearts of stone into hearts of compassion,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who conquers death and opens the gates of heaven to us,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
People:
Come, let us worship our God!
Leader:
Amen.
Here is another one with a basis in Genesis.
Leader:
Jehovah Jireh,
People:
You are my provider.
Leader:
Let your spirit fill my soul.
People:
And let your light shine into the world's darkness.
Leader:
Your love is overflowing,
People:
Your mercy is limitless.
Leader:
O how we beg you to be with us on our daily walk.
People:
For though we live in a dark world,
Leader:
With you there is light,
People:
Brighter than any light
Leader:
Made by human hands,
People:
And never dimmed by the darkness of sin.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the God who is light!
Psalm 22:27-30.
Leader:
All the ends of the earth
People:
Will remember and turn to the Lord,
Leader:
And all the families of the nations
People:
Will bow down before him,
Leader:
For dominion belongs to the Lord,
People:
And he rules over the nations.
Leader:
Posterity will serve him;
People:
Future generations will be told about the Lord.
Leader:
They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
People:
For he has done it.
Leader:
He has saved his people,
People:
And conquered death.
Leader:
Our God reigns,
People:
Forever and ever!
Leader:
Worship the Redeemer King.
Prayer Of Confession
Based on Mark 8 where Jesus calls us to take up our crosses. There are innumerable ways we fail to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. This prayer points out a few. This confession also has a kind of built-in assurance as part of it, so you may not need one this week.
Leader:
We are self-absorbed.
People:
Father, forgive us.
Leader:
We fall into the trap of self-righteousness.
People:
Lord, help us.
Leader:
We too often think of only ourselves.
People:
Gracious God, remove our shame.
Leader:
And through all our faults and failings,
People:
Always remind us
Leader:
That with you there are
People:
Never-ending second chances.
Leader:
Turn our hearts to you once again,
People:
For another new start.
Leader:
In Jesus' name we pray.
People:
Amen.
This prayer is deeply personal. During Lent we are called to get personal in dealing with whatever prevents us from a deeper relationship with God.
Introduction to the prayer:
The Prayer Of Confession this morning is for those of you who are dealing with some sin or habit that has a hold of you. Something you battle with all the time, maybe daily, maybe hourly. Now I don't have a magic pill for you, but surrendering it to God can be a huge first step.
Maybe you have an alcohol problem you haven't faced -- or drugs.
Maybe it's a constant battle with overeating.
Pornography on the Internet is a huge problem.
Maybe there is some old, old sin that haunts you.
Anger just rules you.
Fear grips you.
Your children are growing up, and growing away from you.
It pains you.
This morning, in the silence, if you are ready to let him help you; if you are really ready to give it to him; he is ready to take it.
If you are ready, then turn it over in the silent prayer we are about to pray, but as you do, remember that he will help you but you must take a step beyond the prayer; you must confess it to someone and commit to receiving help.
And if you don't have such a problem this morning, then, during the silence, pray for those who are trying to let it go.
Close your eyes.
See in your mind's eye now your favorite peaceful outdoor place. A stream, a lake, a field, a garden. You are at a short distance from the place, approaching it. It's morning. The sun is shining brightly.
As you approach you can see Jesus sitting, on a chair, a rock, the ground. He is waiting for you. Go to him now. See yourself coming close to him. He smiles as you approach. He is obviously glad to see you.
You are with him now. He embraces you, and the two of you sit. He says to you, "I can see that there is something bothering you, my child. Tell me of it."
Now, you must tell him. Whatever is bothering you; whatever has become a burden to you; whatever is obstructing your relationship with him; tell him now. (silent pause)
Now, he looks you in the eye, smiles again, and says to you, "First, you must know that there is nothing you can ever do that would cause me to disown you or stop loving you, and you must know that there is no problem, no obstacle, no tragedy or trial, that you and I cannot overcome. Let us begin overcoming this problem today. Right this minute."
Jesus has spoken, now you must leave this place. What will you say to him as you leave? Say it now. (silent pause)
And now open your eyes and pray with me. Lord, thank you for your never-ending love. Be my strength as I try to work with you to overcome the obstacles I face today, and will face tomorrow, as I seek to live my life for you. Amen.
