"How to Study the Bible"

Call to Worship (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5, Luke 9)

Throughout the ages, disciples have said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Lord, give us the freedom to follow you in the ways of love. We come from busy homes, filled with little time to consider Christ in our lives. Lord, give us the strength to follow you in the ways of peace. In times of struggle, we look to God for help. Lord, give us the opportunity to follow you in the ways of kindness. Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit, who shows us the joy of following God. Lord, give us the patience to follow you in the ways of faith. Amen.

Opening Prayer (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5)

Holy One, we come before you today: full of hope, full of desire, full of promise. Help us take up the mantle of faith you have laid before us, that we may use our own gifts of the Spirit to face the challenges before us. Help us face the turmoil within and around us, that we may face the future unafraid. Show us your way, your truth, and your life.

Offertory

Lord, with a cheerful heart, I sow my seed.

Today, I planted it in good ground.

I believe my needs are met,

my family is blessed, and I’m expecting a supernatural harvests in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer: Lord, we want to follow you whoever you lead. Reach out to us this day, stirring our souls and spirits with the winds of your power that we may faithfully be your disciples. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.

Benediction (Galatians 5, Luke 9)

May the transforming love of God work in your lives, today and always. Go forth into the world with peace, love, and joy. Follow Christ wherever he leads you. Fulfill the promise found in the fruit of the Spirit. 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.