Sunday, September 28 - Acknowledge: Spiritual Blessing

Possible call to worship (speak the Scripture, then sing the Scripture):

Psalm 103:1-5, 22 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!"

10,000 Reasons (with Doxology) - Redman, arr. Nicholas (listen here, music attached)

*Note that the YouTube link includes a powerful call to worship that could also be used (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)
*Consider rehearsing the SATB of the chorus so that the choir can support the congregation
*If 10,000 Reasons is unknown to the congregation, invite them to just sing the Doxology in the middle of the song

   Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; worship His holy name. 
  Sing like never before, O my soul; I'll worship Your holy name.

H58 / Praise Thou the Lord (consider multiple verses for worship or opening, and final verse for closing)

    Praise thou the Lord who e'er ruleth and guideth all surely;
    Over life's pathway so dang'rous, He leads thee securely.
    Ever bestows, mercy and help in our woes; I from my heart   thank Him truly.

    
Praise Thou the Lord who hath graciously, wondrously made thee.
    Health has vouch-safed and, when heedless you fell, He hath satyed thee.
    Fainting and weak, when not a word thou could speak, wings of His mercy did shade thee.

Bless the Lord - Brooke Ligertwood (listen here, purchase here) *also works well as a sung call to worship!
    
    Come on and praise the Lord with me. Sing if you love His name.
    Come on and lift your voice with me. He's worthy of all our praise.

    Bless God in the sanctuary, bless God in the fields of plenty.
    Bless God in the darkest valley. Every chance I get I'll bless Your Name.

H56 / Praise Our God with Joyful Singing (opening hymn option)

    God bestows on us His blessing; in His goodness we may trust...

    He gives blessing to our labor and He strengthens us anew...

H312, CH11 / Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

*This hymn could be used at the very beginning of worship, maybe as a piano solo (see options here and here)
*It's also appropriate for response and acceptance, and verse 3 is especially appropriate for repentance
*Consider weaving this hymn throughout the experience

H177 / Count Your Blessings (acceptance option)

H326 / I've Found the Spring of Blessing (communion option)

    ...with Him I know comfort in suff'ring, His blood makes me perfectly whole.

Blessed Be His Name - Jenny Phillips (communion option; listen here, music attached)

    Bring to Him your troubled heart, lay your cares before Him.
    He has suffered every pain, blessed be His name.


    Perfect and unchanging, sinless Son of Man.
    Author of our simple faith, blessed be His name.

    Constant through our darkest hour, stronger than our weakness.
    Bearer of our grief and shame, blessed be His name.

H58 / Praise Thou the Lord (closing option)

    Praise thou the Lord and forget all His benefits never;
    Swell the loud chorus, ye chosen, till like a broad river,
    Upward it streams; soul, O forget not this theme:
    Praise Him, O praise Him forever!