Communion Worship Service
September 7, 2025
Prelude: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart”, Morecambe, arr. Thomas Keesecker – Paul Dab, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Presentation: Labor in the Pulpit – Natalie Gee
Hymn: “Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation: From Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God,
The skies proclaim
the work of His hands.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
More to be desired are they than gold.
Sweeter also than honey from the comb.
May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts
Be pleasing in Your sight, Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
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!
Sung Response: Sanctuary
Lord, prepare me to be sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.
Scripture Readings: Micah 6:6-8, Luke 17:5-6, 11-21; Apocalypse Explained 325 (Swedenborg)
Anthem: “As Grains of Wheat”, Text and Music by Laurence Rosania
Spiritual Message: Living Prayer – Ben Gunter, seminarian
Sacrament of Communion
Concluding Communion Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, by whose mercy we have been fed with heavenly gifts: Abide with us, O Lord, and fill us with your peace. Direct us in our way; uphold our going in our paths. Give us grace so to keep your commandments henceforth, that we may abide in your love forever. Amen.
Silent Meditation
Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: “Sweet Hour of Prayer”, William B. Bradbury, arr. James Michael Stevens
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: “Lord, Speak To Me, That I May Speak“
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: A Holy Hush
A holy hush is in the air as though the Spirit’s essence here has been distilled, and entered all who stand within these sacred walls. The song is sung, the word is read, the lesson heard, the prayer is said; go now on wings of peace unfurled, and share these blessings with the world.
Postlude: “In My Homeland” from Op. 43 by Edvard Grieg