ONLINE WORSHIP:
“Father’s Day”
June 21st, 2020
Psalm 127
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of a womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies at the gate.
Call to Confession
Our God is good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call. Let us confess our sin in humility and trust, knowing that God’s ear inclines toward our honest and heartfelt prayer.
Litany of Confession
O God, there is none like you in heaven or on earth. You are our God.
Forgive us for the times we have not loved you with all of our heart, soul and strength. Too often, we have worshiped the gods of greed and comfort, of security and self-indulgence.
Give ear to our prayer; be gracious to us.
Forgive us for turning a blind eye to our neighbor, for dismissing those who are different. Forgive us when we ignore the needs of others, when we shrug our shoulders in apathy or despair, saying, “These problems are too big for me,” or “It’s not my job.”
Turn to us and be gracious to us; give strength to us, your servants.
Forgive us when we forget that we are your beloved, and when we hurt ourselves with self-destructive habits.
You are great and do wondrous things.
You are our God! Transform our thinking and our living, gracious and powerful God. Amen!
Assurance of Pardon
Our sin and brokenness may surround us in the night, but joy comes in the light of morning. God turns weeping into dancing. The powers of sin and death have been defeated by Jesus Christ. God’s authority stands above all earthly authorities. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and raised to a new creation, in which we live for God and for one another.
Proverbs 3: 1-12 Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Luke 11: 1-13 Jesus Teaches About Prayer
One time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his followers said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his followers.” Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, because we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And do not cause us to be tempted.’”
Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you went to your friend’s house at midnight and said to him, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has come into town to visit me, but I have nothing for him to eat.’ Your friend inside the house answers, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.’
I tell you, if friendship is not enough to make him get up to give you the bread, your boldness will make him get up and give you whatever you need. So I tell you, ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find.
And everyone who knows will have the door opened. If your children ask for a fish, which of you would give them a snake instead? Or, if your children ask for an egg, would you give them a scorpion? Even though you are bad, you know how to give good things to children. How much more your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”