Description
John 6:56-69
We live in a world that can be very self-centered at times. Each of us can identify with this. For instance, we may be asked to do something or receive an invitation to an event, a meeting, church, party, or program. We then ask ourselves, “What’s in it for me? How will I benefit? Is it worth my time, energy, and money if there is a cost involved?” Now if it is an event to celebrate someone or something or to serve in some way, hopefully that question would not come up, yet even then it might. In our Gospel text, Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” These words from Jesus must have caused some deep pondering. In essence, he is saying, “if you want an abundant life while on earth and a life forever in heaven, you must eat my flesh and drink my blood.” Drink, eat, and the benefits are yours. This is what’s in it for you!
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
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
Blessed Be Your Name
Beth & Matt Redman, ©2002 Thankyou Music
Holy Spirit
Bryan Torwalt & Katie Torwalt © 2011 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen
ELW 377; LSB 474; WOV 674; WAR 306
O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
EH 5; ELW 559; HLC 16; LSB 874; LW 481; NCH 87; PH 474; UMC 679; WC 27; WAR 144
O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace
LSB 693
Invocation
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor Our worship begins today in the name of God, our Father, Jesus, the bread of life, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor Gracious Lord, you made the ultimate sacrifice by sending your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world as the living bread which gives an abundant life and eternal life. Out of amazing love, you revealed yourself though the flesh and blood of Christ and gave us a visible means to grasp the magnitude of who you are in all your splendor and glory. From the beginning of civilization, people have been searching for meaning and purpose in life and have searched in the wrong places. The benefits of knowing Jesus cannot be duplicated by any worldly endeavors or material possessions. Through this time of worship today, may we grasp once again that an abundant and joy- filled life can only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ, the bread of life who came down from heaven to take away the sins of the world and give us new life.
ALL In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor It is time in our worship to do some self-reflection. We all have areas of our lives that seek to lead us and create barriers between us and God. Now is time to look within and admit our unhealthy behaviors, habits, actions, and omissions that have prevented us from being the whole person God created us to be. Let’s name those areas now in silence and come to repentance.
(A time of personal reflection and confession)
ALL We confess to you that we have not lived our lives in accordance with your Word and your desires for us. We have not nourished ourselves with the bread that satisfies but have looked rather at the lures of the world and engaged in unfruitful works. We know the world diverts our attention away from that which is most important. We constantly see and hear messages that tell us how we should use our time and what we should value the most. Forgive us for not embracing the bread of life which brings real wholeness and satisfaction. Forgive us Lord for not heeding your instructions for living because of our own selfishness and lack of daily worship.
Pastor People of God, our Lord is filled with mercy and grace and forgives us of all our sins and will leave us blameless on the day of Jesus Christ. As God’s called and humble servant, I tell you, your sins are forgiven. You are restored.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Proverbs 9:1-10
In this passage, wisdom and foolishness are portrayed as that of young women, each preparing a meal and inviting people to partake.
Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, 5 “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” 7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
