02-18-24

Worship Service

February 18, 2024

Prelude:  Improvisation – James Washington, pianist

Greetings

Announcements

Hymn: “Seek Ye First the Presence of God” 

Opening of the Word

Responsive Invocation: 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
    The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    to behold the beauty of the Lord,
    and to inquire in his temple.

Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

    I believe that I see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.

Invitation to Prayer:

O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our maker.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.  Amen.

O Lord, our heavenly Creator, whose great love holds a forgiveness for all who desire and seek it: we thank thee for thy gracious assurance that thou art always near and ready to forgive.  Pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and truth, and bring us into everlasting life; for thy mercy’s sake.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

O Lord, open thou our lips:

And our mouths shall show forth thy praise.

Praise ye the Lord!

The Lord’s name be  praised!

The Sanctus 

God of all, Your Name is Holy. Earth and Heaven are full of Your Glory. Alleluia, Amen.

Scripture Readings: Matthew 7:7-11; Isaiah 51:1-5; Apocalypse Revealed #951 (Swedenborg)

Children’s Message

Choral Anthem

Spiritual Message: Ask, Search, and Knock – Rev. Junchol Lee

Silent Meditation

Affirmation of Faith

Great Spirit, Christ, the Compassionate One, Light of the World, You are that which sustains and nurtures our spirit. You draw us closer to Heaven and to each other. Your Divine Love and Wisdom flows into every living soul. You dwell among us and warm every human heart. We acknowledge our need to be fed by your Sacred Spirit, to share in the beauty of life, and to build a Holy City on Earth by giving of ourselves, yet knowing that all that is good and true flows into us from You. Amen.

Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory: Improvisation

Doxology

Praise God the Source of life and birth

Praise God the Word who came to earth

Praise God the Spirit, holy flame

All glory, honor to God’s name.  Amen.

Prayer of Dedication

Hymn: “Seek Not Afar for Beauty” 

Benediction

Closing of the Word

Sung Response: Aaronic Benediction 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you; the Lord be gracious to you, and give you peace, and give you peace. Amen.

Postlude: Improvisation