@Home Worship – May 17

Jesus Christ, our One Lord,

Even though we are scattered by the threat of sickness,
Gather us together as one Body in the One Spirit.

Even though we are divided by our opinions and perspectives,
Unite us in one hope, in one faith.

Even though we are traumatized by our own vulnerability,
Protect us and lead us through Your presence with us.

Even though we lament that we cannot share our joys and our concerns together,
Remind us that we share in your one baptism, and in all your many gifts.

Strengthen Your church for Your name’s sake,
So that we might encourage each other and serve Your world in love and joy.

Amen.

“How Great Thou Art” (in honor of Caleb Driesen, ‘20)

“The Old Rugged Cross” (in honor of Logan Schuurmans, ‘20)

“Blessed Assurance” (in honor of Landon Pudwill, 20)

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.”

Come to God as Your compassionate Father. Envision the scene from the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24):

• God embraces you in tender love (Psalm 91:4),
• clothes you with a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10),
• puts on your finger the ring of inheritance into eternal life (1 Peter 1:4-5),
• and shoes you with freedom (Galatians 5:1).

Give thanks for all of God’s blessings this week.

Also become aware of the family of faith that comes into God’s presence with you.

“Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven.”

Pray for God to rule in your heart and home today.

Pray for our church, that God would not only preserve us during this season, but send us out to be His servants in a world that is hungry and hurting and hopeless.

Pray for Christ’s swift return.

“Give us today our daily bread.”

Pray for your needs, and the needs of your family and loved ones.

Pray for the hungry and the sick, that God would provide for their needs today.

Pray for Senior Meals, and the Bon Homme Food Pantry, and all those who rely on their services.

Pray for the Class of 2020: for the future that God has in store for them, and for their present grief and uncertainty in these circumstances.

Pray that God would care for everyone in our communities so that all would come more and more to place their complete trust in Him alone.

“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

Confess your sins to God in Christ with confidence:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

— Hebrews 4:14-15 —

Give thanks for God’s sure mercy, not only for you, but for all those who are in need of forgiveness. Pray that all would come to find their sins forgiven in Christ Jesus.

“Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.”

Prayerfully, courageously, sit with God in your weakness. Ask Him to show you what you need most today, and how to find strength and satisfaction in His love.

Pray for God to make His perfect power to rest on you today, to be sufficient for the challenges ahead of you this week (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Pray for the vulnerable, the grieving, the traumatized, the lonely, the angry. Pray for God’s grace to be sufficient for their needs, as well.

Again, pray for Christ’s swift return.

And pray for those who work diligently to protect us in the meantime: our police officers, firefighters, EMT’s, doctors, nurses, caretakers, and others.

“For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.”

Return to that scene from the Prodigal Son, God holding you and rejoicing over you. Trust that God not only can answer all your prayers because of His authority and power, but that He really wants to answer your prayers, for your good and His glory.

Close your prayer with grateful trust in our Good Father.

“Oceans” (Where Feet May Fail),” by Hillsong UNITED (in honor of Lauren Bastemeyer, ‘20)

“You Say,” by Lauren Daigle (in honor of Kayli Jelsma, ‘20)