WELCOME AND GREETINGS
PRELUDE “Praise Ye the Father” Donna Rhine
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: When we feel abandoned and alone, unable to find a way out of the
wilderness that surrounds, we cry out to God...
People: And God listens to us.
Leader: When we feel discouraged and defeated, unsure we will ever really be
able to make ends meet and worried that no matter how hard we work,
it will never be enough, we cry out to God...
People: And God listens to us.
Leader: When we feel lost and forgotten, unable to find the words for the grief,
isolation, and despair that we feel, our hearts cry out to God...
People: And God pays attention to us.
Leader: As we gather in this place and time, remember: You are not alone. God
knows where you are, and God listens to the cries of our hearts.
People: May we also listen to one another as God guides us toward the cool,
refreshing waters we need to continue on our journey as the family
of God. (Dr. Lisa Hancock)
INVOCATION
*HYMN “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” #152
OPENING PRAYER
O God, in mystery and silence you are present in our lives, bringing new life
out of destruction, hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty. We thank you
that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole. Help us to
perceive your unseen hand in the unfolding of our lives, and to attend to the
gentle guidance of your Spirit, that we may know the joy you give your
people. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
*Presenting Our Gifts to the Lord - Doxology - Prayer of Dedication
*HYMN “Holy Spirit, Come, Confirm Us” #331
BLESSING THE READING AND HEARING OF THE WORD
FIRST TESTAMENT READING Job 16:15-19 Larry Strait
EPISTLE READING Romans 8:18-27 Larry Strait
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Unlocking the Power of Prayer – It’s a Spirit Thing” Pastor Dave
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, Creator of all that is, Donor of Grace, and Giver of Life:
Hear our prayer. There are chasms in our lives, deep valleys that separate
us from one another and from You.
We confess that we have allowed those rifts to grow, for fear of admitting
our part in the separation, for fear of being rejected when we reach out.
You call us to a reconciled life, to healed relationships, to a wholeness with
each other and with You.
Mend us, we pray, and make us new creations through the power and love
of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
A TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION
WORDS OF GRACE AND FORGIVENESS
*HYMN “Sweet Hour of Prayer” #496
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “I’ll Fly Away ” Donna Rhine