Assurance Of Pardon
You know you are forgiven! No worry about that! But overcoming that obsession; that sin in your life, is not easy. So let me give you one more assurance this morning; not only has he forgiven you, but he is committed to walking with you and helping you to gain victory.
So, confess your sin, seek help, and he will empower you.
Ask and it will be given!
Seek and you will find!
Knock and it will be opened to you!
Prayer Of Dedication
Based on Romans 4:18ff.
Let us pray: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. May we, too, not waver, but in sure hope believe that he who raised Jesus from the dead can bring his plan to completion. May the gifts we give this day be used by you, O Lord, to further this work. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
In my congregation and many others, the creeds are not regularly used. If that is the case in your church, this would be a Sunday you might use the Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed to make a bit of a statement of faith, as Abraham did in believing the promises of God.
Let us stand and affirm the faith that we hold in common with all Christians by proclaiming the Apostles' Creed together.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; but on the third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come again to judge us all.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Amen.
If you are looking for a faith-filled prayer ...
Let us pray: God Most High, today we come before you to claim the promises you have so lavishly made to us. For your sufficient grace and faithfulness, we give you thanks. Amen.
Benediction
Galatians 3:13-14
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
He did this in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to us through Christ Jesus. So by our faith, we have received the promise of the Spirit. Let us go forth in the Spirit of God.
Hymns
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?
At Calvary
At The Cross
I Am Thine, O Lord
In His Cross I Glory
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory
Lift High The Cross
Near The Cross
The Old Rugged Cross
Contemporary Choruses
Refiner's Fire, Brian Doerksen
Victory In Jesus, Eugene Bartlett
You Are My All In All, Dennis Jernigan
Other Music
How Deep The Father's Love, Sarah Sadler
Talks of the cross as a symbol of God's love.
Water Into Wine, Kathy Troccoli
Jesus changes lives.
Based on the Genesis 17 passage.
Leader:
To the God who claims our lives off the refuse pile,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who changes our names from "Not My People" to "My Beloved."
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who transforms our hearts of stone into hearts of compassion,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
To the God who conquers death and opens the gates of heaven to us,
People:
We raise our praises.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
People:
Come, let us worship our God!
Leader:
Amen.
Here is another one with a basis in Genesis.
Leader:
Jehovah Jireh,
People:
You are my provider.
Leader:
Let your spirit fill my soul.
People:
And let your light shine into the world's darkness.
Leader:
Your love is overflowing,
People:
Your mercy is limitless.
Leader:
O how we beg you to be with us on our daily walk.
People:
For though we live in a dark world,
Leader:
With you there is light,
People:
Brighter than any light
Leader:
Made by human hands,
People:
And never dimmed by the darkness of sin.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the God who is light!
Psalm 22:27-30.
Leader:
All the ends of the earth
People:
Will remember and turn to the Lord,
Leader:
And all the families of the nations
People:
Will bow down before him,
Leader:
For dominion belongs to the Lord,
People:
And he rules over the nations.
Leader:
Posterity will serve him;
People:
Future generations will be told about the Lord.
Leader:
They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
People:
For he has done it.
Leader:
He has saved his people,
People:
And conquered death.
Leader:
Our God reigns,
People:
Forever and ever!
Leader:
Worship the Redeemer King.
Prayer Of Confession
Based on Mark 8 where Jesus calls us to take up our crosses. There are innumerable ways we fail to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. This prayer points out a few. This confession also has a kind of built-in assurance as part of it, so you may not need one this week.
Leader:
We are self-absorbed.
People:
Father, forgive us.
Leader:
We fall into the trap of self-righteousness.
People:
Lord, help us.
Leader:
We too often think of only ourselves.
People:
Gracious God, remove our shame.
Leader:
And through all our faults and failings,
People:
Always remind us
Leader:
That with you there are
People:
Never-ending second chances.
Leader:
Turn our hearts to you once again,
People:
For another new start.
Leader:
In Jesus' name we pray.
People:
Amen.
