CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 97:1-9
4 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
PRAYER OF ADORATION
Father Almighty,
Our greatest joy in life is enjoying your presence and gathering here to serve you with gladness. And there is no comfort in anything apart from you.
You are all in all. And you are infinitely wise and can do no wrong. Father, we praise you that all things concerning us are at your disposal. You number our days and the hairs on our head. Our lives, our homes, our families, and every circumstance surrounding us rests in your sovereign hand.
Father, the knowledge of your sovereignty in all things would terrify us, if we did not also know of your infinite goodness to us. We see your love put on full display in the cross of Christ, slain for us that we might receive your pardon, forgiveness, and welcome into your family.
Father, what can we do for you or give to you for everything you have given to us? What could we place into your hands that you had not first placed into ours. Even if we gave every breath we drew into our lungs, we would only be returning what already belongs to you.
You are the author and the perfector of our faith, and the whole work of redemption is yours alone. Even the good works we do is the result of your mercy and power working within us.
So, Father, all things are from you, and through you, and to you. We offer our praise this morning through the name of Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
One God in Three Persons, forever and ever. Amen.