Call to Worship
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He Who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”
Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the early Church sharing Your word and fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. As we follow this example may we share the truth of the Gospel and show the grace and love of God with everyone we meet.
Scripture Reading
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Prayer of Intercession
O Lord, direct our steps this day into the way of peace, and strengthen our hearts to obey Your commandments. May the Dayspring visit us from on high, and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, that they may adore You for Your mercy, follow You for Your truth, desire You for Your sweetness, for You are the blessed God of Israel, now and forever. (An ancient Collect, A.D. 440)
Heavenly Father, You are good in all Your ways! And we lift our hearts and voices to praise Your great and awesome Name! We are eager to celebrate, this Sunday, 50 years of Your faithful love and leading through Lakewood Methodist Church. Thank You for providing vision, inspiration, resources, and leadership of clergy and laity to love and serve with You in Your transforming grace of Kingdom-building … on earth as it is in heaven.
Gracious God, the walls of LMC were built on the firm foundation of Christ Jesus. Through Jesus, our Savior and Lord, You have brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. We pray, continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us and help us walk in unity with what You desire to accomplish through Lakewood Methodist Church. Enable us to hear Your voice clearly and to follow Your will rightly. May our worship bring You joy, our prayers bless You, our witness reflect the honor and glory of Your Name. Triune God, lead us forward to bear witness to Your love, faithfulness, goodness in order to make Your Name known. May You be glorified in all things as we live to guide people into a lifestyle centered around Jesus. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Who reigns with You, now and forever.
As The Spirit Leads
Please continue in prayer for any personal, church, community, nation, or world needs, concerns, or thanksgivings.
Lord’s Prayer
Let us close by praying the words that Jesus taught.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Refer: Matthew 6:9–13
Thank you for joining us in prayer. We hope you join us tomorrow.
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
—Numbers 6:24–26
