Description
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
In this passage, Jesus told a parable about a farmer and the seeds he planted on various soils. The seed that fell on the path was eaten by birds. The seed that fell on the rocky ground withered away, while the seed on the thorns were choked. However, the seed that was sewn in the good soil produced a great harvest. This parable illustrates the importance of having a receptive heart to God’s Word in order to grow in faith and bear fruit. Cultivating the soil of hearts provides the right environment for spiritual growth. In what condition is the soil of your heart today?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome all to this place. We are so blessed that you chose to spend this time with us and ask the Lord to bless your heart as well. Make yourselves at home, for this is the house of the Lord.
Worshipers
We are glad to be here to worship the Lord together.
Time of Praise and Worship
King of My Heart
John Mark McMillan & Sarah McMillan, © Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Raucous Ruckus Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) McMillan, Sarah (Admin. by Moniker Music Group)
Open The Eyes Of My Heart
Paul Baloche, ©1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Refiner’s Fire
Brian Doerksen, ©1990 Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) ION Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)
*I want to be holy…Text adapted with permission by Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
[Traditional Options]
Hark The Voice of Jesus Calling
BH 91 591; HFG 669; HLC 493; LBW 381; LSB 826/827; LW 318; RH 365
Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds
ELW 367; LBW 143; LSB 465; LW 131
Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing
LSB 584
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We gather together to hear the Word.
Worshipers
Open our hearts to receive Your truths, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
May Your word take root in our hearts.
Worshipers
May we be receptive to the ways you cultivate our faith. Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, our hearts are open and seeking Your word. Grow us in our faith today. Give us the wisdom and understanding to hide the Word in our hearts and apply it to our lives today.
Worshipers
We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
The distractions of this world are so numerous. They tear out our attention seeking first place in our lives. Help us, Lord, we ask. Let us confess to our loving God.
Worshipers
We confess that we allow our distractions to trump You, Lord. The noises of this world keep us from hearing and receiving Your word. We confess that we do not take the time to cultivate good soil in our hearts to receive Your truth. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us, and help us to prepare the soil of our hearts to be fertile ground for Your word. Establish us, Your people, Lord, and may we take root and grow in faith. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Worshipers
Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 55:10-13
God’s word is compared to rain and snow that brings forth growth and fruitfulness. The result is a joyful and peaceful harvest that glorifies God.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
