Jesus of Nazareth is our Savior and our high priest, the anointed one appointed by God to represent God to us and us to God, after the order of Melchizedek in the Old Testament, who was both a King and a Priest, a type of the high priesthood of our Lord. Christ Jesus did not exalt himself or take this on by his own doing, but was selected and chosen by God to represent us before the Lord.
While he lived on this earth Jesus offered to the Lord both prayers and supplications, according to the Scriptures “with loud cries and tears,” pleading with the Lord who was able to save him from death. God heard him, because of his deep reverence and trust in God. Jesus learned obedience as a son under God’s supervision, learning through the things that he suffered. And through those experiences, he was perfectly able to become for us the source of eternal salvation for those who believe and obey him. For indeed God has decreed him to be our high priest after Melchizedek’s order, he who is both high priest of God for the people, and the ruler and Lord of all things.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Jesus, High Priest of God, intercede for me now before God and your Father, for on you alone do I depend. Thank you for representing me to the Father, and representing him to me. I know that he hears you always, and I am thankful that you both love and care for me, in all things. Enable me to turn to you in my time of need, always looking to you to stand before me as you come before the Father with my petitions and concerns. You are my priest, and I am your child. In Christ’s name I ask these things, amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
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.
Lectionary Readings
Psalm: Ps. 51.1-12 OT: Jer. 31.31-34 Gospel: John 12.20-33
*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.
Affirmation from the Psalms
Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the LORD will dwell forever? [17] The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary. [18] You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. [19] Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah [20] Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.
~ Psalm 68.16-20
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus Christ, high priest of God, intercede for me now for I wait on you alone all the day.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God
1 Corinthians 1.18-25Our Corporate Disciplines
Fallow Day: Friday, March 23, 2018