This guide is designed for you to read through with those you are gathered with. If you prefer to have the liturgical elements read over you, the audio is available via Apple Music, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and iHeart.
Also, if you have children in your gathering, Elisa Booker and Danielle Swink have provided some helpful tips for how to worship together.
Note: Parts in bold are to be read by all.
OPENING PSALM (PSALM 121)
I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber;
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life;
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord, you are where we look for our help. You are the Maker of Heaven and Earth and you are the one who watches over us. Every moment of our lives is lived under your watchful eye. We trust you for our peace as the uncertainty in our world grows. Watch over our families, our loved ones — our neighbors near and far — and give us peace. Amen.
WORSHIP
Feel free to join together in song or listen to our worship playlist. Here are a few recommended songs:
Be Still
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
Since Your Love
Hope of Glory
Defender
Met by Love
With You
Run to the Father
Great are You Lord
O Come to the Altar
SECOND PSALM (PSALM 46:1-7)
God is our refuge and strength
An ever-present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea
Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
MOMENT OF STILLNESS
Take a moment to be still in the presence of God.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Spend time praying together for the issues of our day and the concerns of those present. If desired, use the litany below.
Father, we pray for those currently ill with the virus afflicting our world. We ask you to miraculously heal those who are sick and to halt the spread of this virus.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those in positions of power—that they would make wise decisions on our behalf. We pray for miraculous discernment for Mayor DeBlasio, Governor Cuomo, President Trump, and global leaders tasked with managing this crisis.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those working in the medical professions—for care providers on the front lines of the crisis, we ask you to protect them as they serve those afflicted. For public health officials, we ask for wisdom into the best practices to combat the spread of this virus. We also pray for those working on a vaccine, we ask for insight and supernatural direction in their research.
Lord, hear our prayer.
And Lord, we pray for our hearts and minds. Keep us from the tyranny of fear—from the anxiety of the unknown. Help us to trust in your goodness and remind us that you will never leave us or forsake us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Ministry of the Word
We invite you to now watch the video or listen to the podcast for a message from founding pastor Caleb Clardy.
Discussion and Prayer
Share what resonated with you. What do you sense God is saying? Take time to pray for and minister to one another.
Benediction
May God our Father protect us body, mind, and soul as we go boldly into the world with our hope securely in his faithful promises. Go in peace.
