These call to worship variations originally appeared in a series on covenant renewal: "A Closer Look at Worship."
Call to Worship
This article contains four variations on Psalm 8:1–4 as a call to worship. Using several of these approaches over the space of a few weeks is an excellent way to introduce some variety and yet remain closely linked with the overall theme of a series.
Variation 1: Worship leader reads Psalm 89:1–4
Leader: I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to my servant David:
‘I will establish your descendants forever
and build your throne for all generations.’ ”
—Psalm 89:1–4 NRSVUE
Variation 2: Congregation reads Psalm 89:1–4 responsively, perhaps led by a child:
Sing of the Lord’s great love forever!
With our mouths we will make known his faithfulness to all.
His love is firm forever!
He established his faithfulness in heaven itself.
God made a promise to David.
A covenant which lasts till today.
All: Praise the Lord!
—Adapted from Psalm 89:1–4
Variation 3: Two parts of the congregation read Psalm 89:1–4 responsively.
| Part 1 | I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. |
| Part 2 | Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. |
| Part 1 | The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: |
| Part 2 | ‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’” —Psalm 89:1–4 NLT |
Variation 4: Use Psalm 89:1–4 as the basis for an opening prayer.
O Lord, we will sing of your great love forever!
With our mouths we will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
We will declare that your love stands firm forever.
In fact, you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Then already you made a covenant with your chosen one, David.
You promised to continue it forever, for all generations, including our own.
With heaven, we praise your wonders, O God!
O Lord, we will sing of your great love forever!
—Psalm 89:1–4, adapted.
Follow by singing “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever” Fillmore
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 8 (13)
Year B: Advent—Fourth Sunday of Advent
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 11 (16)
