CENTERING PRAYER: God of heaven and earth, I listen this morning for the sound of your glory: in the songs of birds, in quiet conversations that begin the day, in easy laughter among friends, in sunlight’s warmth, pattering rain, or silent snowfall. Give me ears to hear your glory in its many forms. Give me eyes to see your glory in its many guises. Throughout this day, I, too, will proclaim your glory, your grace, and your love so that I may be a part of the chorus of praise that stretches to the ends of the earth. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming God’s handiwork.
One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known.
There is no speech; there are no words; their voices cannot be heard by us.
Yet their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth!
Come! Let us worship our God together!
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, how fickle we are; we sin against you without even knowing it. Clear us, we pray, of any unknown sin, and save us from willfully ignoring your way. Let your commandments rule and guide us.
Forgive us for worshiping anyone or anything except you; keep us faithful.
Forgive us for failing to honor all our relationships with those closest to us and those who are distant neighbors.
Help us to speak words of blessing and kindness, rather than words that belittle or destroy. Turn us away from violence, falsehood, and selfishness.
Forgive us for thinking everything depends on our efforts and power, for you are the God who made us, led us out slavery, and has brought us into the community of faith. Help us to depend on you alone and to rest in your peace. In Christ’s name we continue to pray. (Silent Confession)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
[Prayer requests may be given to one of the pastors before the service.]
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism Question One
What is our chief end?
Our Chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever
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