Description
John 17:20-26
In this passage, we see Jesus praying for future believers. He began with declaring His unity with the Father and asked God to unify the Church. Now more than ever, we need to unify as the Body of Christ. All around us, Christianity is being attacked as the enemy wants to stop the spread of the Gospel. But we know the end of this story- Christ wins! Let us not forsake our precious calling; rather, let us stand unified with God and each other as the Bride of Christ.
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
Your Love Awakens Me
Chris Quilala & Phil Wickham, © Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Sing My Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Who You Say I Am
Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan, © 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Our God Saves
Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche, ©2007 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
[Traditional Options]
Jesus, Thy Boundless Love To Me
BH75 326; BH91 123; HS 98 857; HLC 364; LBW 336; LSB 683; LW 280; PH 366; STTL 499; WC 556
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW 786; LBW 459; LSB 913; LW 160
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
EH 490; ELW 815; LSB 411; RS 651; WC 539; UMH 206; WOV 649; WAR 249
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord provides new mercies every morning. What happened yesterday, a week ago, or even years before can be laid to rest.
Worshipers
His mercies are new every morning.
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord is compassionate and gracious. He is our Great Intercessor.
Worshipers
He calls us to unity just as God, Son, and Spirit are one.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Join me in prayer. God in Heaven, we see many examples of unity in Scripture. We ask that You unify us, Your people, as one together with You. Bring our minds and wills into unity with Yours. Bless this church and raise us together on mission for Your kingdom. We ask this now Jesus.
Worshipers
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord wants to unify us, but the enemy seeks to divide.
Worshipers
Satan kills, steals, and destroys.
Pastor / Worship Leader
As mere carnal beings, we partake in many dividing sins.
Worshipers
We confess of gossip, slander, malice, and strife. We confess of coveting, jealousy, hatred, and pride. Forgive us, Father, and rid us of these things, for we are Your people, and we desperately need Your divine intervention.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us now, Jesus, and teach us Your loving, unified ways.
Worshipers
In Jesus’ name, we ask, Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Acts 1:12-26
The disciples were tasked with finding another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot. They cast lots to make their decision. Matthias would be the next disciple.
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 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.” 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 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.
