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
Thank You for Your presence, Lord, and the gift of Your Holy Spirit Who dwells within us – calling us to serve and love others as You first loved us.
Scripture Reading
“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.
For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.”
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, we are grateful for the Gathering Place that meets monthly, where our church doors are open to those who come to receive and others who come to serve in such a humble and worthy ministry – providing rest to the weary and encouragement to those experiencing hardship. Thank You, Father God, for the presence of friends, family members, and caregivers who share in this ministry simply by showing up – extending mercy and kindness to those in need. There is so much gracious thoughtfulness translated into the details of life that manifest expressions of Your love. Your Word tells us in Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” To God be the Glory, we pray in Jesus’ name.
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
