Welcome and Opening Prayer
Good morning and welcome everyone.
You may like to light a candle as a reminder that Christ is present.
Pray: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, we thank you for your presence with us always. May we be sensitive to the promptings of your Spirit in this service of worship and throughout every aspect of our lives. Amen.’
Sung Worship
‘It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night.’ Psalm 92:1-2
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – on YouTube or Spotify.
- The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
- Let the King of my heart
Bible Reading – Psalm 16
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithfulone see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
May the Spirit of Jesus illuminate God’s word for us.
Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following song – on YouTube or Spotify. This hymn is inspired by Philippians 2 where Paul writes, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”
- May the mind of Christ my Saviour
Responsive Prayer
The responses for this next prayer find their inspiration from the hymn we have just sung. Appoint someone in your bubble to lead the prayer and invite the others to respond with the words in italics. If you are worshipping alone then you can pray the whole prayer yourself. Let us pray…
Wise God, this ANZAC weekend we remember those who have fought and died in war. The scars of violence are long. War begins in the human mind before a bullet is ever fired. And the first casualty of war is always truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves and nip any thought of violence in the bud. Train the pathways of our brain to think in terms of justice, mercy and humility.
May the mind of Christ my Saviour live in me from day to day.
Mighty God, we pray for those still affected by war: those grieving, those blinded and maimed, those oppressed, those displaced from their homes, those living with unexploded mines underfoot and those suffering post-traumatic stress. Bring your healing, your justice, your mercy and your reconciliation into those parts of the world where it is needed most. And where there is a breakdown in our own relationships, minister your truth and forgiveness.
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything.
Generous God, your Son Jesus is the answer to war. Help us to walk in the ways of Christ and to love those who treat us with contempt. We cannot do this in our own strength but we can be vessels of your grace and truth. Make us open and sensitive to your Spirit.
May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea.
Faithful God, the journey of this life is a marathon, not a sprint; with many trials along the way. Help us as we battle things like pride, resentment, fear, loneliness and depression. Although these internal enemies are not seen, they are still very real and just as dangerous as bullets and bombs. Deliver us from evil and help us in our fight against sickness and disease.
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe.
Jealous God, you pursue us with your love. You do not forsake or abandon us. All heaven rejoices when just one person returns to you. Help us to share with others what we know of your truth and love, without embarrassment or pretence (that is, freely and authentically). Make the witness of our lives fruitful for your glory.
May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost.
We pray these things, Father God, for your praise and in the name of Jesus, our Saviour and our friend. Amen.
More Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs on YouTube or download on Spotify
- Your Love O Lord Reaches to the Heavens
- All heaven declares
- Praise the name of Jesus
Pray: ‘Thank you loving Father for all your provision. You are a good and gracious God. We appreciate your patience and kindness. Help us to comprehend more of your love and character through the message today. In Jesus name we ask. Amen.’
Sermon
You can either read the sermon notes attached to this email. Or, listen to an audio recording of the sermon via the following link:
Song – How He Loves
Listen and/or sing along to ‘How He Loves’. Google the song on YouTube or Spotify.
Benediction / Blessing
Proclaim the following blessing…
‘The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you his peace. Amen.’
Tawa Baptist 