Holy God,
We praise your name! We exalt you because you are infinite in holy perfection. Moreover, you are holy in that you transcend this creation and far surpass all that has been made by the power of your word. Even the angels in their burning light must fall down and cover their faces when in your presence.
As we come into your presence we do wish to rejoice that you have made us fit for your presence. We thank you that through the blood of your Son we have been justified. We give you praise for the outpouring of your Spirit, who has washed us and sanctified us so that we can stand before you and worship you today as the angels in heaven.
Moreover we thank you that we might be ones whom you have called to be holy. We do ask that you would come to us during this time of worship and stir our hearts up to that end. We pray that we might leave here with faces burning like Moses. We pray that our hearts might be set aflame with holy desires. We pray that in this time, as we are exposed to your majestic splendor, sin might be burnt like chaff and purged from our souls forever more.
Monday, September 22, 2008
We Can Do Nothing
Dearest Lord,
You are the God who dwells in heaven, and we are the people who have erred and gone astray. Your law declares your holiness. It convicts us of our evil and condemns us for it. Yet we come to you, poor sinners that we are, and seek your pardon.
We can by no means cover our guilt or make up for our offenses. No amount of offerings can take away your anger and no amount of charity could outweigh our evil. Even if we were to have the power to cease from our iniquity at this very hour, we know that we would still owe a debt beyond our ability to repay.
So as we come to you all we can do is throw ourselves upon your mercy, and look to the blood of your Son, our Savior. IN him we find one who is sufficient to pay our debt. In him we find our only hope of heaven and means of salvation.
So we pray that you would pardon our iniquity and fill us with a holy fear of you. Let us be ever thankful for your grace and sanctified by it. Let your spirit dwell within us continually and let him have his purifying work.
You are the God who dwells in heaven, and we are the people who have erred and gone astray. Your law declares your holiness. It convicts us of our evil and condemns us for it. Yet we come to you, poor sinners that we are, and seek your pardon.
We can by no means cover our guilt or make up for our offenses. No amount of offerings can take away your anger and no amount of charity could outweigh our evil. Even if we were to have the power to cease from our iniquity at this very hour, we know that we would still owe a debt beyond our ability to repay.
So as we come to you all we can do is throw ourselves upon your mercy, and look to the blood of your Son, our Savior. IN him we find one who is sufficient to pay our debt. In him we find our only hope of heaven and means of salvation.
So we pray that you would pardon our iniquity and fill us with a holy fear of you. Let us be ever thankful for your grace and sanctified by it. Let your spirit dwell within us continually and let him have his purifying work.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Almighty God,
You are the king and head of the church. You indeed have secured for us life forevermore. In you we have a mighty fortress. Through you we have a great inheritance. With you we have all confidence—be it against foe, fiend, and death alike.
Therefore we unite together to sing forth your praise. We come to you, our great God—three in one--to pledge our allegiance to you again, to renew our vows, to forsake our sins, to find grace and pardon, direction and teaching.
We pray that your glory would be sounded forth. We pray that the earth beneath us might be shaken and your presence known among us. We pray that your will would be revealed to us and your worship would be kept from all corruption.
Above all we pray that we would worship you both inwardly and outwardly. We pray that our worship would not be formalized or external only. We pray that our hearts would be renewed, our minds transformed. We pray that our souls would be dedicated to you, presented as a pleasing offering. For this is the one to whom you will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at your word. Bless to us this spirit, that you might be blessed above all things.
You are the king and head of the church. You indeed have secured for us life forevermore. In you we have a mighty fortress. Through you we have a great inheritance. With you we have all confidence—be it against foe, fiend, and death alike.
Therefore we unite together to sing forth your praise. We come to you, our great God—three in one--to pledge our allegiance to you again, to renew our vows, to forsake our sins, to find grace and pardon, direction and teaching.
We pray that your glory would be sounded forth. We pray that the earth beneath us might be shaken and your presence known among us. We pray that your will would be revealed to us and your worship would be kept from all corruption.
Above all we pray that we would worship you both inwardly and outwardly. We pray that our worship would not be formalized or external only. We pray that our hearts would be renewed, our minds transformed. We pray that our souls would be dedicated to you, presented as a pleasing offering. For this is the one to whom you will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at your word. Bless to us this spirit, that you might be blessed above all things.
Most Merciful and Saving God,
We come to you as the one who delivers sinners from their affliction, the one who saves those who are caught in the mire of sin. We know you to be a compassionate God, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. But we also know that you are most just and terrible in your judgments. You hate all sin and you will by no means clear the guilty.
Were we without hope of forgiveness we would be in great despair. But we know that your dear Son did bleed and die upon the cross. His flesh was torn and his body was crushed on behalf of sinners like us. And we do fly now to you with the hope of receiving salvation through his life, death and resurection. We do pray that you would accept his sufferings on our behalf and hold not against us the penalty of our sins.
We pray that you might raise us up with Christ that we might walk in the newness of life. Restore to us a heart of flesh and lead us in the way everlasting. And let not the death of Christ be in vain. But let all the merits that he did accrue in this perfect life be credited to our account. For this we ask in Jesus’ name.
We come to you as the one who delivers sinners from their affliction, the one who saves those who are caught in the mire of sin. We know you to be a compassionate God, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. But we also know that you are most just and terrible in your judgments. You hate all sin and you will by no means clear the guilty.
