Thanksgiving

Yesterday, the youth group I work with held a Thanksgiving breakfast and worship service at church. Everyone was able to participate and I think it went over well. Hopefully, this can be continued. Here's a sample of the liturgy..

LITURGY OF THANKSGIVING

Reflection: "...to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son—it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is."

- C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”

Prelude

Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 136:1-9

LEADER: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: Give thanks to the God of gods.
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: To him who alone does great wonders,
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: Who by his understanding made the heavens,
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: Who spread out the earth upon the waters,
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: Who made the great lights—
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: The sun to govern the day,
PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

LEADER: The moon and stars to govern the night;

PEOPLE: His love endures forever.

Prayer of Invocation

† Hymn of Praise #38

I Will Call Upon the Lord

† Hymn of Adoration #8

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (1^st and 4^th verses)

Corporate Profession of Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants do give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your infinite love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving

† Hymn of Praise #64

All Creatures of Our God and King (1^st and 5^th verses)

† Hymn of Preparation #2

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Thanksgiving Homily Bobby G. Griffith Jr.

Psalm 136

“His Love Endures Forever”

Give Thanks
I. For his Providence
The great God, Yahweh!
Creator
As Creator of all, He is King of all!
II. For His Protection
The story of Israel’s redemption
Our story too.
III. For His Provision

Accommodating Himself.
Victories!
Inheritance we did not earn!
Our needs are met because of God
IV. For His Promise
Covenant Faithfulness

How does this Psalm shape our hearts?

The God of heaven and earth, the great Creator, Redeemer, has promised to be our God!
He has provided us salvation.
He has provided us deliverance!
He has pledged himself to us!
How can we not be thankful?

† Closing Chorus #623

Gloria Patri

† Benediction Amos 9:6/1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May he who builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land, grant you an awareness of His love that you may be always joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God for you. Amen.

Postlude