Opening prayers and praises

An opening prayer or act of praise is a significant opportunity to express our desire to encounter God together. There may be specific things for which to thank God, but mostly we will want to pray for him to be honoured in our gathering and for our faith, hope and love to be increased as we minister to one another in his name. After a simple greeting, these or other prayers and praises may introduce a service. They may also be included later at section 7, after the confession of sin and assurance of forgiveness. As well as inviting us to praise God, they seek his help in hearing and responding to his word appropriately. The first four may be used responsively or by the leader alone.

3.1 Open our lips, O Lord,
and we shall declare your praise.
Give us the joy of your saving help,
and sustain us with your life-giving Spirit.
Cf. Psalms 51:15, 12

3.2

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:2-3

3.3

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honour and glory and power,
for ever and ever! Amen

Revelation 5:13

3.4

Great and marvellous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you
For your righteous acts have been revealed.

Revelation 15:3-4

3.5

God our Father,
we pray that the message of your Son
will dwell richly among us,
as we teach and admonish one another
with the wisdom you give,
and sing with thankfulness in our hearts to you.
And whatever we do, in word or deed,
may it be done
in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and for his glory. Amen.

Cf. Colossians 3:16-17

3.6

Faithful one, whose word is life,
come with saving power
to free our praise,
inspire our prayer
and shape our lives
for the kingdom of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

New Patterns for Worship

3.7

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

An Australian Prayer Book
3.8 Almighty God,
nothing is hidden from you,
not even the secrets of our hearts.
By your Holy Spirit,
purify our deepest thoughts,
so that we may truly love you
and bring honour to your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday Services