April 23rd Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Psalm 116: 1-9, 12-17 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: I Will Call on the Name of the Lord |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
I Will Call on the Name of the Lord
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I walk before the Lord in the land of the living. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.
[Reading above - Psalm 116: 1-9, 12-17]
This song of thanksgiving was likely sung in the Temple while those who had been restored from grave danger presented an offering of gratitude to God our Deliverer. This psalm emphasizes God’s characteristics of grace (unconditional love), righteousness (the just acts of God that give us what we need), and mercy (loving kindness). In response to the way God’s grace, righteousness, and mercy delivers us from adversity: we offer thanks in worship, we call on God’s name who is able to help us and others, and we fulfill our vows to God by living a godly life in community.
Questions for Reflection:
Identify a recent experience of adversity. How did God’s characteristics of grace, righteousness, and mercy help see you through?
This song uses the image of God inclining the Divine ear to us. That is, God listens and responds to our petitions. When do you have or make time to speak your needs to God? How might you make this a daily practice?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Psalm 116:12 offers three specific ways to show thanks for the way God makes a difference in your life: 1) give thanks in worship, 2) continue to turn to God when you need help, and 3) remember and practice the vows or commitments you have made to God and make real in the community. Pick one of these ways to show thanks and practice it everyday for a week. Note how your trust in God deepens as a result of this practice.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
