August 5, 2018
It’s the 11th week of Christ in the Psalms, our annual summer series. This week we’ll be in Psalm 88.
For a few years now, one of the ways we study and enjoy the psalms is by having different artists do a piece each week for the respective psalm we’re in. Our artwork for Psalm 88 is a collage by Jeremy Grant. Learn more about Jeremy’s piece and all the preceding Christ In The Psalms artworks right here.
Here’s how you can prepare for this week’s service:
1. Read through our text, Psalm 88.
In Psalm 88, the author writes from a place of intense darkness, holding back no emotion from God and the human hearers of his song. His final line reads, “darkness is my only friend.” Jesus entered into our darkness that we might have hope in Him. Though darkness can last a long time, it shows us God’s grace and can teach us to have an indomitable spirit. Our Savior, no stranger to darkness Himself, meets us there.
2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 121:1–2, Welcome (From Immanuel Nashville):
To all who are weary and need rest,
To all who mourn and long for comfort,
To all who feel worthless and wonder if God cares,
To all who fail and desire strength,
To all who sin and need a Savior,
This church opens wide her doors
with a welcome from Jesus Christ,
the Ally of His enemies, the Defender of the guilty,
the Justifier of the inexcusable, the Friend of sinners.
Welcome!
God Is Able (Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, arr. Shane and Shane)
King Of My Heart (John Mark McMillan, Sarah McMillan)
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Stuart Townend)
CONFESSION OF SIN: From Every Season Prayers by Scotty Smith:
Dear Heavenly Father, we love You because You first loved us and gave Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. We humble ourselves before You today because of Your promise to complete Your work in our lives. We praise You for Your loving welcome, daily mercies, and sufficient grace.
Forgive us for treasuring the pleasures of the world more than
the riches of grace.
Forgive us for dwelling too much on our fears and too little on
Your beauty.
Forgive us for rehearsing the failings of others more than the
truths of the Gospel.
Forgive us for being quick to whine and slow to worship.
We offer our confession in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen.
Oh God (Zach Bolen)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Romans 8:1–4
GREETING, SERMON, & COMMUNION
RESPONSE: Song & Prayer
Come Ye Sinners (Joseph Hart, arr. Robbie Seay)
Jesus Paid It All (Elvina Hall, Kristen Stanfill)