Mid-Week Worship
This week’s mid-week worship liturgy is geared towards being your Maundy Thursday service. While it may feel strange, Christians all over the country will be taking communion at home with elements that were available to them, no matter the type of bread or drink. So find something suitable and join us for worship together!
OPENING
PRAYER
You are the Lord, the God of our salvation! By the blood of the lamb at Passover, you saved your people Israel; by the cup of salvation, you have made with us a new covenant, sealed in the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. How can we thank you for this most precious and priceless gift?
HYMN
CALL TO
CONFESSION
READ SILENTLY: We have a merciful and a gracious God who is willing to go to great lengths to free us from sin, and to liberate us from every form of enslavement. The Lord deems precious those who turn from sin in humility and simple faith, and Jesus Christ redeems all who trust in his saving death. Let us confess our sins and repent of them sincerely.
PRAYER OF
CONFESSION
READ ALOUD: We are not fully clean, O God, unless and until you cleanse us. We confess we can expect no share from you, O Christ, unless and until you wash us. We need you, Holy Spirit, to sanctify and protect us. Forgive and bless us, O God of Mercy, with strength to resist all evil and temptation; with the will to serve after your humble example; and with the strength to love one another and show forth your glory; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ASSURANCE
OF PARDON
Read silently until the bold,
God has heard our supplications. The Lord has listened to our prayer. Jesus Christ is the answer to our need for forgiveness; he has died on the cross for our iniquities, his blood has been shed for the remission of our sins. Remember all that Jesus has done for you, and give thanks with your lives of loyalty and faith.
THE WORD
CHILDREN’S
MESSAGE
MEDITATION &
COMMUNION
THE RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Questions for Reflection
- How has the Jesus blessed me?
- What value is there in being broken? Can you think of ways you’ve grown during your own seasons of adversity?
- Can you think of any ways to make yourself more available for God to bless you, break you, and then give you in his service?
- What was this time of communion like for you?
HYMN
HYMN
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Take this time to pray for the concerns of your heart. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
THE SENDING
The Benediction
Friends, remember that no matter where you have been, or where you may go, our God has been with you. He is with you on the mountain and he is with you in the valley. Our God is a God of everlasting hope, love, and grace. Trust in him in the midst of these difficult times. Go in peace. Serve the Lord in gladness, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Previous Mid Week Liturgies
The Opening Prayer, Call to Confession, Prayer of Confession, and Assurance of Pardon were all borrowed or adapted from Timothy Matthew Slemmons’ wonderful liturgical resource book, Lightning from the East: Liturgical Elements for Reformed Worship, Year A (p. 111-113).