For an explanation of the details of this liturgy, see “A Brief Walk-Through Our Liturgy.” This is based on John Calvin’s liturgy in the church in Strassbourg published in 1545. For a paper on the pattern of Biblical worship from “the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem,” see “The Heavenly Pattern of Worship” by Peter J. Wallace.
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Entering into God’s Presence
* Call to Worship  Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12
* Invocation  Psalm 124:8
* God’s Greeting  Galatians 1:3-5
* Opening Prayer
* Psalm of Praise  O Day of Rest and Gladness #321:1-4
Confession of Sin
Reading of the Law  Isaiah 56:6-8
Confession of Sin
The psalmist testifies: Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. In the strength of this assurance, let us confess our sins to God. (Psa 66:16-18).
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against your holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders, spare us, as we confess our faults, restore us, as we are penitent, according to your promises declared unto us in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon  Isaiah 56:1-2
Response of Gratitude
Minister: O Lord, open my lips.
People: And my mouth shall show forth your praise.—Psalm 51:15
Minister: Praise the Lord.
People: The Lord’s name be praised.—Psalm 135:1
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
* The Creed  Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 38 & Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A 60-61
Offerings  Psalm 56:12-13
Congregational Prayer
Service of the Word
Scripture Lessons  Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 58:13-14 (text); Hebrews 4:1-4
* Song of Preparation  O Lord, My God, Most Earnestly (Psa 63) #111:1-3
Sermon: The Lord’s Day as Our Sabbath Delight and Rest
1. Delighting in the Sabbath
2. Resting on the Sabbath
Leaving to Serve
* Song of Consecration  O Lord of Hosts, How Lovely #159:1-3
* Doxology  Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow #493
* Benediction  Numbers 6:24-26
* Amen! Â Three-Fold Amen