Calls To Worship
Shepherd
Adapted from Psalm 23
Leader: The Lord is our shepherd.
People: All our needs will be met. God provides a place and time for deep rest and restoration. God leads us beside still waters; restores our souls and leads us in right paths. We do not need to be afraid; for God is with us; now and forever.
Leader: Such faith calls for some singing!
Adapted from Psalm 23
Leader: God, You are my shepherd, I shall not want.
People: You make me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside still waters; You restore my soul. You lead me in right paths for Your name’s sake.
Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
People: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Leader: Let us worship the Lord.
(Ps 23:1-3, 5-6 (ESV, pronouns changed for liturgical use), Ps 23:4 (NIV))
Inspired by Psalm 23
Leader: Let us worship the God who satisfies our every need, the Good Shepherd who guides us to abundance and refreshment. Let us praise the God who specializes in the restoration of the soul, who navigates our perfect path, and is present with us in times of trouble. He is our Blessing and our Protector. God surrounds and nourishes us in the midst of the assailing forces that seek our destruction. Let us give thanks to our relentless God, the Hound of Heaven who pursues us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Amen.
Scott Bullock
Adapted from Jeremiah 31:7-13
Leader: Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations.
People: Make your praises heard, and say, ‘Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
Leader: See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.
People: They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble,
Leader: “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
People: For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
Leader: They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord.They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
People: Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Adapted from Ezekiel 34:11-16
Leader: This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.”
People: As shepherds look after their scattered flocks when they are with them,
So will the Lord look after God’s sheep.
Leader: “I will tend them in good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land.”
People: God will be the one to tend God’s sheep and to search for the lost.
God will bring back the strays and strengthen the weak.
All: Let us worship God!
Submitted by Chip Hardwick
Psalm 23, The Message translation
Leader: God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
People: You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
Leader: True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
People: Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
Leader: You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
People: Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.