A greeting in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ sets the context for Christian worship.
Grace and peace to you
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 1:7
Worship begins with God’s initiative. God calls the church into being and calls us to worship in this time and place. Words from Scripture are thus spoken or sung to proclaim who God is and what God has done.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Ps. 118:24
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
God is the one who calls us to worship. We come to celebrate together all the good things God has done — especially the gift of life and grace in Jesus Christ. When we remember these things, we give thanks and praise to God.
Directory for Worship
Worship begins as the people gather. One or more of the following actions are appropriate: people may greet one another; people may prepare in silent prayer or meditation; announcements of concern to the congregation may be made; or music may be offered.
The people are called to worship God. Words of Scripture are spoken or sung to proclaim who God is and what God has done.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3301 a-b
Call to Worship: Liturgy, Music, Preaching, and the Arts provides Calls to Worship for each Sunday and festival in the Christian year. To learn more or subscribe, visit Call to Worship.
Find Greetings from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.
Find Opening Sentences from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.