[During this service, the sanctuary doors will remain closed. The ushers stand outside the doors to encourage people to enter the sanctuary in reverent silence.]
Call to Worship
“Be Still, for the Presence” Evans Stanza 1, sung by soloist
Scripture Reading
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
they weigh like a burden too heavy for me.
I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
all day long I go around mourning.
I am utterly spent and crushed;
I groan because of the tumult of my heart.
O Lord, all my longing is known to you;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart throbs;
my strength fails me;
as for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
But it is for you, O Lord, that I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, do not be far from me;
make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation.
—Psalm 38: 1, 4, 6, 8-10, 15, 18. 21-22 NRSVUE
Prayer of Confession
Sovereign Lord,
we come before you now without pretense or excuse;
you see all our actions and know all our inward thoughts.
We are laid bare before you.
We have sinned against you,
and we plead for your forgiveness.
Have mercy on us.
We have tried to find our own way
instead of following the paths you laid out for us.
We have arrogantly thought ourselves better than our neighbors.
Have mercy on us.
Sovereign Lord,
we come to you now, humbled and broken.
We ask for your forgiveness through the name of Jesus;
we ask for your mercy through the blood of Christ.
Have mercy on us.
As we receive such grace from you,
teach us anew the paths of righteousness.
Create in us a clean heart
that we might follow you in your holiness.
Amen.
Song of Confession
“Create in Me a Clean Heart” Anonymous Sung first by choir, then by congregation
Prayer for Illumination
“Be Still, for the Presence” Evans Stanza 2, sung by soloist
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 4:12-16
Message
Song of Response
“Before the Throne of God Above” Smith CSW 28 Stanzas 1-2, choir; stanza 3, all
Assurance of Pardon
Hebrews 9:15
Prayer of Application
““Be Still, for the Presence” Evans Stanza 3, sung by soloist
Application of Ashes
[At this time, worshipers who would like to receive the ashes on their forehead may come forward.]
Hymn
“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” Bliss
God’s Blessing
Doxology
“Amazing Grace” Newton, Cowper (verse 5)
Offering
[Worshipers may present their offerings at the doors as they leave the sanctuary.]
