Call to Worship
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself.
Where she may have her young – a place near Your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King, and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are praising You!
Thanksgiving
Lord, blessed are we who find our strength in You for You alone are worthy of all our praise. Your promises are true and faithful and we are so very thankful we can put our trust in You, our Rock, Redeemer, and Shield.
Scripture Reading
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
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)
Lord, how easy it is to sometimes find reasons not to go to church. There are sporting events, destination vacations, even a job that can demand our presence on the weekend. Help us to keep a check on our hearts’ priorities and to realize we need to return to the House of the Lord even as it was Jesus’ custom to honor You and the Sabbath. Your church (our church), Lakewood Methodist, has a beautiful sanctuary and place to unite to worship You, Lord God Almighty. Thank You for giving us land, space, buildings, and freedom where we can come together for true and meaningful worship lifted to You. Thank You for sacred times to experience and share Your love.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
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
