Worship Service
April 23, 2023
Prelude: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche – Satoko Leisek, keyboardist
Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
Hymn: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Remain ever before me,
O Living Presence,
for in You I am safe.
You are my Beloved; in You
and through You
I can do all things.
I look to those who are at one
with You and learn
from them of your ways;
my delight increases each time
I sense Your Presence
within me!
Love is my chosen food, my cup,
holding me in its power.
Where I have come from,
Where’er I shall go,
Love is my birthright,
my true estate.
I bless the Counselor who guides
my way;
in the night also does my heart
instruct me.
I walk beside the Spirit of Truth;
I celebrate the Light.
I bask in the oneness of All!
Thus my heart is glad, and my soul
rejoices;
I shall not be afraid,
nor fall into the pit of despair;
For in Love’s presence I know the
fullness of joy.
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
Holy, holy, holy; Lord God of hosts: Heav’n and earth are full of thy glory. Amen.
Scripture Readings: Luke 24: 13-35; Isaiah 65:17-25; Divine Love and Wisdom #48 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Solo: “I Can See (on the Emmaus Road)”, words by Gloria Gaither and David Meece, music by David Meece – Heather Garland, soloist
Spiritual Message: The Living Presence of Love – Christine Rodgers
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: “Since You’ve Asked”, words and music by Judy Collins
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: “Song for Love”
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: “Salut d’Amour” by Edward Elgar