March 29, 2020 Order for Worship
4th Sunday in Lent
GATHER
Gather together with everyone in your household or find ways to gather virtually with others to worship together. Take a deep breath as you bring yourself into a place of worship. Leave behind the worries and responsibilities you face today and come into the presence of the Lord. Invite God into this space by praying the following:
Note: If you are worshiping individually, proclaim all parts of the gathering prayer.
All: This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Men: The sun shines, the wind blows, the flowers bloom in the field.
Women: God’s love is bigger than our worries and anxieties.
All: This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Women: People join together from all over the globe to worship the Lord.
Men: In living rooms and dens, in kitchens and offices, together we gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
All: This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Elder Generations: Come, all who seek the presence of the Lord, and worship.
Younger Generations: For the Lord meets us where we are and gathers us into his presence.
All: This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!
PRAISE
Sing aloud the wonderful love of Jesus Christ!
CONFESS
Lent is a time to acknowledge our weaknesses in order to proclaim God’s strength. With full assurance of forgiveness that follows, let us confess where we have fallen short by praying the following:
Pray aloud in unison with others who are gathered, both in body and spirit.
Lord, we confess that we are in a time of trial. As we confront the threat of sickness and death, we need you in our lives. We need your mercy, your grace, and your comfort. We need your direction, your courage, and your strength to follow you when times are hard. We need you, Lord!
Save us in our time of trial. Lead us away from actions and reactions rooted in fear, and lead us in the ways of your mercy and righteousness. Help us to see your love and your work in easy times and hard. Fill us with your love so we can share it with others!
RECEIVE PEACE
Family, receive this Good News. God’s love is bigger and more powerful than anything we face in this life. God’s mercy obliterates all our transgressions. Be at peace with God and one another, for in Christ, we are all forgiven!
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER REQUESTS
If you would like to share a joy or prayer concern, please email Pastor Dan at dan@tequestapres.org and your request will be shared in next week’s worship packet.
- For all impacted by the COVID-19 virus. For our medical professionals, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. For those suffering from illness or facing treatment.
- Our leaders at every level, for wisdom and discernment as they make difficult decisions, for our Session and deacons.
- For those burdened with stress and anxiety during this time. For those who face financial uncertainty.
- Mia Villegas, a 17-month girl in Tequesta who is recovering from emergency surgery and beginning cancer treatment; Ginny Willoughby, who begins cancer treatment; Linda Frank, who awaits test results; Joan and Ken Stuart; Families who have lost loved ones;
READ GOD’S WORD
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Matthew 6:9-13
“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.”
EDUCATION
Why do we say “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” instead of “Do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one?”
This is one of those questions that has sparked discussion and debate in the church for centuries. Simply put, our current phrase is the result of translations that began in Aramaic and then translated into Greek and Latin before eventually making its way into English and other modern languages. The phrase “Lead us not into temptation” comes from the Roman Catholic’s Latin translation of this passage as ne nos inducas in tentationem. Some traditions try to stick to the Greek translation when praying the Lord’s Prayer, while others find a middle path by praying, “Save us in the time of trial.”
No matter what translation we use, it’s important to understand what we are NOT praying. We are not asking God to refrain from leading us into situations that lead to death or temptation. Rather, we are proclaiming God’s continued promise to always lead us in the ways perfect love and to offer us a path back to God’s love when we wander.
SERMON
Sermon Series: Let us Pray
Sermon: “In Times of Trial”
LORD’S PRAYER
GIVE
We are all blessed with God’s generosity. With gratitude, let us return to the Lord a portion of what God has given us. Please remember that we rely on your continued generosity (especially in these times of trial) to be the church Christ calls us to be! You can give by clicking the “donate” button or by mailing a check to our church office at:
FPC Tequesta
482 Tequesta Drive
Tequesta, FL 33469
CHARGE & BENEDICTION
In times of uncertainty and anxiety, remember that God saves! God saves us from our fears and insecurities. God saves us from our temptations to act out of self-interest and leads us to a life of bold love, justice, and mercy. Embrace God’s salvation, and allow it to bring you peace this week. Be blessed, and find ways to bless others with this truth.
As we rely on Christ to save us in times of trial, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit guide and sustain us until the day Christ comes again. Amen!
Please click on the dates below for previous Virtual Worship Services: