These two services are based on the full texts of the letters of Ephesians and James, providing worshipers an opportunity to hear, dwell in, and reflect on God’s Word to each of us. This echoes the way the early church would have experienced these words—prayerfully listening as the letter was read aloud. In planning these services, we let the Scripture guide the order, pausing for praise, prayer, and reflection where the text suggests.
Our church has recently adopted this format for our monthly evening services, but it is adaptable to a variety of contexts. The Scripture and responses may be read by the pastor or worship leader, or shared by several members of the congregation. Any of the suggested hymns could be replaced by a choral anthem, instrumental music, or another appropriate congregational song.
Worshiping with Ephesians
Prelude
Welcome
God’s Greeting: Ephesians 1:1–2
Mutual Greeting
Unison Declaration of Our Blessings in Christ
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world
to be holy and blameless in his sight.
In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship
through Jesus Christ,
in accordance with his pleasure and will—
to the praise of his glorious grace,
which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
With all wisdom and understanding,
he made known to us the mystery of his will
according to his good pleasure,
which he purposed in Christ,
to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—
to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
—Ephesians 1:3–10
Opening Hymn: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” LUYH 601, PH 142/143, PsH 471, TH 296/297, WR 100/106, GtG 263
God’s Gifts in Jesus
First Reading: Ephesians 1:11–23
Introduction to Ephesians (see sidebar)
Alive and United
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:1–22
Unison Response
And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything
for the church,
which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills everything in every way.
—Ephesians 1:22–23
Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” LUYH 251, PH 442, PsH 502, TH 347, WR 544, GtG 321
The Mystery of Grace for All
Third Reading: Ephesians 3:1–13
Hymn: “I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace/I Know Whom I Have Believed” LUYH 690, PsH 495, TH 705, WR 407
The Fullness of Love
Fourth Reading: Ephesians 3:14–21
Congregational Prayer
Write a congregational prayer based on Ephesians 3:14–21 especially focused on how the love of Christ manifests itself in our relationships with God, others, and creation. You may find The Worship Sourcebook S.1.4.3 and S.2.2.2 helpful.
Living Together through Grace
Fifth Reading: Ephesians 4:1–16
Unison Response
And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything
for the church,
which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills everything in every way.
—Ephesians 1:22–23
Hymn: “Christian Hearts in Love United” LUYH 727, PsH 513
Imitators of God
Sixth Reading: Ephesians 4:17–5:20
Hymn: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” LUYH 730, SWM 207, SNC 77, WR 248, GtG 377
Submitting to One Another Under Christ
Seventh Reading: Ephesians 5:21–6:9
Unison Response
And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything
for the church,
which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills everything in every way.
—Ephesians 1:22–23
Hymn: “Jesus Shall Reign” LUYH 219, PH 423, PsH 412, TH 441, WR 341
Litany of Commitment
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God,
so that you can take your stand
against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth
buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this,
take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying
for all the Lord’s people.
Pray also for me,
that whenever I speak,
words may be given me
so that I will fearlessly make known
the mystery of the gospel,
for which I am an ambassador in chains.
Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
—Ephesians 6:10–20
Parting Blessing: Ephesians 6:21–24
Postlude
Worshiping with James
Prelude
God’s Greeting and Mutual Greeting
Joy in Trials
First Reading: James 1:2–18
Unison Response
Loving God, you are very good,
and all good and perfect gifts come from you.
May knowing how good you really are
keep us from anything bad that tempts us to sin.
We want to live as that first taste of your good new world.
Amen.
—Lora A. Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen, Teach Us to Pray: Scripture-Centered Family Worship through the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin College Press, 2016), 497. Used with permission.
Silent Reflection
Opening Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” LUYH 351, PH 376, PsH 568, TH 529, WR 358, GtG 366
Statement of Faith: Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony, 26
Introduction to James (see sidebar)
Right Action Under the Law
Second Reading: James 1:19–2:13
Unison Prayer of Confession
Speaking God, your holy Word
provides us all we need for righteousness,
but we are quick to stray from the laws you have given us.
We would rather look after our own desires
than the needs of our neighbors.
Forgive us for our forgetful pride,
which causes us to favor the rich and insult the poor.
We pray that you would show us mercy,
and teach us to live out the fullness of your love.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Silent Confession
Hymn: “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” LUYH 299, PsH 601, SWM 249, WR 273, GtG 203
Assurance of Pardon
Dear brothers and sisters, in Jesus Christ God’s love overflows for us. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, all our sins are washed away and we are free to live in humble obedience to him. Thanks be to God!
Faith and Works Together
Third Reading: James 2:14–26
Unison Response
Generous God, you give us the gift of faith.
Bring our faith to life and call us to action.
Help us to see those who need our help,
and strengthen us to provide for their needs.
Let us be your hands and feet in this world.
Amen.
Silent Reflection
Hymn: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” LUYH 747, PH 316, PsH 420, TH 334, WR 461, GtG 286
Words and Wisdom
Fourth Reading: James 3:1–18
Unison Response
Jesus, it is so hard sometimes
for us to control our mouths.
We say things we shouldn’t,
and we can’t take them back.
Please take over our mouths
so what comes out will be fresh and life-giving.
Take over our hearts,
so your love will come out
in our words and in our actions.
Amen.
—Lora A. Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen, Teach Us to Pray: Scripture-Centered Family Worship through the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin College Press, 2016), 503. Used with permission.
Silent Reflection
Hymn: “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak” LUYH 754, PH 426, PsH 528, TH 560/561, WR 593, GtG 722
Humility Before God
Fifth Reading: James 4:1–17
Unison Response
Lord of all time, the future belongs to you.
We can plan all we want, but you are in charge.
Instead of worrying about what might happen,
help us to do the good things we know you want,
and to trust you to take care of us. Amen.
—Lora A. Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen, Teach Us to Pray: Scripture-Centered Family Worship through the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin College Press, 2016), 505. Used with permission.
Silent Reflection
Hymn: “Be Still, My Soul” TH 689, WR 451, GtG 819
Patience for Heavenly Riches
Sixth Reading: James 5:1–12
Unison Response
God of all seasons,
we know that every good gift comes from your hand.
Help us to trust you in every situation.
Grant us humility and patience,
and remind us that nothing we gain or lose in this life
can compare to the riches we have in Christ.
In his name we pray, amen.
Silent Reflection
Hymn: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” Rhea F. Miller
Option: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” LUYH 897, PFAS 41B, PsH 579, SWM 172, TH 629, WR 473, GtG 465
The Power of Prayer
Seventh Reading: James 5:13–18
Hymn: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” LUYH 896, PsH 625, SWM 170, WR 489, GtG 469
Prayers of the People
Words of Commitment: James 5:19–20
Parting Blessing
Postlude