CALL TO WORSHIP
Great is the Lord: His power and understanding are beyond comprehension!
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
He supports the humble and heals the brokenhearted
We will sing out our thanks to the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
He supports the humble and heals the brokenhearted
We will sing out our thanks to the Lord.
God’s delight is in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Praise the Lord!
OPENING PRAYER
As we gather in your presence, O God, open our ears that we may hear your voice; open our eyes that we may see signs of your presence; and open our hearts that they may be renewed by your love. In this hour of worship, allow us to sit at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ and receive his word, for we pray in his Name. Amen.
RESPONSIVE READING
Sing Response:
And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
The Lord alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
[Sing response.]
As we gather in your presence, O God, open our ears that we may hear your voice; open our eyes that we may see signs of your presence; and open our hearts that they may be renewed by your love. In this hour of worship, allow us to sit at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ and receive his word, for we pray in his Name. Amen.
RESPONSIVE READING
Sing Response:
And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
The Lord alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
[Sing response.]
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my Name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
[Sing response.]
—adapted from Ps. 91
INVITATION
Jesus was always a guest: In the homes of Peter and Jairus and Mary and Martha, he was always an invited guest. At the tables of the wealthy and the respectable, of tax collectors and sinners, he was always an invited guest. But here, at this table, he is the host. And no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, he invites you to meet him here. Those who wish to serve him must be served by him; those who wish to follow him must be fed by him. So come to the table: Today, you are welcome here as an honored guest.
—adapted from the Iona Community
O God our Creator, in your love
you made us your people,
and in your Son you made us a family.
As we gather round your table this morning,
bind us in covenant to you and to one another,
that together we might taste your goodness.
And send your Holy Spirit,
that we might see your presence in the bread and cup.
Make us one in worship
and one in ministry
to each other and the world around us.
We pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
SONG OF SIMEON
Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to shine on the Gentiles, and to be the glory of your people Israel. Amen.
SONG OF SIMEON
Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to shine on the Gentiles, and to be the glory of your people Israel. Amen.
