Preparation to hear God's word, with praise and prayer
A song of praise followed by a song focussing on the reason for gathering together.
A prayer for careful attention to the reading and teaching of the Bible:
Thank you Father for making yourself known to us, showing us the way of salvation through faith in your Son. We ask you now to teach us through your word, so that we may be ready to serve you, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Listening to the Bible being read and taught
A song may be sung between the Bible readings or a portion of one of the Psalms said together, to enable a response to the first reading.
Extended time of ministry in response to the reading and teaching of Scripture, involving prayer, praise and confession
Depending on the message preached, it may be appropriate to have several songs on the theme, leading into a time of prayer about the message.
Another alternative might be to have a time of questions to the preacher or discussion about the sermon in small groups, followed by prayer about the topic.
Another alternative might be to call people to repentance and rededication of their lives to God, using this or another form of confession:
Most merciful God,
we humbly admit that we need your help.
We confess that we have wandered from your way:
we have done wrong, and we have failed to do what is right.
You alone can save us.
Have mercy on us:
wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others.
Bring forth in us the fruit of the Spirit
that we may live as disciples of Christ.
This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
If there is a confession of sins, it should be followed by some words of assurance from Scripture or a declaration like this:
Our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us
to redeem us from all wickedness
and to purify for himself are people that are his very own,
eager to do what is good.
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
A song of praise for our salvation in Christ should follow.
A time of general intercession might conclude with the Lord's Prayer or the following:
Lord Jesus Christ,
send us out with confidence in your word,
to tell the world of your saving acts,
and bring glory to your name. Amen.
Concluding song