Worship Notes for Sunday, May 13, 2012
Jesus demonstrates the diversity of the Body of Christ in the selection of the twelve disciples, and he also paints a picture of what it looks like to train and equip the saints to lead, to serve, to mutually encourage, and to sharpen one another in the faith. That will be the focus of our singing, prayers and Scripture readings this morning. The Call to Worship from Psalm 100 calls to us “Serve the Lord with gladness.” The faithfulness of the Lord is conveyed in the rich text of Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven.We continue in worship with the setting of Psalm 5: Hear My Words that challenges us in the nature and purpose of prayer. The New Testament Reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us of the various roles God has given the members of His church and their purpose in serving one another with our various gifts.
The Prayer of Confession from Colossians 3 sets forth the example walking together as the Body of Christ in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience and to put to death anger, wrath, malice, and idolatry. We continue by being reminded of the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus.
The first Communion Hymn, Love Consecrates the Humblest Act, is a call to follow the example of Christ in willing submission and service. Our next hymn, Awake My Zeal, is a prayer for God to enliven our heart with a desire to serve God, serve those around us, and bring glory to God.
The final Hymn, Never Cease to Praise, includes the words “that the many parts of the body of Christ be affirmed in right relation” so that we “may learn to love and spur each other on.”
