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.
Entering into God’s Presence
(* All those who are able, please stand.)
* Call to Worship  Psalm 104:1-4, 14-15, 19-23, 33-35
* Invocation  Psalm 124:8
* God’s Greeting 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2
* Opening Prayer
* Psalm of Praise  My Soul Bless the Lord (Psa 104) #206:1, 5-7
Confession of Sin
Reading of the Law  Proverbs 6:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
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 Thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against Thy 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 Thee, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders, spare us, as we confess our faults, restore us, as we are penitent, according to Thy 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 Thy holy Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
(Silent Confession)
Assurance of Pardon  Psalm 51:1-2
Response of Gratitude
Minister: O Lord, open my lips.
People: And my mouth will declare your praise.—Psalm 51:15
Minister: Praise the Lord.
People: The Lord’s name be praised.—Psalm 135:1
The Creed  Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 42
Offerings  Proverbs 21:25-26
Service of the Word
Scripture Lessons  Exodus 20:14; Judges 2:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (text)
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.
* Song of Preparation  O Teach Thou Us to Count Our Days (Psa 90) #174:1-3
Sermon: The Eighth Commandment: Doing Honest Work
1. To the Glory of God
2. To Share with Those in Need
3. The Perfect Work of Christ for Us
The Lord’s Supper
Minister: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord. (Psalm 25:1)
Congregational Prayer
Leaving to Serve
* Song of Consecration  We Give Thee, But Thine Own #482:1,2,4,5
* Doxology  All Creatures of Our God and King (stanza 5)
* Benediction  2 Corinthians 13:14
* Amen! Â Three-Fold Amen