The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 13, 2023

 

Lord of Life LIVE - The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
”Ready For Even Better Than This … In Every Gentle Breeze!”
August 20, 2023, 9:30AM
Join us in person or on YouTube for Lord of Life LIVE!

 

All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.

 

Gathering In Spirit & Grace

The Lord Is My Light

Bouknight

vs. 1
The Lord is my light
And my salvation
The Lord is my light
And my salvation
The Lord is my light
And my salvation
Whom shall I fear

refrain:
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
The Lord is the strength of my life
Whom shall I fear

vs. 3
Wait on the Lord
And be of good courage
Oh wait on the Lord
And be of good courage
Wait on the Lord
And be of good courage
He shall strengthen thy heart

(refrain)

 

Litany Trusting the Gentle Breeze of God’s Faithfulness & Grace

Based on Psalm 66

Today, we feel the gentle breeze of The Spirit, and we believe anew we can make it; the Lord is our light, and our salvation, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. Praise the Lord! Happy are all who fear the Lord and all who are changed by Christ to follow him from generation to generation, for they are blessed.

People of God: Jesus secures righteousness for all who put their trust in him. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust God’s faithfulness; to trust God in grace truly makes it on our behalf, each and every time.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ, feel the gentle breeze of God’s power and perfect grace in these words: Jesus saves, Jesus forgives you all your sins. Come on, you can make it!  Get out of your boat!  Sing anew; share anew; just a closer walk with thee!

Song Anew In Faith & Grace

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Traditional Gospel

vs. 1
I am weak but thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk let me walk close to thee

refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be

When we call on the name of the Lord, he listens. In faith, when we keep our eyes on the Lord, when we make room for nothing else, we cannot be moved. Jesus will remember us forever, and help us make it every time!

Friends of Jesus: You need never be afraid, for the Lord will not wait to keep your hearts firm. Come on, in grace, we can get out of our boats; we will make it! Wait no longer; put your hope in the One who keeps his eyes on you, and shares a closer walk with you, now and forever!

Song Anew In Faith & Grace

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Traditional Gospel

vs. 2
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter Lord who cares
Who with me my burden shares
None but thee dear Lord none but thee

refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be

 

Loving God, today we give you thanks and hold fast to the gift of faith, to trust you are forever looking at us, watching over us. Come to us, and increase our faith. We want you, Jesus, to walk with us, especially when the wind and the waves crash against us. By your grace alone, we will get out of our boats, we will come to you. By the gentle breeze of your Spirit, we will keep our eyes only on you; we will make it every time, trusting in you and your outstretched hand. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

The Reading of the Psalm

Psalm 85:8-13

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps.

(New Revised Standard Version)

New Testament Lesson

Romans 10:5-15

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “The person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

Song of Assurance & Grace

Blessed Assurance

Knapp & Crosby

Blessed assurance
Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste
Of glory divine
Heir of salvation
Purchase of God
Born of his Spirit
Washed in his blood

refrain:
This is my story
This is my song
Praising my Savior
All the day long
This is my story
This is my song
Praising my Savior
All the day long

Perfect submission
All is at rest
I in my Savior
Am happy and blest
Watching and waiting
Looking above
Filled with his goodness
Lost in his love

(refrain)

 

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-23

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

based on Psalm 89

As we share gentle breezes of The Spirit this summer, let us share our faith and speak boldly of all we believe, trusting the living breath of The Spirit and God’s saving grace.

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.’” Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the sky can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, great and awesome above all that are around him? O Lord, God of hosts, who is as mighty as you? Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.

 
 

Come On, You Can Make It!

PSALM 85:8-13; ROMANS 10:5-15; MATTHEW 14:22-33

Do you ever wonder how you are going to make it?  You have so much on your mind, so much to accomplish, so many people depending on you.  You seem to work harder and harder, only to feel farther behind.  No matter what you do, you do not feel like you are getting anywhere.  Jesus' disciples are trying to get across the water, the winds have come up, they are not getting anywhere.  As Jesus comes to their rescue by walking on the water, they initially are frightened and do not recognize him.  They thought they were beginning to believe the unbelievable about This One they were following.  Suddenly once again, they are not getting anywhere.  When Peter starts talking to Jesus, Jesus calls Peter to "Come."  Now there is hope, yet soon fear is more real than trust.  Life is more real at times than trust, this is when we can become uncertain.  As we share the gentle breezes of summer, believe the breath of God renews your pneuma, your heart, spirit and soul!  Believe as you obediently focus entirely on Christ!  Believe as you let go of what feels like it matters most!  Believe in the midst of stormy waters as you hold on and reach out to the Lord!  You see, we will make it, because Jesus will never let us go!  Believe as you keep your eyes on The One who forever keeps his eyes on you!

