In this season of Lent, we make our way to the cross,
We remember the steps that led Christ there: betrayal and fear, but also trust in God, and love for humanity. So we may make our journey, and let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.

The Lord Jesus who calls us to worship Him today is the same Jesus that refused temptation to worship the evil one. Rather than receive the glorious kingdoms of the world, he endured the shame of the cross, and today is Lord of lords and King of kings. Now are gathered to him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, glory, and power.

Amen

Our hearts are ready, O Lord, our hearts are ready! We will sing and make melody! We will awaken the dawn! We will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples, we will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

In Christ, the God of Heaven has made His home on earth.
Christ dwells among us and is within us.
Highest among creation, he lives among the least.
He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
Come now, all who thirst, and drink the water of life.
Come now, all who hunger, and be filled with good things.
Come now, all who seek, and be warmed by the fire of the love of God.

“There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.”
– Psalm 86:8-10

Lord Jesus, you called Matthew from collecting taxes to become your apostle and evangelist: Grant us the grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, that we may follow you as he did and proclaim to the world around us the good news of your salvation; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Light of God, illumine the path that leads us to healing, hope and salvation.
Glory of God, fill this sanctuary and expose the darkness that stalks our souls.
Light of God, shine with such brightness that we marvel in awe.
Glory of God, fill each temple of the Holy Spirit present today.
Light of God, Glory of God, we welcome you in this place.

A love that never ceases,
A creativity that designed the universe,
A hope that cannot be quenched,
A pursuit of reconciliation no matter the cost:
These are the things that are of God,
Then let us worship God.

In the hustle and bustle of the Advent season, it is easy to get swept up with the business of preparing our homes for guests, visiting friends and families, and finding the perfect gift for our loved ones.

Let us take a moment to slow down and remember what Advent is meant to be: a time of waiting for the coming of Christ.

Let us worship our King.

Here we are, the young and old,
The believing and doubting,
The weak and strong.
Here God is, almighty and merciful,

Gracious and just,
Trustworthy and true.
So since we are here, and God is here, let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.”

This is God’s day, and we are invited to be a part of it. This is God’s invitation: to come and see what God is doing in the world. This is what God is doing: bringing good news to the poor,

And proclaiming release to the captives,
Recovering sight for those who are blind
And letting the oppressed go free.
Let us join in, and let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.”

We are here to follow Jesus
With halting steps
And questioning minds

With ready hands
And pierced hearts

With joy for each other
And gratitude to God.

Let us follow Jesus,
And let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.”

We come to offer thanks; we come to sing and pray.
Welcome, friends, to this time set apart,

A time to remember those we love, and time to remember the holy promises of God.
Welcome, friends, to this table of remembrance and joy,

The table where we are fed, the feast we share with many. Welcome, friends, and let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.”

We gather as God’s beloved children
However glad we are, however out of sorts we are.
We come together as a people whom Jesus calls into community

So this becomes a place where all are welcome. We have come to give thanks, to pray and sing, to be with other

Let us worship God.

Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her blog, ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.

We see light, hope, and joy;
We bring heart, soul, mind, and body;
We share blessings and fears;
We bring faith and doubt.

With all that we are and all that we have, let us worship God.

With eyes to see,
And ears to hear,
With lips to sing,
And hands to help:

Let us worship God with the fullness of our being.

Let your hearts be glad!
God is faithful to us, and God rules in love.
Then let us worship God.

Sing a new song!
Make a joyful noise!
Let the sea roar,
And let the sky shimmer.
Let the earth be glad,
And let the children run and roll.
Let the old laugh with deep wisdom.
Let the young listen, wide-eyed and wondering.

And let us worship God.

We come to you, O God, to thank you for what is good.
We come to you, O God, to cry out for what is wrong.
We come to you, O God, to ask for help and restoration.
We come to you, O God, with aching hearts and glad souls.

Let us worship God.

The sinners, the saints; the broken, the whole

We all come seeking the One who offers grace and hope.

The doubters, the devout; the wonderers, the wanderers

We all seek to follow the One who works for justice and hope for all of God’s people.

The hesitant, the heroic; the grandparents, the little children

We all listen for the songs of joy all creation sings to the One who gives life and peace.