Service of Prayer from Wheaton CRC

Theme of the Service

Call to Prayer

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
(1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalm 105:4)

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6, 7)

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,
you have given us grace at this time with one accord
to make our supplication to you;
and you have promised through your beloved Son
that when two or three are gathered together in his name
you will be in the midst of them.
Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions,
granting us in this world
knowledge of your truth,
and peace among the nations.
Amen

Hymn: "O Lord, Hear My Prayer" (Sing! A New Creation 203)

Scripture:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people,
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward all according to what they have done.
(Psalm 62:5-8, 11-12)

Hymn: "As a Deer in Want of Water" Psalm 42 (Psalter Hymnal 42:1-3)

Confessing our fears / Sharing our concerns

Members of the congregation are invited to present their requests to God, to share their fears, or to offer words of comfort and encouragement.

Prayers

Sung Prayer Refrain "Ososo/Come Now, O Prince of Peace"
(Sing! A New Creation 209:4)
"Come, Hope of unity; make us one body. Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all nations."

"Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them; that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11)

*Prayers for protection for the servicemen and women from our congregation

Refrain

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

*Prayers for world leaders

Refrain

"I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
(Matt. 5:44)

*Prayers for our enemies

Refrain

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
(Matthew 5:9)

"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
(James 3:17-18)

*Prayers for peace among the nations of the world

Refrain

And all God's people said, "Amen."

Affirmation of Faith

With the whole creation we wait for the purifying fire of judgment.
For then we will see the Lord face to face.
He will heal our hurts, end our wars,
and make the crooked straight.
Then we will join in the new song
to the Lamb without blemish
who made us a kingdom and priests.
God will be all in all,
righteousness and peace will flourish,
everything will be made new,
and every eye will see at last
that our world belongs to God!
Hallelujah! Come, Lord Jesus!

From Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony, Article 58, © 1987, CRC Publications, Grand Rapids MI, 1-800-333-8300. Used by permission.

Closing Hymn: "O God of Every Nation" (Psalter Hymnal 606)

Benediction

Sung Blessing: "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" (Psalter Hymnal 156)