January 26, 2025
CALL TO WORSHIP
The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord; let us learn his lessons together.
God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. OPENING PRAYER
God of all mercy, your Son brought good news to the despairing, freedom to the oppressed, and joy to the sorrowful. During our time of worship, may you so fill us with your Holy Spirit, that all those around us may see his likeness in our lives, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
—NZ Anglican (alt.)
PSALM 19
The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun; it bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to your servant—
A great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
We thank you, O God, for your kindness this day. We thank you for your grace that helps us in times of need; for your word that comforts us in our fear; and for your hope that strengthens us in our despair.
You, Almighty God, are the Ruler of the rulers of earth, and we trust in you alone. Give us the insight to overcome all that separates us, and the courage to make peace. Protect the earth and its creatures, and help us to be good stewards of the gifts given to us.
Merciful God, in your Son Jesus Christ, you know our weakness, our suffering, and our death. Hear us as we pray to you for the lonely and the failing, for the hungry, the oppressed, and the war-torn. Be with victims of disaster, and make us more generous in the face of need.
[A silence is kept.]You, eternal God, were before all time and you will remain when our names are forgotten. We praise you. We thank you. We worship you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
COMMUNION
O God our Creator, we are the work of your hand. We thank you for this day you have made, and we worship you in the truth of your Spirit. As we gather around your table, we praise you that, through your Son's love and example, you have set the world aright and healed what is broken. Send now your Holy Spirit to settle on these simple gifts, that they may be transformed into the heavenly feast of his body and blood. Lift our eyes to see your goodness, and lift our souls to refresh your image within us. Make us one with you and one with each other that, together, we might share your love with the world around us. We pray this in the Name of your Son Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Strengthened through our worship for the work of healing, justice, and reconciliation, let us go forth into the world in the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
