Welcome to the Hawkinge Baptist Church Service

25 October 2020

Act of worship

Let us begin with a time of quiet

Call to worship - James 1 : 17

'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows'

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, we praise You that in the shifting sands of time your purpose remains sure; that though all else may change, your love will never alter. For the assurance you give us of your love in Christ, and for making that new each day through the living presence of your Holy Spirit, receive our thanks. Teach us to live every moment in the light of your goodness, and so to be at one with you, through Jesus Christ our lord .

Amen

Please sing (read /pray or proclaim out loud the words of today's songs.)

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord (repeat)

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord (repeat)

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Prayer

Sovereign God, we are here to worship you, having made a space in our lives to pause and reflect. We stop to listen to your word, and to ponder what you would say to us. We come to hear your voice, and in the stillness to receive your guidance. Open our eyes to your presence, our hearts to your love and our minds to your will. Direct our thoughts, enlarge our understanding, and shape our lives, so that we may live and work for you, to the glory of your name.

Amen

Spend a few minutes in silence, allowing God time to speak to you in the silence.
When you feel ready please continue by saying the Lord's prayer.

Let us say The Lord’s prayer..

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever
Amen.

Listen to today's reading, Acts chapter 12
and message with Rev Ali Boddington

Prayer

Lord, as you walk alongside us on our journey, open our eyes to the needs of those around us.

We pray for those in our world who are grieving at this time.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those who are trapped in violent situations
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those who are unwell and scared
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those exhausted from long shifts, caring for others
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those who are lonely and vulnerable
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those who put themselves on the frontline each day
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for those in authority who are making important but often difficult decisions
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for our neighbours and our communities
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you that we can bring all our prayers to a loving God who hears, knows and responds.

Amen

Let us sing: And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood?

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Saviour's blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain?
For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: the Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
let angel minds enquire no more.
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left his Father's throne above 1
so free, so infinite his grace 1
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
for, O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine!
Alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach the eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ, my own
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Blessing

The Christ who died for you live in you.
The Christ who loves you shine through you.
The Christ who welcomes you go with you now and always.

Amen