COME THOU FOUNT
Call to Worship: Psalm 94:16-22
When the cares of my heart are many Your consolations cheer my soul… Whether it is the anxiety of an election, broken relationships, or the weight of sin - many of us are here this morning where the cares of our hearts feel many. But if you are here as a follower of Christ this morning, the consolation of Jesus is that He has come, and He is coming again. Your value, significance, and worth are not tied to what you can earn or achieve but rests in the completed work of Christ. And we are going to teach you a new song this morning that can help us rejoice - find consolation - in Christ even when the cares of our hearts feel many. We’ll teach you the chorus first:
MY WORTH IS NOT IN WHAT I OWN
THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD
For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
For the work and witness of Life Church - our elders, staff, leaders, and members - that we would be people who increasingly Treasure Christ, Grow Together, and Live on Mission
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home,
and abroad, and for all who teach and disciple others - we especially remember our international missions partners: Matt Perez serving with Reach Global, and the work of Grace City Church in Cochin, India.
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
For our brothers and sisters in Christ
who are persecuted for their faith.
ON THIS NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH, WE REMEMBER OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO GATHER IN HIDING, WHO FACE LOSS OF LIFE, RELATIONSHIP, COMMUNITY, AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THEIR FAITHFUL WITNESS TO JESUS CHRIST. GOD STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN THEM BY YOUR SPIRIT AND THROUGH OUR PRAYERS
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
For our nation, all who are in authority- at the local, state, and federal level - as well as those who work to advance common good.
ON THIS EVE OF AN ELECTION, WE ASK GOD THAT YOUR WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH HUMAN LEADERS, THAT THEIR HEARTS WOULD TURN LIKE WATER IN YOUR HANDS. THAT WE WOULD BE PEOPLE WHO PRAY FAITHFULLY FOR OUR LEADERS, THAT OUR SUBMISSION TO LEADERS WOULD GIVE EVIDENCE TO OUR TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN YOU AS OUR RULER, KING, AND SHEPHERD. STILL OUR ANXIOUS HEARTS.
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity.
LEADER: Lord, in your mercy
ALL: Hear our prayer
Father, on this Election Day, we as that Your will be accomplished through human leaders - that their hearts would turn like water in your hand. That we would be people who pray faithfully for our leaders. And that our submission to leaders would give evidence to our trust and confidence in You as our Ruler, King, and Shepherd. Still our anxious hearts, in Christ’s name, amen.
Sermon: 1 Peter 5:5-11
Hear God’s Word from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18… Part of living in this upside down kingdom of God is that as followers of Jesus, our suffering and persecution is not meaningless - it is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory. We are loved by God not because we are lovely, but because He has chosen to set his love upon us, and in response we love in return. Would you stand if you’re able and we’ll sing together:
MY JESUS I LOVE THEE
A MIGHTY FORTRESS
Benediction