Description
John 17:11b-19
Jesus fervently prayed for the protection of His disciples asking the Father to guard them from the influence of the world. He prayed for their sanctification through the truth of God’s Word. In this dark and evil world, we, too, are called to pray to the Father on behalf of one another’s protection, spiritual growth, and resilience against worldly influences as we live out our faith in a world that desperately needs God’s truth and love.
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
What a joy it is to gather together in worship today!
Worshipers
Our hearts are open in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Time of Praise and Worship
Crown Him (Majesty)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Job Elvey, Godfrey Thring, Matt Maher, & Matthew Bridges, © 2013 A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman & Jonas Myrin, ©2011 Thankyou Music, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music, SHOUT! Publishing (Admin EMI CMG Publishing)
What a Beautiful Name
Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Crown Him With Many Crowns
BH 75 52; BH 91 161; CH 45; CHH 234; EH 494; ELW 855; HWC 234; HFG 345; HLC 85; HGP 24; HSP 83; LBW 170; LSB 525; LW 278; NCH 301; PH 151; RH 192; RS 626; STTL 272; WC 92; UMH 327; WAR 317; WHM 51; WIS 162
I Love Your Kingdom, Lord
BH 75 240; BH 91 354; CH 405; EH 524; HWC 280; HFG 545; HLC 203; HGP 168; HSP 189; LBW 368; LSB 651; LW 296; NCH 312; PH 441; RH 330; WC 702; UMH 540; WAR 549; WHM 349; WIS 311
A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
EH 217,218; ELW 393; LBW 157; LSB 493; LW 149; RS 606; WC 259; WAR 322
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us be united as the Church of Christ in prayer, love, and as one body. May we enter into the Lord’s presence with reverence and awe as we seek His guidance and grace.
Worshipers
We praise the Lord!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Gracious God, we come before You with gratitude for this time of worship. As we worship You, may the power of prayer shape our lives just as Your Son taught us. Open our hearts to receive the truth in Your Word.
Worshipers
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus prayed for the unity and sanctification of His disciples. Let us come before our gracious God and unite our hearts in prayer as we confess.
Worshipers
Merciful Lord, we confess that we have not always lived in harmony with Your divine plan and purposes. We have allowed the distractions of the world to cloud our focus on Your truth. Forgive us for failing to live as sanctified followers of Christ.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us remember the words of Jesus, who interceded for our protection from the evil one. With humble hearts, we seek forgiveness for the moments we’ve fallen short of holiness to which You’ve called us. Lord, grant us the grace to stand firm against the influences that seek to separate us from Your purpose. Renew our commitment to live as sanctified and unified members of Your body. Church, receive the peace that comes from Christ’s prayer for our protection and sanctification.
Worshipers
We receive in Jesus’ name. Amen
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Following Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room. They prayed together in unity about who should replace Judas Iscariot. After praying and casting lots, they selected Matthias.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
