Refrain
I will choose Christ,
I will choose love,
I choose to serve.
I give my heart, I give my life,
I give my all to you.
Verse 1
How many times
must he call my name
and show to me that he is God?
And as a servant he calls to me,
“You must serve too.”
->Refrain
Verse 2
Christ, my teacher and healer,
teach my heart and heal my soul.
And as I walk this road with you,
teach me to love.
->Refrain
Verse 3
As I look upon your cross,
so too must I die with you.
And with the death of my
own desires,
I’ll rise with you.
->Refrain
Responsorial Psalm | Ps. 122 Let Us Go Rejoicing
R./ Let us go rejoicing, to the house of the Lord
Repeat
I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R./ Let us go rejoicing, to the house of the Lord
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.
R./ Let us go rejoicing, to the house of the Lord
According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
R./ Let us go rejoicing, to the house of the Lord
Repeat
Preparation of the Gifts | Remain in Me, I am the Vine
Refrain
Remain in Me
I am the vine
Remain in Me
you shall have life
You are the branches
bear fruit for all to see
I am the vine, remain in Me
Verse 1 No branch can live without the tree
nor grow or serve apart from Me
This I have told you
that you may see
My love in you, your joy complete
-> Refrain
Verse 2 No longer slaves, I call you friends
I shall be with you to the end
Keep my commandments
I dwell in you
So, now bear witness to the truth
-> Refrain
Verse 3 As I have done so you should do
so as to love as I love you
For in your witness
My love is shown
in simple ways, My heart made known
-> Refrain
Verse 4 As I died, so too shall you die
As I rose, so too shall you rise
Do not be troubled
your eyes have seen
You trust in God, have trust in Me
-> Refrain
Verse 5
I am the way, the truth, the life
I am your living sacrifice
I offer freely
My life for you
Go now and do as I would do
-> Refrain
Communion | Bread of Angels
Bread of angels, we receive You
with us now, abide
Precious Jesus, manna of ages
with us now, reside
Panis angélicus
fit panis hóminum
Dat panis cáelicus
figúris términum
Cup of mercy, overflowing
fill us with your grace
Wine of passion, O Son begotten
we flee to Your embrace
Ores mirábilis
mandúcat Dóminum
Pauper, Pauper, servus
et húmilis
Word incarnate, dwell within us
pierce our hardened hearts
Tender Jesus, Love so gentle
never let us part
Te, trina Déitas
únaque, póscimus
Sic nos tu vísita
sicut te cólimus
Though unworthy, we receive You
Sacrament Divine
Bread of angels, accept our praises
Let Your glory shine
Per tuas sémitas
duc nos quo téndimus
Lucem, Ad lucem
quam inhábitas
Closing | I Send You Out
I baptize you in the name of the Father
I baptize you in the name of the Son
I baptize you with the Holy Spirit
Go out and spread Good News!
I send you out on a mission of love
I send you out on a mission of love
I send you out on a mission of love
And know that I am with you always
Until the end of the world
Until the end of the world
Until the end of the world
For all the things we may have done in our lives, we hope that our God is a merciful one. And indeed, He is! There is nothing that can separate us from Him except for our foolish pride. Only when we humble ourselves do we know and grasp the full extent of His love. And only when we humble ourselves can we attempt to love like Him.
The all-powerful and living God stepped down from His throne to serve the meek and the poor. Jesus befriended the unlovable and the hated, no matter the cost to His reputation or His credibility. He endured every kind of suffering and humiliation on His way to Calvary, just to reconcile us with the Father, even though He deserved none of the punishment. Do we have it in us to do as He did?
Yes, we do. From the moment we were baptized, we were given the gifts of the Holy Spirit–the same Spirit that descended upon the Apostles and made it possible for God’s message of love and forgiveness to spread across the land. Their mission, in essence, has become ours. Are you willing to accept it?
Gathering | All Creatures of Our God and King
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voices, let us sing
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Bright, burning sun with golden beams
Soft silver moon that gently gleams
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All you with mercy in your heart
Forgiving others, take your part
O sing now! Alleluia!
All you that pain and sorrow bear
Praise God, and cast on Him your care
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
[Skip Bridge and fast-forward to 3:19]
Let all things their Creator bless
And worship Him in humbleness
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise God the Father, praise the Son
And praise the Spirit, three in one
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Responsorial Psalm |
R./ I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God
Repeat
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R./ I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R./ I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God
Let them make known your might to the children of Adam,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R./ I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God I will praise Your name forever, my King and my God
Preparation of the Gifts | Love One Another
Love one another as I have loved you
Bear with each other and always be true
Live for each other in unity and strength
Give to each other the gift of God’s grace
For the Lord is your rock, your fortress, your stronghold
It is He who saves you, protects you from death
In your lives, you shall know how good is the Lord
His kindness, His love without end
Love one another as I have loved you
Bear with each other and always be true
Live for each other in unity and strength
Give to each other the gift of God’s grace
O give thanks to the Lord
His goodness is endless
Give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love
May that love dwell within you
Deep in your hearts
May His blessings rain down on your days
Love one another as I have loved you
Bear with each other and always be true
Live for each other in unity and strength
Give to each other the gift of God’s grace
As the sun in the morning rises in glory
as evening draws near, so gently, softly
so the love of our Lord is dancing within you
shining for all to see
Love one another as I have loved you
Bear with each other and always be true
Live for each other in unity and strength
Give to each other the gift of God’s grace
Communion | Heart of Jesus, Hear
Teach our hearts to love like Yours
love of God Most High
Sacred Heart of Jesus
keep us by Your side
Save us all from death and sin
our King crucified
Crowned with thorns and sorrow
You give us new life
Listen to our pray’r
Heart of Jesus, hear
Make us always Yours
And hold us ever near
Wherever we may go
whatever we may do
Sacred Heart of Jesus
we place our trust in You
Grant us grace and all good gifts
heart of Christ, our Lord
Make Your holy presence
our home evermore
Fill us with Your light and life
Guide us in Your ways
Justice, peace, and mercy
Rule us all our days
Listen to our pray’r
Heart of Jesus, hear
Make us always Yours
And hold us ever near
Wherever we may go
whatever we may do
Sacred Heart of Jesus
we place our trust in You
Closing | Can We Love
Can we love?
Can we lay down our lives?
Can we wear His crown of thorns?
Can we drink the cup that He drinks?
We must lay down our lives
It’s more than raising our hands
It’s more than singing this song
It’s saying “yes” to the Giver of life
It’s righting the ways that are wrong
Can we love?
Can we lay down our lives?
Can we wear His crown of thorns?
Can we drink the cup that He drinks?
We must lay down
We must lay down
We must lay down our lives
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing “Holy, holy, holy”
To see You high and lifted up
shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing “Holy, holy, holy”
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing “Holy, holy, holy”
To see You high and lifted up
shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing “Holy, holy, holy”
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see You
Repeat X times
Holy Spirit, Come
Holy Spirit, come
like falling rain upon my face
Holy Spirit, come
like a dove, take me away
Into the Father’s arms___and warm embrace
Holy Spirit, come
Come and have Your way
Come, anoint me
and fill me
and make me whole
Come and touch me
empower me
to do the Father’s will
Holy Spirit, come
like falling rain upon my face
Holy Spirit, come
like a dove, take me away
Into the Father’s arms___and warm embrace
Holy Spirit, come
Come and have Your way
Come, anoint us
and fill us
and make us whole
Come and touch us
empower us
to do the Father’s will
Repeat
My All In All/What A Beautiful Name
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious fool
Lord, to give up, I’d be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again, I bless Your name
When I fall down, You pick me up
When I am dry, You fill my cup
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Repeat then modulate
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Worthy is Your name
Worthy is Your name
[Sing in the Spirit]
Transition to “What A Beautiful Name” Refrain
What a beautiful name it is
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ, my King
What a beautiful name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus
[Decrease in volume]
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus
When we sin, we would like to think nobody is watching. We try to cover it up or push it away, hoping that’s the end of it. But more often than not, sin comes back to rear its ugly head, and we fall into an even deeper hole.
But if we just believe that someone is always there to pick us up (that person happens to be Jesus, by the way!), we don’t have to live in that vicious cycle. Jesus shines truth on our sinfulness, and the shame should be enough to desire something else, something better, something good. He is also extending His hand to you, in faith, because you deserve a second chance.
Believe that His light shines on you, that it has the power to change everything, and that in time, it will reveal something beautiful inside…you are not a beast.
Gathering | Christ, Be Our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Preparation of the Gifts | Christify
Christify the gifts we bring to You,
bounty of the earth receive anew.
Take and bless the work of our hands.
Christify these gifts at Your command.
Sun and moon and earth and wind and rain:
all the world’s contained in every grain.
All the toil and dreams of humankind,
all we are we bring as bread and wine.
Communion | Shine Through Us
Jesus, help us to spread
Your fragrance ev’rywhere we go
Flood our souls with Your Spirit and life
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly
that our lives may only be a radiance of You
Shine through us
and be so in us
that ev’ry soul we meet
may feel Your presence in our soul
Jesus, look up and see
no longer us but only Jesus
Stay with us, then we shall begin to shine
as You shine, so to shine,
as to be a light to others
the light, O Jesus, will be all from You
none from us
Shine through us
and be so in us
that ev’ry soul we meet
may feel Your presence in our soul
may feel Your presence in our soul
Closing | Shine Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of Your love is shining
in the midst of the darkness shining
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us
set us free by the truth You now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light
God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. But He also gave you the free will to decide, on your own, whether or not to reciprocate His love. We do this by following the example of His Son, Jesus. Everything Jesus did was good and pleasing to God. And because God is good all the time, everything that is good comes from Him. And because everything good comes from God, His will is for us to choose Him above everything else. This is why when Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray to the Father, Jesus replied, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…” God already knows what’s best for us, but it is our responsibility to discern that. We must pray that we are able to resist the temptation to sin, which separates us from God. By making the right choice does our will become the Father’s. And it is by the Father’s will that we are saved.
Gathering | Let All the Earth Cry Out
Let all the earth cry out
(Let all the earth cry out)
Let all the earth cry out
(Let all the earth cry out)
Cry out to God
(Cry out to God)
to God with joy!
(to God with joy!)
Repeat
Preparation of the Gifts | Take and Receive
Take and receive, O Lord
my liberty
Take all my will, my mind, my memory
All things I hold
and all I own are Thine
Thine was the gift to thee
I all resign
Refrain
Do Thou direct___and govern all and sway
Do what Thou wilt___command
and I obey
Only Thy grace
Thy love on me bestow
These make me rich
All else will I forego
Communion | I Am the Bread of Life
I am the bread of Life
I am the hope in night
I am the door wide open
I am the shepherd’s might
I am the truth and light
I am the way and life
I am who am and I am for you
Come and follow me
I am bread for the world
hope for the hopeless
Come to me, and know that I’ll always be there
with my arms open wide
I am who am and I am for you
Come and follow me
I am the bread of Life
I am the hope in night
I am the door wide open
I am the shepherd’s might
I am the truth and light
I am the way and life
I am who am and I am for you
Come and follow me
I give my heart to those in sorrow
I come to those who are in need
hope for today and for tomorrow
light for all who want to see
I am the bread of Life
I am the hope in night
I am the door wide open
I am the shepherd’s might
I am the truth and light
I am the way and life
I am who am and I am for you
Come and follow me
Closing | Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hearts to heav’n and voices raise
Sing to God a hymn of gladness
Sing to God a hymn of praise
He who on the cross as Savior
For the world’s salvation bled
Jesus Christ, the King of Glory
Now is risen from the dead
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glory be to god on high
Alelluia to the Savior
Who has won the victory
Alelluia to the Spirit
Font of love and sanctity
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To the Triune Majesty
Has someone ever hurt you and it took a while for them to gain your trust again? Or maybe that relationship remained forever broken? We are truly blessed that the Lord doesn’t begrudge us our sins. But He DOES seek a true conversion of our hearts.
On the eve of Christ’s death, Peter denied knowing Him. Not once. Not twice. But three times! (Do you ever turn away from doing the right thing and take the easy way out? Do you ever just stand by and let injustices happen, especially to innocent people? Would you ever abandon a friend in their time of need?) This man was supposed to His “rock,” the foundation on which Jesus would build His church. How would that church survive if it the person leading it was so wishy-washy, so frail of heart, so lacking of courage?
God, in all His wisdom, knew we needed someone to look to for inspiration and hope. He doesn’t want us to despair from all our failures, even the ones that seem to happen time and time again. He knows our limitations and out of His goodness, gives us enough grace to recognize when we are wrong.
But we can tell God, until we are blue in the face, that we are going to change. We can tell ourselves that today is a new day or that we won’t fall back into our old habits. The truth is we’re not going to be perfect. But we can be better. And how do we do just that? We “feed His lambs and tend His sheep.”
Jesus gave us a mission to carry on the work that He started. He calls on us to change the world. We are to be His eyes, His ears, His hands, and His heart. How blessed are we to know Him and how He has changed our lives for good. Wouldn’t you want others to feel that same feeling? Are you selfless (or brave) enough to share Him with others??
Gathering | Sweet Redeemer
King of Kings
blessed Jesus
hand of mercy
giver of grace
I have come
to sing glory
to lay my heart
before You in this place
Refrain
Sweet redeemer
I surrender
all I am to You
Repeat refrain
I was lost
and You found me
in the darkness
You were my light
When I fell down
You forgave me
lifted me up
and held me to Your side
Refrain
Sweet redeemer
I surrender
all I am to You
Repeat refrain X times
Responsorial Psalm | Ps. 30 I Will Praise You, Lord
R./ I will praise you, Lord I will praise you, Lord for You have rescued me
Repeat
I will extol you, Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me You brought me up from the netherworld You preserved me from among those going down into the pit
R./ I will praise you, Lord I will praise you, Lord for You have rescued me
Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones and give thanks to His holy name, His holy name For His anger lasts but a moment a lifetime, His good will At nightfall, weeping enters in but with the dawn rejoicing
R./ I will praise you, Lord I will praise you, Lord for You have rescued me
Repeat
Preparation of the Gifts | Open My Eyes
Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see Your face
Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see
Open my ears, Lord
Help me to hear Your voice
Open my ears, Lord
Help me to hear
And the first shall be last
and our eyes are opened
and we’ll hear like never before
And we’ll speak in new ways
and we’ll see God’s face
in places we’ve never known
Open my heart, Lord
Help me to love like You
Open my heart, Lord
Help me to love
Communion | Worthy Is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive honor and glory
Worthy are the ones who believe
to receive the goodness of God
Worthy are You, O Paschal Lamb
Wisdom and strength___belong now to You
You laid down Your life
And died upon the cross
We’ve become___a people of hope
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive honor and glory
Worthy are the ones who believe
to receive the goodness of God
Worthy are You, O Bread of Life
Salvation and joy___belong now to us
By conquering death___and rising to new life
We’ve become___a people of praise
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive honor and glory
Worthy are the ones who believe
to receive the goodness of God
Worthy are You, O Risen Christ
Wonders and signs, revealing Your might
Your power and glo___ry shine upon our lives
we’ve become___Your light for the world
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive honor and glory
Worthy are the ones who believe
to receive the goodness of God
Closing | Rock of Faith
[Verse 1]
Do you know where you stand
Do you know where your heart is
Are you Christ’s feet and hands
Or are you a part of the opposition
[Hook 1]
Open your heart
Let Jesus in
Open your soul
Let the freedom begin
[Chorus]
I’m livin’ on the rock of faith
I’m livin’ on the rock of healing
I’m doing everything I can
I’m doing everything I can
With every little act of love
I know I won’t deny You Lord
You’ll know where I stand
I’ll be standing on the rock of faith
[Bridge]
Faith can move a mountain of doubt
Love breaks through
And turns your life around
You can feel it
When the Spirit is flowing
You reveal it
God’s love will be showing
When you heed His word
And follow in His way
[Chorus]
I’m livin’ on the rock of faith
I’m livin’ on the rock of healing
I’m doing everything I can
I’m doing everything I can
With every little act of love
I know I won’t deny You Lord
You’ll know where I stand
I’ll be standing on the rock of faith
You’ll know where I stand
I’ll be standing on the rock of faith
He is risen, He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen, He is risen
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord
He is risen, He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen, He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord
Breathe
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence___living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very Word___spoken to me
Repeat all
And I___I’m desp’rate for You
And I___I’m lost without You
And I___I’m desp’rate for You
And I___I’m lost without You
And I___I’m desp’rate for You
And I___I’m lost without You
I’m lost without You
I’m lost without You
Repeat X times
This is the air I breathe
This is the air___I breathe
Your Presence Is Heaven to Me
Who is like You, Lord, in all the earth
Matchless love, beauty, endless worth
Nothing in this world will satisfy
Jesus, You’re the cup that won’t dry
Your presence is Heaven to me
Your presence is Heaven to me
Treasure of my heart and of my soul
In my weakness You are merciful
Redeemer of my past and present wrongs
You’re the holder of my future days to come
Your presence is Heaven to me
Your presence is Heaven to me
Your presence is Heaven to me
Your presence is Heaven to me
We’re singing
Oh, Jesus, Oh, Jesus
Your presence is Heaven to me
Oh, Jesus, Oh, Jesus
Your presence is Heaven to me
Repeat X times with praising
So all my days on earth I will await
the moment that I see You face to face
Nothing in this world will satisfy
Jesus, You’re the cup that won’t run dry
And nothing in this world will satisfy
Jesus, You’re the cup that won’t run dry
God’s love is forever and unchanging, and it is our choice whether or not to accept it. We show our love for Him by treating others with dignity and respect (“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”), by spreading good will (“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”), by choosing to do what is right even when it may be difficult (“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”), and by trusting in His plan for our lives (“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”).
However, it is inevitable that we will fall time and time again. Still, God is patient with us. And because He is love, he does not keep track of all our offenses. His love remains…endures…believing the best of us is yet to come. Who would bet against Him…?
Gathering | Save Your People
Save Your people, O Lord
Show us the way to come home
We have been wandering
far from Your love
Save Your people, O Lord
Save Your people, O Lord
Preparation of the Gifts | I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I heard the voice of Jesus say
“I am this dark world’s light;
Look unto Me, your morn shall rise
and all your day be bright”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in Him my star, my sun
And in that light of life, I’ll walk
’til traveling days are done
I will rest,
I will rest in,
I will rest in You
Communion | You Stand Knocking
You spoke my name
and took my hand
and called me friend
Such faithful love
so undeserved
a heart transformed
Though I wandered and have strayed
still Your mercy reigns
You were broken___for me
arms wide open on a tree
You stand knocking at the door
off’ring all I’m hoping for
To those in dark
the Lord cries out
“Come and be saved”
A long the way
we shall find rest
the Lord is good
For God comforts well His own
We are His alone
You were broken___for me
arms wide open on a tree
You stand knocking at the door
off’ring all I’m hoping for
You were broken___for me
arms wide open on a tree
You stand knocking at the door
off’ring all I’m hoping for
Closing | Hallelujah Is Our Song
What hope we have
even in the longest night
for the light will overcome
We will not fear
for we know the sun will rise
Hallelujah is our song
What peace we have
even in this wounded world
where the battle rages on
We will not fear
for we know who heals our souls
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He is risen over all
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah is our song
What are your conversations with God like? Are they a laundry list of things you wish you had? Do you ever complain of the life you were born into or the situations you find yourself in? Do you pray for a savior from all your troubles and worries? Do you ever wonder if He cares or is even listening…or worse, wonder if He even exists?? Chances are, then, that you have a lot in common with the disciples who encountered Jesus on their way to Emmaus.
They were so consumed with themselves that they couldn’t see Jesus standing there right in front of them. They were so scared of what life would be like without Him that they forgot He would live forever in their hearts and minds. They were so busy searching for answers to questions they had that they failed to realize He had already answered them.
Sometimes, a kind word from a stranger can pick us up and give us hope that things will turn around. Or maybe, all it takes is a simple change in perspective to see God’s grace already manifested in our lives.
So, what if the trials that we face in this life are simply God’s mercies in disguise? What if to see the sunshine, we must first walk through a couple of storms? What if we have to experience betrayal and hurt and pain and suffering to know how amazing God’s love and mercy could be? What if we had to witness the destructiveness of evil in order to be capable of overcoming it with good?
We have to remember that God has our best interests at heart and that He would never give us more than we couldn’t handle on our own. And besides, this life is just temporary, and there will come a day when God calls us home to be with Him.
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’
or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
After all, Jesus’ death on the cross opened the gates of Heaven and made a reunion with our Creator possible again.
Gathering | This Is the Day
This is the day the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad___in it
Preparation of the Gifts | Open My Eyes
Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see Your face
Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see
Open my ears, Lord
Help me to hear Your voice
Open my ears, Lord
Help me to hear
Open my heart, Lord
Help me to love like You
Open my heart, Lord
Help me to love
Communion | Purify My Heart (Refiner’s Fire)
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
pure gold
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
is to be___holy
set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be___holy
set apart for You, my Master
ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
and make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
deep within
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
is to be___holy
set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be___holy
set apart for You, my Master
ready to do Your will
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
is to be___holy
set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be___holy
set apart for You, my Master
ready to do Your will
ready to do Your will
Closing | Jesus Reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Forever and ever
Forever and ever, Amen
Awakened to the light
darkness has been conquered
Eternal life
we now know the way
No fear and strife
Ev’rything is different
Jesus has been raised
We can never be the same
our eyes are open
We must proclaim
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Forever and ever
Forever and ever, Amen
How must it have felt to be one of Jesus’ followers just days after His death? The man they lived with, ate with, and prayed with had just been brutally tortured and killed for all to see. He was their brother, their teacher, their friend. He was supposed to be their Messiah. How easily did fear and doubt creep in to cloud their memories of the miracles He performed and the wonders they had seen? If He was God, how could He have let this happen?
Does this sound familiar? How many times does God have to manifest in blessings for us to truly believe? How many times do we forget His saving power and love in the midst of tragedy and/or hardship? Why is it much easier to point fingers or wallow in our misery or lose our minds thinking of what-ifs than it is to believe that God could ever care for us or help us?
Don’t worry. God knows all this. He knows you and me. He knows how skeptical we are. And this is WHY the Resurrection took place. It isn’t easy to believe that God would send His only Begotten Son to earth just to be mocked and ridiculed and ultimately murdered…because God’s plan didn’t end there. It isn’t easy to believe in a risen Lord if Jesus’ disciples hadn’t found the stone rolled to the side and the tomb empty. It isn’t easy to understand Jesus’ pain and suffering on the cross without Jesus first allowing Thomas to feel the holes in His hands, feet, and side. We would never know God today had the disciples not been convinced of His story to tell it.
“For God so loved the world that He sent His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall never die…” We are blessed to know this familiar passage from scripture because of the brave men and women who ensured its survival over time. Oftentimes, though, we forget its truth and the comfort it brings. Repeat these words to yourself whenever you feel lost or troubled. Hold on to them. Keep them close to your heart. And when a new day rises, bringing you out of the darkness, remember that God’s plan doesn’t end there. “Go into the whole world and [tell the Good News].”
Gathering | Sweet Redeemer
King of Kings
blessed Jesus
hand of mercy
giver of grace
I have come
to sing glory
to lay my heart
before You in this place
Refrain
Sweet redeemer
I surrender
all I am to You
Repeat refrain
I was lost
and You found me
in the darkness
You were my light
When I fell down
You forgave me
lifted me up
and held me to Your side
Refrain
Sweet redeemer
I surrender
all I am to You
R./ This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad___in it
Repeat
I will give thanks to the Lord
for He is good to me
and the love of the Lord endures forever
R./ This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad___in it
He is my strength and my song
for He has rescued me
and the love of the Lord is my salvation
R./ This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad___in it
This is the day of the Lord
Let all creation sing
for the love of the Lord will never fail us
R./ This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad___in it
Preparation of the Gifts | We Bring Our Gifts to the Altar
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord God of hosts
We lay them at the foot of Your throne
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord God of hosts
We offer them to praise You alone
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord
We bring our hearts to Your altar, O Lord God of hosts
Unite them with the heart of Your Son
For He offered His life as a ransom for sin
By His death the victory is won
We bring our hearts to Your altar, O Lord
Prepare our hearts to receive You, O Lord God of hosts
Cleanse us and wash away our sins
We sing Your praise with the angels and saints at Your throne
For this is where Heaven enters in
Prepare our hearts to receive You, O Lord
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord God of hosts
May our sacrifice be pleasing in Your sight
Fruit of the earth and work of human hands
Which will become for us the Bread of Life
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord
We bring our gifts to Your altar, O Lord
Communion | Do This In Memory of Me
I am the bread of life
all who believe in Me will have eternal life
I am the bread of life
come down from Heaven so that all who eat this bread
will never die
Take the living bread of life
take the cup of sacrifice
do this in memory of me
Take the body and the blood
given freely out of love
do this in memory of me
do this in memory of me
I am the bread of life
whoever comes to Me will not hunger again
I am the bread of life
no one can come to Me unless the Father draws them
near to Him
Take the living bread of life
take the cup of sacrifice
do this in memory of me
Take the body and the blood
given freely out of love
do this in memory of me
do this in memory of me
Amen I say unless you eat the Son of Man and His blood drink
You will not have My life within nor will you be raised up again
Amen I say unless you eat the Son of Man and His blood drink
I cannot raise you up again
Take the living bread of life
take the cup of sacrifice
do this in memory of me
Take the body and the blood
given freely out of love
do this in memory of me
do this in memory of me
do this in memory of me
do this in memory of me
Reflection | Hallelujah Is Our Song
What hope we have
even in the longest night
for the light will overcome
We will not fear
for we know the sun will rise
Hallelujah is our song
What peace we have
even in this wounded world
where the battle rages on
We will not fear
for we know who heals our souls
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He is risen over all
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah is our song
What joy we have
for the stone is rolled away
and the tomb holds nothing now
No sting of death
no power over sin or grave
Hallelujah is our song
What hope we have,
even in the longest night
for the light will overcome
And we shall live
sinners, we will rise to saints
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He is risen over all
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He is risen over all
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah is our song
Hallelujah is our song
Closing | Jesus Reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Forever and ever
Forever and ever, Amen
Repeat
Awakened to the light
darkness has been conquered
Eternal life
we now know the way
No fear and strife
Ev’rything is different
Jesus has been raised
We can never be the same
our eyes are open
We must proclaim
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Jesus reigns
Forever and ever
Forever and ever, Amen
MusixFinest Liturgies 