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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 85:8-13)

L: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their heart
P: Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
L: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
P: The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
L: Come let us worship the LORD!

 

Call to Worship (reflecting Ephesians 1:3-14)

L:   Draw near to the LORD, the Creator of all and Provider of our every need!
P: We draw near to God with thankful hearts, with songs of praises on our lips.
L:  For the LORD has shown mercy and and dealt with us bountifully.
P:  The LORD illuminated our darkness with the glorious Light of Salvation. The LORD lifted us up and made us children and heirs of God's kingdom.
L: Come, let us offer praises unto God with gladness!

 

Call to Worship for Independence Day
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

L: We gather this morning appreciating our  freedom to worship God.
P: May God continue to bless the Church of Christ in this land.
L: We draw near to the God who rules over all nations
P: May God continue to bless our country and all the countries in the world.
L: We seek to live in harmony and peace together with all peoples on the earth.
P: May God continue to establish peace on earth and help us understand that it begins in our hearts.
L: Come, let us worship the Lord!

 

Independence Day Prayer:

Almighty God, bless our nation and make it true to the ideas of freedom and justice and brotherhood for all who make it great. Guard us from war, from fire and wind, from comprise, fear and confusion.

Be close to our president and our statesmen, give them vision and courage, as they ponder decisions effecting peace and the future of our world. Make me more deeply aware of my heritage realizing not only my rights but also my duties and responsibilities as a citizen.

Make this great land and all its people know clearly your will, that they may fulfill the destiny ordained for us.

 

 

Prayer of Confession (based on the lessons):
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Leader: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you!

Leader: Let us confess our wrongdoings before God and one another: Merciful God, we confess that we have not worshiped you with all our heart, mind and soul. We often make worship about us, forgetting that it is all about glorifying you.

People: Forgive us, o Lord!

Leader: we confess that we have sought our own advantage rather than serving you and our neighbors; we have failed to love our neighbor as ourselves.

People: Forgive us, o Lord!

Leader: we confess that we have not listened to the voice of your prophets, that we have not heeded your word.

People: Forgive us, o Lord!

Leader: we confess that we have taken your grace for granted; we have traded our spiritual inheritance for the pleasures of this world.

People: Forgive us, o Lord!

Word of assurance:
Leader: Hear the good news; Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, this proves God's love toward us.  In Jesus name, you are forgiven.

People: In Jesus name, you are forgiven.

 

 

Prayer of Gratitude And Joy

We bow down in grateful adoration before you, Lord Jesus; You who bowed so low that you might lift us up to be with you forever.

As we ponder your salvation and the many blessings from you, o God, we want to express our gratitude, joy and praise of you.

In your boundless love to us, you have carried us, your children, from grace to glory.   You have promised to perfect us in faith and to make our joy complete.

May we always be faithful to express our gratitude and praise to you, our Redeemer and Lord.  Amen.

Blessing Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Let us bless the living Christ:
He was born of the Virgin Mary
Revealed in his glory
Worshipped by angels
Proclaimed among the nations
Believed in throughout the world
Exalted to the highest heavens.
Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation
Now and for ever. Amen.

 

Prayer of Intercession for All Who Follow Jesus

Growing in the soil of the Spirit, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who seek the richness of life in God.

Let us pray for the church, that it would be fearless in proclaiming the word of God and faithful in celebrating the supper of the Lord. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the leaders of the nations, that they would govern the people with equity and be led in the ways of truth, justice, and peace. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the distressed and persecuted, for those living with despair and depression, and for the sick (especially), that they would not be without hope. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the vacationing members of this congregation, that they would be granted safe travels, refreshing days away, and a blessed homecoming. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for those who have died (especially), that you would keep them in communion with us until your great and glorious day to come. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Hear us as we pray, living God, and in your mercy give us all good things, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

God has redeemed us and made us his children.
May we continue to live in the joy of salvation.

Our Redeemer has given us lasting freedom.
May we inherit his everlasting life. Amen.

By faith we rose with him in baptism.
May our lives be holy,
so that we will be united with him for ever. Amen