Opening Prayer – Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord

As you begin this time of worship and prayer, listen to the song below and allow it to be for you a prayer.

Scripture Reading – Psalm 119:9-18

Read the following aloud. After you’ve read it choose one line or phrase to make into a quiet word to silently repeat and hold before God for a moment or two.

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.
Be good to your servant while I live,
    that I may obey your word.
Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.

Kids’ Coloring and Activity Booklets

Kids, don’t forget to break out your coloring and activity pages as the sermon is underway.
Parents, if you need to download another copy of those pages, you can find them HERE.

Sermon

The questions that punctuated each reflection on the seed and soil were:
1. In what ways have you become hard to God and the Gospel message?
2. How can you develop a faith life that has endurance?
3. What might be dividing your focus and loyalty? What desires are you feeding?
4. What is one step you can take toward cultivating “good soil” in your life?

Take time to reflect, jot down any thoughts, and respond to God in prayer.

Offering

For all that you give us, Generous One – we give you thanks! May these offerings be an evidence of your Word becoming fruitful in our lives, and a contribution to the great work of your harvest in the world.
Amen.

Song of Worship – The Goodness of God

I love you Lord
Oh your mercy never fails me
All my days I’ve been held in your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life you have been faithful
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

I love your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest nights I’ve been held like no other
I’ve known you as a Father
I’ve known you as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God

All my life you have been faithful
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down I surrender now
I give you everything
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down I surrender now
I give you everything
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

All my life you have been faithful
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

All my life you have been faithful
All my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

The Sending – From 2 Peter 3:18

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Amen.