"Drawing Near"

Call to Worship (1 Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13)

My strength is exalted in my God. Despite sorrows and sadness, anxieties and vexations, we praise your name, O Lord. For the power of the Lord gives me strength, and the love of the Lord gives me hope. With Hannah, the mother of sorrows, we bless the name of the Lord, today and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, God is with us. Blessed be the name of the Lord. We praise your holy name, O God. From Hannah, the mother of joy, we learn the bounty of unwavering hope. Let your servant find favor in your sight, O Lord. Hardship is a constant companion. We must rely on the selfless example of Christ to show us the way to truth, life, and love. Amen.

Opening Prayer (1 Samuel 1, Hebrews 10)

Holy One, there is no God like you. In praise and thanksgiving, we come before you ready to learn of your power, ready to follow your path for our lives. Through days of jubilation as well as dejection, help us realize your influence in the world. We ask simply for ears to hear, eyes to see, and minds to comprehend the blessings you bestow. Amen.

Offering Prayer (1 Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13)

Today, O Lord, Accept these gifts, that they may continue the good work in Christ — in our church, in our community, and in the world. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Prayer

O Lord, the names of people and situations needing your healing and comforting touch, may we also open our hearts for that same healing and comfort. Remind us that we are never out of your grace and mercy. We know that you will give us the strength and wisdom to be true disciples and we celebrate and honor you, now and forever. AMEN.

Hebrews 10:19-25 New International Version A Call to Persevere in Faith 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Benediction (1 Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Mark 13)

May the Holy One, the Rock of our salvation, bless us now! Join together in faith to work for truth and honesty. As God loves you, carry that love out into the world in peace, hope, and faith.Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.