Worship resources based on Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2
August 12 Pentecost 12
Call to Worship: Did you hear about Christ?
(Ephesians 4:21–5:
Did you hear about Christ?
Yes, we heard of the truth that is in Jesus.
Were you taught how to live?
Yes, we were taught to turn away from old habits and lies.
Do you want to be remade?
Yes, we want to be more like God,
we want to know what is right and do what is right.
Will you live a life of love?
Yes, we refuse to grumble or gossip, we won’t be catty or harsh.
We will be kind and caring, as best we can.
We will forgive, as we have been forgiven.
Will you copy Christ?
Yes, because he loved us first
and gave himself up for us.
Prayer of Confession: Renewed in every way
(Ephesians 4:22 – 5:2)
Hear again the call of God:
“Put away your previous way of life, your old self, corrupted and deluded as it was,
and be renewed in every aspect of your thinking. Dress in your new self, which is being re-formed into the image of God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
(Ephesians 4:22-24)
Let us pray:
Living God, thank you for re-working us to become more like Jesus.
We confess to you that we resist this work in us.
We quite like our old selves. The old clothes were comfy and familiar.
We want your renewing of us, but often it hurts.
We so easily slide back into old habits:
we are reluctant to speak the truth to each other for fear of offending,
or our anger gets the better of us and we lash out.
We so easily convince ourselves that we deserve a little more
(why work hard when you can steal?).
We let cruel words slip out of our mouths, disguised as humour or opinion.
Lord God, we confess that we have each of us grieved the Holy Spirit.
We are truly sorry.
Remake us, Lord, again into your image, for we choose to imitate you,
for your ways are kindness, tenderness, forgiveness.
We choose to live in love as beloved children
forgiven and free, through what Christ has done for us.
Alleluia! Amen.
August 12 Pentecost 12
Call to Worship: Did you hear about Christ?
(Ephesians 4:21–5:
Did you hear about Christ?
Yes, we heard of the truth that is in Jesus.
Were you taught how to live?
Yes, we were taught to turn away from old habits and lies.
Do you want to be remade?
Yes, we want to be more like God,
we want to know what is right and do what is right.
Will you live a life of love?
Yes, we refuse to grumble or gossip, we won’t be catty or harsh.
We will be kind and caring, as best we can.
We will forgive, as we have been forgiven.
Will you copy Christ?
Yes, because he loved us first
and gave himself up for us.
Prayer of Confession: Renewed in every way
(Ephesians 4:22 – 5:2)
Hear again the call of God:
“Put away your previous way of life, your old self, corrupted and deluded as it was,
and be renewed in every aspect of your thinking. Dress in your new self, which is being re-formed into the image of God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
(Ephesians 4:22-24)
Let us pray:
Living God, thank you for re-working us to become more like Jesus.
We confess to you that we resist this work in us.
We quite like our old selves. The old clothes were comfy and familiar.
We want your renewing of us, but often it hurts.
We so easily slide back into old habits:
we are reluctant to speak the truth to each other for fear of offending,
or our anger gets the better of us and we lash out.
We so easily convince ourselves that we deserve a little more
(why work hard when you can steal?).
We let cruel words slip out of our mouths, disguised as humour or opinion.
Lord God, we confess that we have each of us grieved the Holy Spirit.
We are truly sorry.
Remake us, Lord, again into your image, for we choose to imitate you,
for your ways are kindness, tenderness, forgiveness.
We choose to live in love as beloved children
forgiven and free, through what Christ has done for us.
Alleluia! Amen.