Call to Worship

Psalm 11:4–5, 7; 140:12–13

Leader

The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD’s throne is in heaven;

his eyes see, he tests the children of man.

All

The LORD tests the righteous,

but his soul hates the wicked

and the one who loves violence.

Leader

For the LORD is righteous;

and he loves righteous deeds;

the upright shall behold his face!

All

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted!

He will execute justice for the needy!

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name,

and the upright shall dwell in your presence!

Jesus Son of God

The Goodness of Jesus

Prayer of Confession

(based on Psalm 27:14; Romans 5:6-11)

Leader

Heavenly Father, your Word says, “Wait for the LORD!

Be strong and let your heart take courage: Wait for the LORD!”

All

But we confess that we are restless and impatient,

grasping at what we crave instead of trusting

that you love showering your beloved children with good gifts.

Leader

We admit, Lord, that we find it hard to wait for you

to answer our prayers, to give us what we want,

to relieve our suffering, to fulfill our dreams.

All

Every part of us — our bodies, minds, and souls —

is corrupted with selfishness and self-seeking.

We are fallen, and there is a fountain of pollution

which pollutes our every desire.

Leader

And so like little children, we hate to wait.

We fuss and fret about our troubling circumstances.

Instead of resting in your unmatched wisdom,

and trusting your perfect timing,

we persuade ourselves that we need

riches, relationships, sex, children, food,

power, wealth, and possessions to be happy.

All

We turn to you, Jesus, our Savior!

You waited patiently for the hour of your death to come,

all so that your Father’s will would be done.

You loved sinners without participating in their sin.

You never gave in to the temptations that surrounded you;

instead, at just the right time, you gave your life to save your enemies.

You demonstrate time and time again,

that you offer patient grace and persistent love

for self-centered people like us.

Assurance of Pardon

(Psalm 40:1-4, 11, 17)

Leader

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, 

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

All

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God!

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD! 

Leader

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,

who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

All

O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

Though I am sinful, poor, and needy, the Lord takes thought of me!

He is my Help and Deliverer, he will not delay to save me!

Sweetly Broken

The Lord's Prayer

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 have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever. Amen

New City Catechism

Question 21

What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?

One who is truly human and also truly God.

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 2:2-20

Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery

Benediction: 

Now may the Father who chose you, the Son who bought you, and the Spirit who leads you,

make his goodness and mercy pursue you all your days,

preserve your life though you walk in the midst of many troubles,

and bring his justice without delay while you wait for his appearing! Amen!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him, all creatures here below

Praise Him above the Heavenly host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost

Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen