Sunday, March 22, 2020 - when we are unsure of our world
Discovering Our Identity in God
Doubting Thomas: when we are unsure of our world
Order of Worship
Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 22, 2020
Theme: Discovering Our Identity in God - Doubting Thomas: when we are unsure of our world
Prayer
God of us all, settle us this day with your presence. As we hear the words of scripture may our hearts and minds be opened to your way of living. May we hear wisdom for how we can navigate our day to day that speaks of your loving care. Amen.
John 14:1-7 Common English Bible Translation
Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. You know the way to the place I’m going.” Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” (Questions: Have you ever felt confused by the world around you? How did you make sense of what was happening?)
John 20:24-25 Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” (Question: How do you discern what is real or not?)
John 20:26-28 After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (Question: Who do you look to for reassurance during uncertain times?)
John 20:29-30 Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. (Question: What words do you hold to when you experience uncertainty?)
“Rejoice, for Things”
Rejoice, for things are as they are;
don’t flee as clouds that flow and drift
on wings of wind that shift and change;
God’s love will comfort, calm and lift.
For God is your celestial shield,
no cosmic power, nor human scheme
will separate you from that love
no matter how your terrors teem.
Your going out, your coming in
are safe, whatever, come what may.
You know the reason to rejoice
so sing God’s praise by night, by day.
-Andrew Pratt
A litany to meditate upon from Isaiah 41:10
Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Blessing
Go in peace, knowing that no matter how uncertain our world becomes God is still with us. No matter how fearful and anxious the world feels that God’s love is still with us. No matter the challenges we face, God is giving us the courage to continue moving forward. Blessings of God be with each of us during this time. Amen.
Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Be Thou My Vision
Burn the Ships – for King & Country
Inevitable – Lauren Daigle
Hard Day Coming Down – The Record Company