1. Come on!  You can make it!  What waters are you trying to cross?

A. Does the journey seem long?  How hard are the winds blowing against you, and where are those winds coming from?  Does it feel at times like you are getting nowhere?

B. Where do you find strength and hope?  How do you know you will make it?  What and who keeps you calm?  Who can you trust to help you, to guide you, to encourage you, to rescue you, to come to you, to save you?

C. Come on, you can make it!  Feel the gentle breeze of The One who will make sure you make it through every storm you face.
Matthew 14:24

2. Come on!  You can make it!  In the midst of life's storms and raging waters, how do you stay focused?

A. What causes you to lose your focus?  What distracts you?  Tempts you?  What keeps you from focusing on what matters most?  Why is it that at times our commitment to Christ feels like it is going nowhere?

B. How are you able to see through the storm?  How are you able to let go of what feels real?  To regain your sight?  To see again what, or who, you always knew was there?

C. Come on, you can make it!  With Jesus, we will make it by obediently staying focused on Christ, by forever keeping our eyes on The One who keeps his eyes on us!
Romans 10:9; Matthew 14:23, 25, 30

3. Come on!  You can make it!  Where do you clearly see Jesus?  How do you see him in the storm, in the winds?  Where do you hear Jesus clearly calling you to "come?"  

A. Do you recognize him when you see him coming to you?  What keeps you from reaching out to him?  Where have you seen his hand extended to you?  Have you felt him reach for you?  Are you able to grab onto Christ when he has hold of you?  How are you able to believe the unbelievable?

B. With Jesus, we can make it by believing in The One who has already made it and made it all possible for us.  Feel the gentle breeze of God’s saving grace, renewing our pneuma, to keep our hearts, spirits, and souls focused and holding onto the One who has his eyes on us, helping us make it through whatever we face, to wherever we need to go next.  Jesus will help you make it, and Jesus will never let you go!
Romans 10:10,13; Matthew 14:31-33

 

Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.

 

Song Anew In Life & Grace

Come to the Water

Stevens

refrain:
And Jesus said
Come to the water
Stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
You won’t be denied
I felt every teardrop
When in darkness you cried
And I long to remind you
That for those tears I died

vs. 1
You said you’d come and
Share all my sorrows
You said you’d be there
For all my tomorrows
I came so close to
Sending you away
But just like you promised
You came here to stay
I just had to pray

(refrain)

vs. 3
Jesus I give you
My heart and my soul
I know that without you
I’ll never be whole
Savior you opened
All the right doors
And I thank you and praise you
From earth’s humble shores
Take me I’m yours

(refrain)

 

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Let us feel the gentle breeze of your Spirit and your grace.

All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 

Holy Communion will take place during our service. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.

For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.

We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.

 

Songs During Holy Communion

Down to the River to Pray

Allan & Krauss

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O sisters let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O sisters let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
O brothers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O brothers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O fathers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O fathers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
O mothers let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O mothers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way
O sinners let’s go down
Let’s go down come on down
O sinners let’s go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who should wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way

 

The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.

Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ, The Lord of life. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, as you feel the gentle breeze of The Spirit and God’s saving grace. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, blessed to be God’s people and God’s Church, together serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!

 

Going Anew In Grace

Shout to The Lord

Zschech

My Jesus my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort my Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let ev’ry breath
All that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord
All the earth let us sing
Power and majesty
Praise to the King
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound
Of Your name
I sing for joy
At the work of Your hands 
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares
To the promise I have
In You

Shout to the Lord
All the earth let us sing
Power and majesty
Praise to the King
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound
Of Your name
I sing for joy
At the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares
To the promise I have in
Nothing compares
To the promise I have in
Nothing compares
To the promise I have
In You

 

Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!

Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE now on YouTube! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

 

Today, Sunday, August 13, we celebrate The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost! “Thanks To Every Gentle Breeze … Come On, You Can Make It!”

Join us next Sunday, August 20, as we celebrate The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost! “Ready For Even Better Than This … In Every Gentle Breeze!”

As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!

Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary.

We hope our worship will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.

From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org

We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love and grace!

 

Acknowledgments for today’s service include:

Litany Trusting The Gentle Breeze Of God’s Faithfulness And Grace – written based on Psalm 66. “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “Blessed Assurance,” Words and Music Public Domain, © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “The Lord Is My Light” © 1980 Savgos Music, Inc., CCLI #315103 “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” © Words and Music Public Domain, OL #95172 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Come To The Water (For Those Tears I Died)” © 1972 Bud John Songs, Inc. CCLI #13948 “Down to the River to Pray” © 2007 Musicnotes, Inc. CCLI #4746245 “Shout to the Lord” © 1993 Wondrous Worship CCLI #1406918 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.