This prayer is deeply personal. During Lent we are called to get personal in dealing with whatever prevents us from a deeper relationship with God.
Introduction to the prayer:
The Prayer Of Confession this morning is for those of you who are dealing with some sin or habit that has a hold of you. Something you battle with all the time, maybe daily, maybe hourly. Now I don't have a magic pill for you, but surrendering it to God can be a huge first step.
Maybe you have an alcohol problem you haven't faced -- or drugs.
Maybe it's a constant battle with overeating.
Pornography on the Internet is a huge problem.
Maybe there is some old, old sin that haunts you.
Anger just rules you.
Fear grips you.
Your children are growing up, and growing away from you.
It pains you.
This morning, in the silence, if you are ready to let him help you; if you are really ready to give it to him; he is ready to take it.
If you are ready, then turn it over in the silent prayer we are about to pray, but as you do, remember that he will help you but you must take a step beyond the prayer; you must confess it to someone and commit to receiving help.
And if you don't have such a problem this morning, then, during the silence, pray for those who are trying to let it go.
Close your eyes.
See in your mind's eye now your favorite peaceful outdoor place. A stream, a lake, a field, a garden. You are at a short distance from the place, approaching it. It's morning. The sun is shining brightly.
As you approach you can see Jesus sitting, on a chair, a rock, the ground. He is waiting for you. Go to him now. See yourself coming close to him. He smiles as you approach. He is obviously glad to see you.
You are with him now. He embraces you, and the two of you sit. He says to you, "I can see that there is something bothering you, my child. Tell me of it."
Now, you must tell him. Whatever is bothering you; whatever has become a burden to you; whatever is obstructing your relationship with him; tell him now. (silent pause)
Now, he looks you in the eye, smiles again, and says to you, "First, you must know that there is nothing you can ever do that would cause me to disown you or stop loving you, and you must know that there is no problem, no obstacle, no tragedy or trial, that you and I cannot overcome. Let us begin overcoming this problem today. Right this minute."
Jesus has spoken, now you must leave this place. What will you say to him as you leave? Say it now. (silent pause)
And now open your eyes and pray with me. Lord, thank you for your never-ending love. Be my strength as I try to work with you to overcome the obstacles I face today, and will face tomorrow, as I seek to live my life for you. Amen.
Assurance Of Pardon
You know you are forgiven! No worry about that! But overcoming that obsession; that sin in your life, is not easy. So let me give you one more assurance this morning; not only has he forgiven you, but he is committed to walking with you and helping you to gain victory.
So, confess your sin, seek help, and he will empower you.
Ask and it will be given!
Seek and you will find!
Knock and it will be opened to you!
Prayer Of Dedication
Based on Romans 4:18ff.
Let us pray: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. May we, too, not waver, but in sure hope believe that he who raised Jesus from the dead can bring his plan to completion. May the gifts we give this day be used by you, O Lord, to further this work. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
In my congregation and many others, the creeds are not regularly used. If that is the case in your church, this would be a Sunday you might use the Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed to make a bit of a statement of faith, as Abraham did in believing the promises of God.
Let us stand and affirm the faith that we hold in common with all Christians by proclaiming the Apostles' Creed together.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; but on the third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come again to judge us all.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Amen.
If you are looking for a faith-filled prayer ...
Let us pray: God Most High, today we come before you to claim the promises you have so lavishly made to us. For your sufficient grace and faithfulness, we give you thanks. Amen.
Benediction
Galatians 3:13-14
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
He did this in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to us through Christ Jesus. So by our faith, we have received the promise of the Spirit. Let us go forth in the Spirit of God.
Hymns
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?
At Calvary
At The Cross
I Am Thine, O Lord
In His Cross I Glory
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory
Lift High The Cross
Near The Cross
The Old Rugged Cross
Contemporary Choruses
Refiner's Fire, Brian Doerksen
Victory In Jesus, Eugene Bartlett
You Are My All In All, Dennis Jernigan
Other Music
How Deep The Father's Love, Sarah Sadler
Talks of the cross as a symbol of God's love.
Water Into Wine, Kathy Troccoli
Jesus changes lives.
