Order of Service – Sunday Sermon July 16 2023
Opening Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Welcome and Greetings: Minister: Good morning, brothers and sisters! Welcome to our Sunday service. We gather here today with open hearts and minds to seek inspiration and wisdom. Let us take a moment to greet those around us, extending a warm welcome to newcomers and expressing our love and support to one another.
Opening Prayer: Minister: Let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude in our hearts for this opportunity to gather as a community of believers. We ask for your guidance and blessings as we delve into your word and seek a deeper understanding of your teachings. May this service be a source of inspiration, comfort, and transformation. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading July 16 2023: Reader: Today’s scripture reading is taken from the Book of Psalms, chapter 100, verses 1-5: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Sermon: Minister: Today, I want to reflect on the theme of gratitude and the transformative power it holds in our lives. The scripture reading reminds us to make a joyful noise, serve the Lord with gladness, and enter His presence with thanksgiving. Gratitude is an expression of our recognition of God’s goodness and love. It opens our hearts to the abundant blessings that surround us.
In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to overlook the many reasons we have to be grateful. We become caught up in the worries and challenges that consume our thoughts, blinding us to the everyday miracles that unfold before us. But cultivating a spirit of gratitude allows us to shift our focus, to see the beauty in the mundane, and to find peace in the midst of chaos. – Order of Service – Sunday Sermon July 16 2023
When we choose to approach each day with gratitude, we unlock a powerful source of joy and contentment. Gratitude shifts our perspective and transforms our hearts. It helps us recognize the interconnectedness of all things, reminding us that we are part of a divine creation, intricately woven together by a loving Creator.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives, both big and small. Think of the relationships that bring us joy, the simple pleasures that bring smiles to our faces, the challenges that shape us into stronger individuals, and the opportunities that allow us to grow and serve others. Each of these is a gift, a reason to give thanks.
As we go about our days, let us practice gratitude in action. Let us share our blessings with others, extend a helping hand to those in need, and express our appreciation to those who have impacted our lives. In doing so, we not only enrich the lives of others but also deepen our own sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Order of Service – Sunday Sermon July 16 2023
Closing Prayer:
Minister: Let us join our hearts in prayer once again. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this day and for the blessings that surround us. We ask for the strength to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our lives, to see your love in every moment, and to share that love with others. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and our actions be a reflection of your grace. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn: “Blessed Assurance”
Benediction: Minister: May the grace of God be with you as you go forth from this place. May gratitude guide your steps and fill your hearts with joy. Remember, as you have received, so shall you give. Go in peace, serving the Lord with gladness. Amen.
Order of Service – Sunday Sermon July 16 2023