February 25th 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 22 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Turn to God |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Turn to God
My God, my God, why have you ___________ ___? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people. All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver— let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe on my mother’s breast. On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls encircle me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shriveled; I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! __________ my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! _____ ___ from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.
I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For ___ ____ ____ despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall _______ ____ _____. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.
[Reading above - Psalm 22]
The opening line of this psalm may sound familiar. It was quoted by Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:34). Despairing and at death’s door, Jesus chose this ancient lamentation to speak for him. Countless others have too. We all know those moments of feeling abandoned, hopeless, and helpless. The power of a lamentation is to give voice to our despair and move us to a place of renewed trust in a God who suffers with us and promises life and goodness will prevail.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus’ use of Psalm 22 gives us permission to voice our despair as well. What pain and sadness do you need to uter to a God who understands?
Ultimately, the psalmist moved from despair to trust, saying: God did not hide from me, but heard when I cried out. How has God’s compassionate presence helped you move from despair to trust? How can this experience be of help to someone else?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
This week try writing your own lamentation following the example of Psalm 22.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
