Description
Ephesians 5:15–20
We live in the light of the Lord. This is a blessing given to us by our Baptisms and sustained through the constant work of the Holy Spirit. However, we are called to live in this world: a dark world full of evil and deceit. Today we reflect on living as people who bring light to this dark world but are not overcome by the darkness of the world.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
(*consider altering text from “gladly choose You now” to “gladly serve You now”)
Indescribable
Laura Story, ©2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Gleaning Publishing
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
God Of Wonders
Marc Byrd & Steve Hindalong, ©2000 New Spring Publishing, Inc.
[Traditional Options]
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen
ELW 377; LSB 474; WOV 674; WAR 306
Be Thou My Vision
BH75 212; BH 91 60; CH 562; EH 488; ELW 793; HWC 382; HPW 46; HFG 468; NCH 451; PH 339; UMH 451; PH 339; WC 532; WOV 776
The God of Abraham Praise
BH 75 25; BH 91 34; CH 23; CHH 24; EH 401; ELW 831; HWC 34; HFG 332; HLC 36; LBW 544; LSB 798; LW 450; NCH 24; PH 488; RS 685; STTL 73; WC 66; UMH 116; WAR 16; WHM 26
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We come into the light of the Lord!
ALL Shine on us O Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Pastor Oh Lord God of Heaven and Earth,
ALL We, Your Children, pray that You bless us and shine Your divine light of grace and peace upon our hearts. Remove worry and distractions from us. Lift up our heads to praise You. Prepare our minds to learn more about You. Fill our spirits with Your Spirit. We trust in Your promises, O Lord, our God, now and forever. Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Let us pray
ALL Holy Lord, open our hearts and minds, so that You can care for us. Amen.
Pastor Our Lord loves us. He has brought us into His eternal family through Jesus, our Lord. He has given us all we need in this life and the next. Yet we so often forget to praise Him or even acknowledge His Lordship. We sin against Him and one another. We do not follow in His ways. Yet He is merciful and His love is unending. He calls us to Himself today so that He can pour out His mercy and grace.
ALL Loving God, have mercy on us. Cleanse our hearts of sin and lift us up in faith, that we may do Your will and bless this world. Amen.
Pastor In our Epistle reading today, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Your sins are forgiven. You have been washed clean. You shine with the light of Jesus! Enjoy the blessings of being His children!
ALL Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Proverbs 9:1–6
The teachings in the scriptures, including the book of Proverbs, are not intended only to be read and learned but to be learned and shared with others. We are called to love our neighbors, and in so doing, we speak the truth in love so that we all grow closer to Christ and reflect His love.
1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5“Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
A This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
