According to the Apostle John, God has testified to us concerning his Son, and the offer of eternal life in his name. John declares that if we receive man’s testimony, God is greater, for in fact God has borne testimony to the world concerning his Son. Every one who believes in Jesus as God’s Son possesses the testimony within him or herself. Those who do not believe God in truth make him a liar, since they refuse to accept the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. Here, then, is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, Jesus Christ. Everyone who claims the Son has life; those who do not possess the Son of God do not have life. John said that he wrote his letter to “you who believe in the name of the Son of God” in order that they might know, for certain, that they possessed eternal life in the Son.
God has taken the stand and testified to the truth. He has granted eternal life to those who cling in faith to his Son. His testimony is certain and true.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Thank you, Father, that you have given us your own testimony regarding the truth of your Son and the eternal life promised to us in his name. I claim Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God, the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world, and I believe your testimony that I have eternal life in his name alone. What a remarkable gift of love and grace you have granted to us! Receive my praise and worship today, for you are the source of our lives and our help. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 1 Acts*: Acts 1.15-17, 21-26 Gospel: John 17.6-19 NT: 1 John 5.9-13 * During Eastertide, a reading from Acts is often substituted for the lesson from the Hebrew Bible. Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
~ Psalm 23.1-6
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Thank you, Father, for giving us eternal life through our faith in your Son.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2.1-21Our Corporate Disciplines
National Day of Prayer: Monday, May 14, 2018