As the Waters Cover the Sea

Dear Saints, what a blessing it is to be gathered here in the midst of the congregation of God’s people, in the holy of holies, into heaven itself, here at the Table of God’s presence. Here at this Table, the Lord is presented to us, the glory of the body and blood of Jesus, the One who gave Himself for His love for the world.

         At that time, we were far away from the Covenant people, without hope and without God but God sent His Son to die for His people and to gather the people from the four corners of the Earth.

         The Word of the Lord has gone out. The heralds have announced the reign of the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The knowledge of the Lord has become as the waters that cover the sea. Glory be to God in the highest. Amen.

Communion Prayer

Our Father, Your mercies are new every morning. We thank You for Your kindness that allows us to start each new day fresh in Your abundant grace. Furthermore, we have this blessed sacrament, where Your mercy and love in Jesus Christ is presented to us and bestowed upon us every week. We thank You that Your grace is always greater than our sin so that we can dine with You in bold rejoicing, through Christ, our Savior. Amen. 

Thanksgiving

O Lord God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, from You alone is our increase. We thank You for filling our storehouses to overflowing and marking us for an abundance of blessing. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Establish us in Christ, O Lord, and pour forth Your Spirit upon us that we might be able to help others with the help that You have bestowed upon us. Amen.

Confession

Our Father, against You only have we sinned. We confess that without Your lovingkindness towards us we would be Your enemies. We ask Your forgiveness for our sins and we thank You for Your abundant grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Keep Silence Before Him

In Habakkuk we are told that The Lord is in His Holy Temple and that we should keep silence before Him. This is said after the prophet lists a host of sins committed against God. They include drunkenness, stealing, bloody violence, fornication, adultery, and idolatry.

         It is clear that the contrast is between man’s unholiness and God’s holiness. We should see this contrast and it should shut our mouths, at least long enough to confess our sins and seek His favor.

         When we have done this, Jesus cleanses us from all sin and we can stand before the holy Lord having been made holy ourselves by the blood of Jesus. The Bible is clear, it says, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which, no man shall see the Lord. Therefore, let us confess and repent of our sins so that we can see Jesus.      

Prayer of Praise

Based on Nahum 1:2-7

O, Lord our God, You are jealous of Your name and of Your people. Your vengeance on Your enemies is furious. You are slow to anger and great in power and will not at all acquit the wicked. You have Your way in the whirlwind and in the storm. The clouds are the dust of Your feet. You rebuke the sea and make it dry and dry up all the rivers. Even the mighty state of California languishes in drought as You withhold the rain. Who can stand before Your indignation? Who can abide in the fierceness of Your anger? Your fury is poured out like fire. Turn the people from their wicked ways. You are good, Lord, a stronghold in the day of trouble. You know them that trust in You. We are Your people and praise Your name. Deliver us good Lord. Amen.