"Doing God's Will"

Call to Worship (Ephesians 5)

As we gather in this sacred moment for a sacred purpose, let us make the most of our time together. We have come to worship the Lord our God. As we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, let us make the most of our time together. We have come to worship the Lord our God. As we respond to the melody in our hearts, let us make the most of our time together. We have come to worship the Lord our God.

Opening Prayer (1 Kings 3)

O Lord our God, though we are as little children, not fully able to discern the spiritual forces coming in and out of our lives, you have chosen us as your people. Give your servants understanding minds to discern between the good and evil surrounding us each day, that we may choose what is good and pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Invitation to the Offering (James 1)

Every generous act of giving, as with every perfect gift, is from above. May God’s word of truth, implanted within us at birth, bloom in acts of loving faithfulness. May that word shape our lives so that we become doers of the word, using God’s gifts for all.

OPENING PRAYER

Lord of life and hope, we gather this day seeking nourishment for our souls and healing for our spirits. Give to us your living bread, that having been nourished in soul and spirit, we may be witnesses to your transforming love. Through the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, we offer this prayer. AMEN.

Ephesians 5:15-20 New International Version 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

BENEDICTION, BLESSING

Filled to the brim with the goodness of God; the nourishment of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, and the power of the Holy Spirit, go now in peace to serve God in all that you think, do and say. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. God’s peace will always be with you. AMEN.