At Home Worship Liturgy – Page 8

Call to Worship:

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from Him. Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

From Isaiah 43:1-3a:

But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his presence and his peace. Invite his presence afresh and take time to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord as you feel led.

Worshiping in Song:

You can access the video of each song by clicking on the title. Participate freely and fully: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song.

Turn Your Eyes

VERSE 1

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

VERSE 2

Turn your eyes to the hillside

Where justice and mercy embraced

There the Son of God gave His life for us

And our measureless debt was erased

CHORUS

Jesus, to You we lift our eyes

Jesus, our glory and our prize

We adore You, behold You, our Savior ever true

Oh Jesus, we turn our eyes to You

VERSE 3

Turn your eyes to the morning

And see Christ the Lion awake

What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone

For we carry His life in our veins

VERSE 4

Turn your eyes to the heavens

Our King will return for His own

Every knee will bow, every tongue will shout,

‘All glory to Jesus alone!’

The Lord’s Greeting:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all. Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

From 2 John 1:3:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

Greeting One Another:

It might feel a little odd doing this at home, but take time to say these words to greet each other, as you shake hands, hug or elbow bump:

“The peace of the Lord be with you.” (Or if alone, say aloud: The peace of the Lord be with me.”)

Raise a Hallelujah

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies

I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody

I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive!

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me

I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee

I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery

I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Sing a little louder (Sing a little louder)

Let’s sing a little louder (Let’s sing a little louder)

Sing a little louder (In the presence of my enemies)

Sing a little louder (Louder than the unbelief)

Sing a little louder (My weapon is a melody)

Sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me)

Sing a little louder (In the presence of my enemies)

Sing a little louder (Louder than the unbelief)

Sing a little louder (My weapon is a melody)

Let’s sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me)

Sing a little louder!!

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Oh, I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive!

I raise a hallelujah

I raise a hallelujah!

Just begin to raise your own hallelujah

I can’t do it for you

There’s a song written on your heart only you can sing

And when you sing enemies flee

When you sing prison walls come falling down

When you sing Heaven invades the earth

So just begin to lift up your hallelujah

Raise it like a banner

Raise it like a flag

Raise it in the middle of the storm

Let it rise, let it rise

Like a symphony to the King

Everything to You, Jesus

We raise it all

Sing a little louder!!

I raise a hallelujah

I raise a hallelujah (In the presence of my enemies)

I raise a hallelujah (Louder than the unbelief)

I raise a hallelujah (My weapon is a melody)

I raise a hallelujah (Heaven comes to fight for me)

Lion and the Lamb

He’s coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow down

And every chain will break, as broken hearts declare His praise

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah

He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles

And every knee will bow before You

Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain

For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains

And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

So open up the gates, make way before the King of kings

Our God who calls the saved is here to set the captives free

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah

He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles

And every knee will bow before You

Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain

For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains

And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Oh who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Oh who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Who can stop the Lord?

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah

He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles

And every knee will bow before You

Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain

For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains

And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Great Are You Lord

You give life, You are love

You bring light to the darkness

You give hope, You restore

Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

You give life, You are love

You bring light to the darkness

You give hope, You restore

Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

And all the earth will shout Your praise

Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing

Great are You, Lord

And all the earth will shout Your praise

Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing

Great are You, Lord

And all the earth will shout Your praise

Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing

Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

To You only

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

To You only

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

As you transition, take a moment to reflect on how the Lord was ministering to you through song: what lyrics stood out to you? What emotions were you experiencing? What did God reveal to you about who he is? What did God reveal to you about what he says about you? How else were you ministered to?

Share a story with those around you or to the Lord about how he was at work in worship as well as in your week. Give him glory for his goodness. If alone, you could write down your testimony.

For Family Prayer Time: Please utilize and add to this prayer guide and also take time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads.

Song of Preparation:

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. This song time also serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving. We’re invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us.

Ways to give:

TEXT– send amount to (616) 319-2259, for more options see this link
Give online at here: Direct Online Giving
Give via PayPal: PayPal Giving
Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church and send to: 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

As you feel led, surrender your attention, your will, and your heart to the Lord and ask him to anoint your ears to hear the message and to bless you to receive and apply it.

