Prayer Emphasis Sunday
Introduction
Each January we mark a tradition in our church: Prayer Emphasis Sunday. This Lord’s Day we will focus on the subject of prayer and be reminded of the essential role it plays in the outworking of the plan of God for his people.
Each of the hymns selected helps develop this theme.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Luke 11:1
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Insert Lord, Teach Us to Pray Aright
Note: In Luke 11:1, an unnamed disciple said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” We make the same request using the lyrics of James Montgomery’s theologically rich hymn. (We sing the hymn to the familiar tune, O God, Our Help in Ages Past).
Worship through Giving
Hymn 670 Behold the Throne of Grace!
Note: John Newton reminds us that we belong to a God “who loves to answer prayer.” He calls us and we respond,
Since ’tis the Lord’s command,
Our mouth we’ll open wide:
Lord, open Thou Thy bount’ous hand,
That we may be supplied.
Scripture Reading Psalm 24:1-10
Note: This song from Israel’s Temple worship proclaims the Lord’s sovereignty over all that earth, as well as his victory over his enemies. He is the source of blessing for those who approach him in worship.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat
Note: John Newton’s heartfelt hymn is a prayer of confession offered with confidence that our Lord hears us and protects us.
Bowed down beneath a load of sin,
By Satan sorely pressed,
By war without and fears within,
I come to Thee for rest.
Be Thou my shield and hiding-place,
That, sheltered by Thy side,
I may my fierce accuser face,
And tell him Thou hast died.
Message: Prayer: Our Most Urgent Need
Ephesians 6:18-20
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 5 Now Thank We All Our God
Note: We respond with thanks given to the Triune God (v. 3) who has blessed us with countless gifts of love (v. 1). The focus of the hymn is not on the gifts he gives, but the bounteous God who is the giver of the gifts. To him belongs all thanks and praise.
Prayer Response: Eric Hicks
Benediction: John Miles