Order of Service, January 31, 2021

Introduction

We have spent five Sundays exploring the implications of Luke’s account of the Lord’s Prayer, petition-by-petition. In context, this model prayer introduces extended discussion of the character of God on which all prayer rests (Luke 11:5-13) This paragraph begins with a parable (5-8) followed by an explanation (9-13). Since the whole passage presents a densely packed theological argument, we will take two Sundays to work through it.

The hymns selected for the worship service offer praise to the unchanging, dependable God to whom we pray.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Welcome

Prelude     He Shall Feed His Flock

Handel’s Messiah
Jan Buhr

Call to Worship:     Psalm 95:1-7

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 53 (modified):      Give to Our God Immortal Praise

Note: Isaac Watts, the chief hymn writer for the English-speaking world, summons us to praise our God. Each stanza calls for praise directed toward a specific truth about God: glory, greatness, mercy, goodness. (We will sing this to the familiar tune of All Creatures of Our God and King).

Hymn 610:     How Firm a Foundation

Note: The word of God is our “firm foundation.” He has promised, “I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”

Scripture Reading:     Psalm 40:1-17

Note: David declared the faithfulness of God and calls others follow his example in trusting the Lord:

As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 22:       Great is Thy Faithfulness

Note: This hymn speaks directly to the point of the sermon text: God is unchangeably dependable and good. “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Message:      The God to Whom We Pray
Luke 11:5-8
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 60:     Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Notes: We finish the service where it began, with a call to praise God. This hymn expresses praise for God’s never ending, never changing care for his children:

The Lord is never far away, But, thro’ all grief distressing,
An ever-present help and stay, Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His own, His chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Prayer Response:     Steve Eubank

Benediction:      John Miles