Liturgy: 1 Kings 8:28-30, 37-43 (October 27, 2024)

      *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #275, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” [vv. 1, 3, & 4]
Hymn GTG #346, “For the Healing of the Nations” 

Hymn GTG #341, “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

*Call to Worship (based on 1 Kings 8:30)

Leader: We come to this place in search of God’s help.
People: We know that God answers our prayers.
Leader: The Lord listens, and the Lord hears.
People: The Lord hears, and the Lord forgives!
Leader: May our prayers be worthy of such a God.
People: Let us worship the One whose mercy never fails!


Call to Confession (based on 1 Kings 8:38)

Leader: Whether a prayer or petition is made by an individual or by all of God’s people collectively, we know that God is listening. Trusting in the Lord’s readiness to hear us, let us now confess our sin.

Prayer of Confession (based on 1 Kings 8:27-30, 39-43)

You are invited to speak a word or short phrase that describes a personal or collective sin of which you repent and seek forgiveness.

When the gathered community is finished sharing, we pray together:

People: God of Mercy, hear us from your heavenly dwelling place! We confess that we cannot comprehend the extent of your compassion. We readily believe that no building or temple can hold your presence, yet we struggle to understand that your love is just as uncontainable, that all human beings are equally precious to you. Forgive, act, and repay each of us according to our conduct. Conform us to your will so that we might love as you do. In your mercy, hear our prayers…

(Silent prayers of personal confession)

Declaration of Forgiveness (based on 1 Kings 8:39)

Leader: God alone knows the human heart. And yet, despite the sin that lurks within each of us, God offers us abundant grace time and time again. Hear the good news: in Christ’s name, we are all forgiven!
People: Thanks be to God!