God of this City

You’re the God of this city

You’re the King of these people

You’re the Lord of this nation

You are

You’re the light in this darkness

You’re the hope to the hopeless

You’re the peace to the restless

You are

There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

You’re the God of this city

You’re the King of these people

You’re the Lord of this nation

You are

You’re the light in this darkness

You’re the hope to the hopeless

You’re the peace to the restless

You are

There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our God

There is no one like you, God

For greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done

We believe, we believe in you, God

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done here

Greater things, still to be done here

The Preaching of the Word:

Access the audio of the sermon here or listen below: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

The Song of Response serves to make space for us to respond to the message the Lord has given. Feel free to take a moment to ask the Lord how he might be inviting you to respond and follow accordingly.

The Heart of Worship

[Verse 1]

When the music fades

All is stripped away

And I simply come

Longing just to bring

Something that’s of worth

That will bless Your heart

[Pre-Chorus]

I’ll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You’re looking into my heart

[Chorus]

I’m coming back to the heart of worship

And it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus

I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it

When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus

[Verse 2]

King of endless worth

No one could express

How much you deserve

Though I’m weak and poor

All I have is Yours

Every single breath!

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to make space for us to receive the Lord’s blessing to equip and empower us to receive his word, to be obedient to it, and to walk it out in his grace and favor.

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

From Numbers 6:24-26:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Closing Song: While there is a link for this song, try to sing it acapella (without any music, just your voices). Let’s embrace the slowing down and simplicity of lifting our voices to the Lord.

Doxology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBBnOJpclMQ

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen

Response and Reflection:

According to Isaiah, why is the Lord upset with his people?
Reread Isaiah 58:1-4; ask the Lord if he has anything he has to say to you about the ways that you approach, worship, and relate to him. If any conviction bubbles up, take some time to confess, repent, and rejoice! Our God corrects because he loves us and knows what’s best.

*Check out the prayer of repentance below to get you started

According to Isaiah, what is God asking of his people?
Reread Isaiah 58: 6-7; ask the Lord if he has anything he has to say to you about what he’s asking of you. If anything bubbles up, share it or journal about it… capture it so that you can come back to it and respond to it.
According to Isaiah, what will happen if God’s people share his heart of justice?
Reread Isaiah 58:8-14; what does this passage tell us about God’s character or personality? What does this passage tell us about how God views us as his people?
As you think about current events, how does today’s scripture bring you comfort and hope?
How might the Lord be inviting you to share his heart of justice today and this week in your own life, within your family, your neighborhood, and the world?

*Check out the practical ways to respond list below and share a comment on our Facebook post of any ideas that you may have!

Close your time of discussion in prayer, asking God to help you share his heart for you and for the world. Ask God to help you live for Him this week in everything you do, even if you are staying home.

Resources:

Sample Prayer of Confession:

“Eternal God, our judge and redeemer,

we confess that we have tried to hide from you,

for we have done wrong.

We have lived for ourselves

and apart from you.

We have turned from our neighbors

and refused to bear the burdens of others.

We have ignored the pain of the world

and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.

In your great mercy, forgive our sins

and free us from selfishness,

that we may choose your will

and obey your commandments;

through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

—Book of Common Worship, p. 54

Resource Sheet

Here is a list (click here) of organizations that are finding ways to serve our community in the midst of COVID-19. If you are in need of services, please don’t hesitate to utilize these options and also to contact our Gold Avenue Church deacons to see how we can serve you well.

Coming out this week’s sermon, this list also offers us the opportunity to consider how we might be God’s practical hand of justice in our community right now! We invite and encourage you to pray for all medical personnel, first responders and others who are still faithfully working, to pray for these organizations and their volunteers, and to pray for all who stand in need of care or services.

Please also prayerfully consider how you might partner with our church deacons and these services through prayer, donation, or whatever other means they may request.

Children’s Worship Lesson

Dear Parents,

It goes without saying that we are living in some crazy times right now! But, we are deeply grateful to know that we serve a God who knew this is exactly how today would look for each of us before time even began! We can trust He is doing a good work, even when we can’t see what it is, and we want to support you as you teach your children to also trust Him. We’ve put together a lesson for you (click here) to use as a family sometime this week!

Ways to Give
Read more

Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 3/22

Sunday March 15 At Home Liturgy

Gold Avenue Church