Crossing Borders
Below are: 1) a Call to Worship, and 2) an Opening Prayer that were written for a service with a sermon titled, “CROSSING BORDERS.” Scripture for this service was Acts 16:9-11 (vision of a man from Macedonia) with sermon based on Acts 16:11-15 (Lydia of Thyatira). For sermon audio, click HERE.
Paul and Lydia were border-crossers indeed!!
CENTERING WORD: (Acts 16:9-11)
One: The Holy Spirit was alive and blowing Paul across borders for the sake of the Gospel.
MANY: Sometimes we resist the Spirit. Often, we prefer what’s safe. Usually, border crossings cause anxiety.
One: One night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
MANY: Visions? Strangers in strange lands? Risking everything for the unknown? I don’t think so!
One: When Paul had seen the vision, he crossed with his companions over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called them to proclaim the good news to them.
MANY: Sweet Spirit, through Word and prayer, music and silence, awaken us to our need to be border crossers. AMEN.
OPENING PRAYER (in unison) – Boundaries. Borders. Everyone in their “right places.” God, we worship you today with thanksgiving for the ways that you routinely question boundaries, cross borders, and liberate people from their “right places.” Amen.
© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2017
