Description

Ephesians 3:14-21

For many years as a parish pastor, this prayer from the Apostle Paul to the Church at Ephesus was the prayer I shared for the Confirmation class each year. Since Confirmation Day was the occasion for young people to affirm their baptism and Christian faith, this prayer stated so perfectly my hopes for them. Today, as I share the sermon, I want you (your congregation) to know that this is my prayer for you. “I care deeply for you–my brothers and sisters, for you are the body of Christ. I yearn for your growth in the faith–that Christ may dwell in you and that you may be filled with the fullness of God. We have to be a church that embraces and practices prayer in all we do. I pray for you. I ask that you pray for me and all of us. May the Lord accomplish in us far more than we can ever imagine.”

… 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

The Potter’s Hand

Darlene Zschech, ©1997 Hillong Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Lord, I Lift Your Name On High

Rick Founds, ©1989 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by Maranatha! Music)

Cornerstone

Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, William Batchelder Bradbury, ©2011 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

[Traditional Options]

O Savior, Precious Savior

ELW 820; HLC 98; LBW 514; LSB 527; LW 282

Beautiful Savior          

BH 75 48; BH 91 176; CH 87; CHH 97; EH 383; ELW 838; HWC 88; HPW 5; HFG 24-; HLC 67; HGP 34; HSP 41; LBW 518; LSB 537; LW 507; NCH 44; PH 306; RH 47; STTL 152; WC 115; UMH 189; WAR 123; WHM 188; WIS 99

Jesus Loves Me This I Know

BH75 336; BH91 344; CH 185; CHH 113; ELW 595; HWC 579; HFG 226; HSP 42; LSB 588; NCH 327; PH 304; RH 96; STTL 738; WC 470; UMH 191; WAR 437; WHM 423; WIS 497

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme  

Pastor              It is such a joy and delight to be here together to worship God who yearns for us to come to him always in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.        .          

ALL                  Yes, with grateful hearts, we raise our voices to you in prayer and praise!

Opening Prayer 

Pastor              Gracious God, our Father, you have made it known to us that we are to seek help and wisdom from you at all times. You have made promises to us that we often                                           forget.  You have promised us that you will never leave us or ever forsake us.  You have demonstrated to us the magnitude of your love which surpasses our human                                     understanding. You have shown through your servants such as Paul the necessity and power of prayer. Thank you for the comfort and peace of knowing that you are                                   always there and you never grow weary of our petitions of prayer. 

ALL                  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Time of Greeting 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message] 

Pastor:             We now take this moment to reflect on our lives, look within, and confess our sins.

People:            Lord God, we confess that our actions in life are not always consistent with our words. It is apparent to us that there are areas of our lives that                               need change but our pride and stubbornness create a barrier.  We know that we submit to the lures and temptations of this world which so                                     often lead us to behaviors that are not consistent with your Word.   

                        We confess that we are self-centered and control driven—attempting to work out things ourselves, rather than seeking your help, when faced                                with problems and challenges in our lives. We know that it is your desire that we pray often for our lives, family, churches, pastors, one another,                          and the world. We regret that we have fallen short in this area and have not relied on our faith in you. 

                        We confess that we have kept the saving message of Jesus Christ to ourselves and have missed many opportunities to impact the lives of others.                            Help us to be more consistent in our prayer life and communication with you. We know that you have the power to heal, restore, and change                                  lives. Help us to do our part and remain in communication with you through constant prayer.

(silence for personal confession)

Pastor:             By the authority and power of Jesus, your sins are forgiven. You are cleansed and made    new again!

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                      2 Kings 4:42-44 

God will provide for our needs. He did it for Elisha and his men.

⁴² A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said. ⁴³ “How can I set this before a hundred men?” his servant asked. But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” ⁴⁴ Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord.