Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
HABITS OF GRACE - Prayer
CALL TO WORSHIP
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth
(Psalm 19:1-6)
Song: Indescribable
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've already heard and sung of God's unfailing and unchanging character, and yet we are quick to forget this. Quick to forget the faithfulness he's shown us and quick to turn to other things to satisfy us. For many of us, it can be easy to believe God is not present with us anymore, that he's abandoned us. And yet in His word, God promises to never leave, nor forsake us. As Christians we have the privilege of speaking to God in prayer, bringing our concerns and requests before him. Yet so often we neglect this. We prioritise other things above our relationship with God. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess to God this
tendency in your own heart.
Because of Jesus, we can know relationship with God, despite our sin and our failings. In Jesus we can know that God hears our prayers. So let's continue to speak to God as we sing this next song together now.
Song: O God of Mercy Hear our Plea
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached to us this week from Matthew 6:5-15 looking at the habit of speaking to God in prayer. Click here to listen to that sermon.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: How Deep the Father's Love for Us
Song: In Christ Alone
COMMITMENT READING
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
BENEDICTION
Rejoice in the Lord always. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.