Call to Worship
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself.
Where she may have her young – a place near Your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King, and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are praising You!
Thanksgiving
Lord, thank You for Your body the church, where we can come together to encourage and build up one another just as You always do us.
Let my mouth be “filled with praise” and with honoring You, and I “will hope continually.” Psalm 71:8,14
Scripture Reading
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Prayer of Intercession
O Lord, direct our steps this day into the way of peace, and strengthen our hearts to obey Your commandments. May the Dayspring visit us from on high, and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, that they may adore You for Your mercy, follow You for Your truth, desire You for Your sweetness, for You are the blessed God of Israel, now and forever. (An ancient Collect, A.D. 440)
This morning, Lord, we pray for The Mothers of Multiples gathering this week. What an especially wonderful group who gathers together in fellowship to shepherd and share life stories with one another. These moms celebrate and give thanks for friendships where they can openly share in the joys and burdens of motherhood and family life. You have created us, Lord, for community and by knowing one another we might also learn to know You better. I ask You to bless this group with loving families and enduring friendships. Thank You for allowing Lakewood Methodist to offer the time and space in our church home for these precious women and their children. We pray in Jesus’ name.
As The Spirit Leads
Please continue in prayer for any personal, church, community, nation, or world needs, concerns, or thanksgivings.
Lord’s Prayer
Let us close by praying the words that Jesus taught.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Refer: Matthew 6:9–13
Thank you for joining us in prayer. We hope you join us tomorrow.
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
—Numbers 6:24–26
