Worship - LOFT - Sample Services

Lent: Forgiveness

Probably one of the most difficult parts of living a Christian life is rightly understanding and faithfully exercising the practice of forgiveness.  It is at the heart of Christ's work.  In his life, but especially on the cross, Jesus absorbed evil without passing it on.  We are called to follow him in this.  To humbly ask for forgiveness, to graciously receive forgiveness, to gratefully grant forgiveness to others- these are lessons not mastered in a lifetime of discipleship.  

So we return to the lessons regularly.  The weeks during Lent - those 40 days preceding Easter - are an excellent opportunity to explore the fundamentals of the Christian faith.  One year at LOFT we used these weeks to do a sermon series on the Lord's Prayer.  In this particular service, we explored Jesus' teaching that we pray God "forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."   The service is structured to put into practice what we learn.  Thus, the opening sequence of praise and adoration is abbreviated, and immediately following the sermon is the Lord's Prayer and then a confessional sequence with adequate time for silence and individual repentance.

Element of Worship

Liturgical Notes

Musical Notes

Congregation

While the music continues underneath, the leader/liturgist, taking his cue from the song lyric "we will draw near to you," prays an opening prayer something like this:  "Lord Almighty, it is good to be here today, in your house, with your people.   We love you, and we love to worship you.  We pray today that as we draw near to you, you will show us your beauty, that you will reveal to us your love.  We ask that you will teach us how to live, and how to pray.  Make our hearts your home, your dwelling place, now and forever.  Amen."

The service begins with a modern setting of parts of Psalm 84, Better is One Day (More Songs for P&W 2, #60).  Key of E. The repetition in this song creates a rhythmic intensity, expressing longing in the verses and finding fulfillment in the percussive refrain.  The song can be meditative or celebrative - or in this case, both. "My heart and flesh cry out" is urgent, pleading.  "Better is one day" is exuberant.  "I will draw near to you" becomes quieter, reverent, prayerful (see below).  Let the guitars lead, using chords that let the high B and E strings ring.  This gives the song a drone-like quality that can be enhanced using a sustained voice on a keyboard.  If you use drums, ignore the snare and use the high-hat only to keep time.  Make the most of your toms, playing strong sixteenth notes with appropriate accents throughout. 

As the bridge concludes, the band goes to the coda, but the drums drop out, the singers don't sing, and everyone else is reverent while the leader/liturgist leads them in prayer.

Adoration

  

When the prayer is done, the singers return to the start of the coda and lead the congregation softly singing again "Better is one day."  Sing through the refrain another time or two.  End diminishing in volume and tempo.

 

Leader/Liturgist says something like: "Listen to these words from God Almighty:" and then reads from Isaiah 57:15.  The first section should be read majestically: 

"Thus says the high and Exalted One, whose name is Holy, who lives forever: 'I dwell in a high and holy place.' "

(the next section tenderly)

".'but I also live with those who are broken and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, to restore the courage of the broken.' "

As the liturgist reaches the word "humble," the band may begin softly to play an introduction to.
   

Humble Thyself (Songs for P&W #223). Key of Em.  Sing antiphonally, men and women or congregational halves.  Let the text guide your accompaniment/interpretation: humbly at first, then gradually more magnificent in tone.  Sing the last time through humbly again, a capella. 

Intercession

Leader/liturgist says something like: "Let's turn humbly to God in prayer, lifting our souls, that God may lift us up."

(While some congregations may need an additional word explaining how to 

comportment of leadership does wonders.  Closed-eyed attention to the text while the portions of the Psalm are read, open-eyed and raised-browed attention to the congregation when they are to sing.

Reading underneath.

To You, O Lord (SNC #199).  Key of D (1/2 step down from written music).  This setting of Psalm 25 is to be done responsively: a singer/leader reads a portion of the Psalm, then the congregation sings the simple, two-line refrain.

 Vary accompaniment on verses meditatively and smoothly refrain again

Preparation

illumination

  

Proclamation

Scripture Mt. 18:21-35

Sermon LD51

Forgiveness - one of the most difficult dynamics in the Christian life.  Forgiving others, forgiving ourselves.

I haven't an outline for this sermon.

This could be a straightforward sermon on what it means to forgive and be forgiven. 

Could follow contours of text. The jail images are echoed in the concluding hymn (And Can It Be).

  

Intercession

The Lord's Prayer

  
   

Forgive Our Sins - F  to Land of Rest tune (SNC), but with cool harmonization.

Confession

Speaking

(include bit about understanding why others have sinned against us and giving up our righteous desire to hold it against them. 

silence

Perdon, Señor (SNC #).  Dm

Sing once more

Reconciliation

Words - 89 Presbyterian

At the Cross D (vineyard 4)

And Can It Be  (C) - slowly.  Savor it. 

Adoration/

Dedication

Introduce offering.

Prayer of thx (brief)

Charge - forgive others, even as you have been forgiven. 

Amazing Love/You Are My King (D) - more triumphantly. Twitt? For the more adventurous congregation, check out this website.

Benediction

  

Benediction (D)