A MIDWEEK SERVICE OF PRAYER AND TESTIMONY

This may be used for an informal midweek prayer service. It reflects a distinctively Wesleyan and North American style of worship.

CALL TO PRAISE AND PRAYER *

Brief invitations to praise and prayer, such as Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth, or other scripture sentences may be offered, such as Psalm 118:24, Isaiah 40:30 –31, Lamentations 3:25 –26, John 4:23 –24, or Romans 6:4 .

HYMN(S) *

Hymns appropriate to the time of day, or to the day or season of the Christian year, or to the nature of the occasion may be used. Use Index of Topics and Categories (UMH) for suggestions. A wide variety of hymns and choruses may be chosen, as the Spirit moves.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *

A brief prayer thanking God for the gift of one another, the occasion, and Jesus Christ. Also see other prayers of thanksgiving.

SCRIPTURE

One or more readings, appropriate to the time of day, or to the day or season of the Christian year, or to the nature of the occasion, may be used.

TESTIMONIES

Testimonies may include personal witness to God's grace or accounts of what God is doing in the lives of others. The pastor may also give a witness to the scripture.

PRAISE AND PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Praise may take the form of hymns, songs, choruses, or spoken exclamations. It may vary from the relative formality of a hymn, to spontaneous calling out requests, and singing and praying as the Spirit moves.

Spontaneous prayers may be offered by the people, or a litany of intercession and petition may be prayed, during which any person may offer a brief prayer of intercession or petition. See also a variety of prayers.

After each prayer, the leader may conclude, Lord, in your mercy, and all may respond: Hear our prayer.

Or prayers for the day, season, or gathering may be offered by individuals, as they are moved, or by a leader.

THE LORD'S PRAYER * Sung or spoken. See UMH 270–71, 894–96.

HYMN(S) *

See Index of Topics and Categories (UMH) for suggestions.

BLESSING *

A brief blessing may be given, such as 1 Timothy 1:17:

To... God be honor and glory forever and ever.

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Copyright: “A Midweek Service of Prayer and Testimony,” Copyright © 1992 UMPH