This Week’s Theme
“Restored to Life
Acts 9.36-43
In Joppa there lived a disciple of Jesus whose name was Tabitha (Dorcas, whose name means “Gazelle”). She was a woman whose life was full of good works and acts of charity. During the time when Peter was in her area, Tabitha became deathly ill and died. Her friends washed her body for burial, and laid her in an upper room.
Some of the disciples heard that Peter was visiting in nearby Lydda, and they sent two men to ask if he would come to where they were, without delay. Immediately, Peter went with them, and arrived at the place where Tabitha’s body was laying. Her associates were in the room mourning, most of whom were widows. They showed Peter some of the clothes that Tabitha had made, and then Peter put the mourners outside, knelt down and prayed. Upon turning to the body, he spoke directly to her body, saying, “Tabitha, arise.” Dorcas opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter took her hand, and helped her up. He then called the believers and widows in, and presented Tabitha alive to them all. This miracle reveals the power and authority of the risen Jesus over death and the Curse. Because he lives, others too will live!
Preparing Our Hearts
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
God and Father of our Lord Jesus, your Son has been exalted and given authority over life and death. Now, in his name, provide to us who believe healing, grace, and eternal life. Thank you for the authority of that name, for your power to heal and to make alive again, all because of what your Son accomplished on the cross. You can restore us to life again –
we trust in you alone. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Praising Our God
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, amen.
Listening to His Voice
Chronological Reading for the Day
Friday: 2 Kings 5.1-8.15
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 23
Acts*: Acts 9.36-43
Gospel: John 10.22-30
NT: Rev. 7.9-17
*During Eastertide, a reading from Acts is often substituted for the lesson from the Hebrew Bible.
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
Responding in Faith
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Departing to Serve
Benediction
Lord Jesus, Tabitha was raised from the dead through your mighty power and authority. As he who has been forever raised from the dead, now you can restore us who have been subject to death our whole lives long. Let your resurrection life flow in and through us, even as we rely on you alone. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Affirmation for the Day
The never-ending life of Jesus is now available to all who believe in his name.
Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day
All authority in heaven and in earth has been granted to the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Restored to Life
Acts 9.36-43
Book Reading
Metaxas, Martin Luther
Our Corporate Disciplines
National Day of Prayer: Monday, May 13, 2019