Welcome and Opening Prayer
Good morning and welcome everyone.
You may like to light a candle as a reminder that Christ is present.
Last Thursday was Ascension day, so this morning (Sunday 24 May 2020) we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus to heaven. Following his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples on a number of occasions before being taken up to heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father, interceding (praying) for us.
From Acts 1:6-11 we read an account of Jesus’ ascension:
6 Then the disciples gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
May the Lord bless the reading of his word.
Sung Worship
Ascension Sunday is about recognising and celebrating the exaltation of Jesus. Exaltation is word which basically means ‘lifted up’ or ‘promoted’. Jesus has been exalted to the highest place. Listen and/or sing along to the following songs – on YouTube or Spotify.
- He exalted, the King is exalted on high…
- Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed
Prayer of Adoration
Jesus, we adore you. Your goodness undoes our pride. You know us. You listen to us. You understand us. You walk with us. You want what is best for us. You do not indulge us, nor do you condemn us. You are kind. You challenge us when that is what we need. You do not hurry us, you are patient. You encourage us, correct us, lead us and love us. You are both highly exalted and down to earth. You are God and you are human. Jesus, you are our shepherd and we adore you. Be real for us in this service of worship we pray. Amen.
More Sung Worship
Listen and/or sing along to the following songs on YouTube or download on Spotify.
- Your grace is enough (This is our God)
- Falling on my knees in worship (Came to my rescue)
Intercessory Prayer
In 1st Timothy 2 we read: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
With this in mind let us pray…
Saving God, we think of the world you love. We pray for the people of West Bengal and Bangladesh who are affected by Cyclone Amphan. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes. We ask for your hand of protection over the people of West Bengal. Thank you that the damage in Bangladesh was not as bad as feared. May you strengthen local churches at this time and give them wisdom to know how best to serve their communities.
Sovereign God, we ask for your blessing on the Muslim community who are completing Ramadan and celebrating Eid this weekend. We pray for those who have lost loved ones in the plane crash in Pakistan. Magnify your goodness in their hour of need.
Wise God, we pray too for our government in NZ. May you guide our leaders as they seek the well-being of this country. We thank you for limiting the negative impacts of Covid-19 here in NZ and ask your special mercy and grace for those parts of the world who are most vulnerable to the spread of this disease.
Compassionate God, we pray for all who are unwell or in hospital. May they receive the treatment they need in a timely way. Thank you for the high standard of medical care we enjoy in NZ. Bless our medical workers who serve as your hands and feet.
Suffering God, we pray for the persecuted church overseas. Give our brothers and sisters in Christ the grace, strength and wisdom they need to stand firm in the faith. Bless them with all they need and protect them body and soul. Bless your church in NZ too we ask. Keep us close to you Lord Jesus.
[Take some time now to pray specifically for those people and situations that are close to your heart.]
We thank you Father God for your Son Jesus and for your Spirit who intercede for us. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
General Offering
As you make your offering sing: ‘Jesus, name above all names’ (on YouTube or Spotify)
Pray: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you are our Saviour. You have come to make all things new, to restore creation, to restore us in the image of God. Thank you for your generous provision and care. Amen.’
Sermon
You can either read the sermon notes attached to this email. Or, listen to an audio recording of the sermon & intercessory prayer via the following link:
Song – He Must Be God
Listen and/or sing along to ‘He Must Be God’ (first line: ‘Jesus healed a paralysed man…’) 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 