Description
Matthew 11:25-30
The crowds and religious leaders rejected John and Jesus because they did not conform to their regulations and expectations. The pressure put on them by the Pharisees was like the yoke that joined two oxen pulling a heavy load. But Jesus, who offered to take the yokes of the weary upon Himself in exchange for His light and easy yoke, extended the invitation for deep rest. Will you accept Jesus’ personal invitation and come to Him today?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Come, Now Is The Time To Worship
Brian Doerksen, ©1998 Vineyard Songs
*adapt text to “gladly serve You now…”
Sing To The King
Billy James Foote, ©2003 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Safe
Phil Wickham & Timothy Palmer, © 2009 Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Simple Tense Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
[Traditional Options]
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
BH91 551; EH 692; ELW 332,611; HWC 414; HFG 51; HLC 309; LBW 497; LSB 699; LW 348; NCH 489; WC 506; WIS 59
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
BH 75 58; BH 91 208; CH 648; CHH 517; EH 657; ELW 631; HWC 92; HFG 21; HLC 5; HGP 3; HSP 24; LBW 315; LSB 700; LW 286; NCH 43; PH 376; RH 34; STTL 507; WC 558; UMH 384; WHM 94; WIS 16
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
BH 75 69; BH 91 216; CH 21; CHH 5; EH 493; ELW 886; HWC 76; HPW 7; HFG 349; HLC 90; HGP 32; HSP 19; LBW 559; LSB 528; LW 276; NCH 42; PH 466; RH 51; STTL 147; WC 130; UMH 57; WAR 96; WHM 46; WIS 12
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord is righteous and faithful in all He does!
Worshipers
He is near to all who call on Him in truth.
Pastor / Worship Leader
He watches over all who love Him. May our mouths boast praises to the Lord.
Worshipers
May every creature praise His holy name!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Almighty God in Heaven, we stand in awe of Your wonderful power displayed in all Creation. We offer thanks to You and worship You alone.
Worshipers
Be near us today, O Lord. We invite You to lead us, awaken us, and do Your Holy Spirit’s transformative work in us today. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
God of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, our sins are too heavy for us to bear. The burdens we carry are too much for us. We are yoked to sin and must repent of our ways.
Worshipers
We repent of what our hearts can no longer bear. We have wronged You in so many ways, and we are sorry. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us and set us free from the pasts we can no longer change. Grant us grace to walk into a future with You that where we are new. It’s through Jesus Christ that we no longer carry this burden of sin.
Worshipers
We take up the easy yoke of Jesus Christ and His burden and accept His forgiveness, rest, and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Zechariah 9:9-12
The coming King would triumphantly enter Jerusalem bringing salvation and peace for his people and for the nations. He is righteous and humble and would come riding on a donkey.
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
11 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