Were we without hope of forgiveness we would be in great despair. But we know that your dear Son did bleed and die upon the cross. His flesh was torn and his body was crushed on behalf of sinners like us. And we do fly now to you with the hope of receiving salvation through his life, death and resurection. We do pray that you would accept his sufferings on our behalf and hold not against us the penalty of our sins.
We pray that you might raise us up with Christ that we might walk in the newness of life. Restore to us a heart of flesh and lead us in the way everlasting. And let not the death of Christ be in vain. But let all the merits that he did accrue in this perfect life be credited to our account. For this we ask in Jesus’ name.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Gladness in Your Presence
Almighty God,
We enter your gates this morning with thanksgiving; we come into your courts with praise. For you are good and your steadfast love endures for ever. Your faithfulness persists to all generations.
You, O Lord, are God, you have made us. You tend to our needs as a shepherd tends to his sheep. You hear our cries. You wipe away our tears. You protect us from our enemies and fill us with goodness. You make us to dwell in board places. Therefore we come into your presence this morning with singing. In gladness we offer our service of worship to you.
And we ask O God that you would come down to us. May a pathway be opened into our hearts, and may your Spirit abide there forever. Even this day we pray that you would make us to ponder our ways. May we come to understand and the way that is blameless. We desire that our minds might be transformed and begin to align more fully with Christ our Lord.
Above all let us witness your majesty and be awed by your radiance. Give us a glimpse of your glory and let us leave this place changed by the experience of your divinity.
We enter your gates this morning with thanksgiving; we come into your courts with praise. For you are good and your steadfast love endures for ever. Your faithfulness persists to all generations.
You, O Lord, are God, you have made us. You tend to our needs as a shepherd tends to his sheep. You hear our cries. You wipe away our tears. You protect us from our enemies and fill us with goodness. You make us to dwell in board places. Therefore we come into your presence this morning with singing. In gladness we offer our service of worship to you.
And we ask O God that you would come down to us. May a pathway be opened into our hearts, and may your Spirit abide there forever. Even this day we pray that you would make us to ponder our ways. May we come to understand and the way that is blameless. We desire that our minds might be transformed and begin to align more fully with Christ our Lord.
Above all let us witness your majesty and be awed by your radiance. Give us a glimpse of your glory and let us leave this place changed by the experience of your divinity.
With Thee There is Forgiveness
Gracious and Compassionate God,
You know how we have struggled with our sins this week. We come here today having lost many battles. We struggled and we strained, but we have failed to be victorious over sin and temptation.
By your grace we have made some ground. As a baby makes headway in learning to crawl, so too we have come some distance. But you know how small our progress has been. The devil has attacked us again and again. Our flesh has burned with passion, and the world has lured us away from the way of righteousness.
This is why we come to you this morning. We know that you will complete the work of grace that you have begun in us. You do nothing halfway. We expect that on the day of Christ’s return we shall experience the fullness of our salvation. But until that time we need your forgiveness and grace to sustain us day by day.
And we have the confidence that there is forgiveness with you, even for the chief of sinners. You forgave the sin of Adam. You covered the sins of our forefathers: Abraham, Issac, Jacob and David. You did not turn your back on the Israelites when they sought after other gods. You forgave them when they cried out to you and you exalted yourself as the God of compassion.
So too we look to you for the same covenant faithfulness. Forgive us of our lawless deeds and let the blood of our dear Savior purge them away. We ask that your Spirit would burn away our transgressions and that new life and obedience would appear in their place. Give us courage to perform your will, give us power to stand up against the siege of Satan, and let our footsteps be lead far from the realm of evil. Protect us and save us by your righteous, omnipotent arm, for we are weak and pitiful creatures, prone to sin and lusting after evil.
You know how we have struggled with our sins this week. We come here today having lost many battles. We struggled and we strained, but we have failed to be victorious over sin and temptation.
By your grace we have made some ground. As a baby makes headway in learning to crawl, so too we have come some distance. But you know how small our progress has been. The devil has attacked us again and again. Our flesh has burned with passion, and the world has lured us away from the way of righteousness.
This is why we come to you this morning. We know that you will complete the work of grace that you have begun in us. You do nothing halfway. We expect that on the day of Christ’s return we shall experience the fullness of our salvation. But until that time we need your forgiveness and grace to sustain us day by day.
And we have the confidence that there is forgiveness with you, even for the chief of sinners. You forgave the sin of Adam. You covered the sins of our forefathers: Abraham, Issac, Jacob and David. You did not turn your back on the Israelites when they sought after other gods. You forgave them when they cried out to you and you exalted yourself as the God of compassion.
So too we look to you for the same covenant faithfulness. Forgive us of our lawless deeds and let the blood of our dear Savior purge them away. We ask that your Spirit would burn away our transgressions and that new life and obedience would appear in their place. Give us courage to perform your will, give us power to stand up against the siege of Satan, and let our footsteps be lead far from the realm of evil. Protect us and save us by your righteous, omnipotent arm, for we are weak and pitiful creatures, prone to sin and lusting after evil.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Listen to Sermons
If you would like to listen to Pastor Timmons' sermons you can do so by clicking here. You will find a list of sermons to choose from. Let me know if you have problems, I would like to make sure it is fixed.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Prayer of Adoration and Invocation
Almighty God,
You are the King of kings and the God of gods. To you all nations bow in submission. Kings prostrate themselves before you and authorities derive their power from you.And we who are gathered here today have gathered as one body to lift our praise to you. As crowds would gather to give laud and adoration to a conquering warrior we come to cast our praise to you, our Mighty King.
We acknowledge your sovereign power and bow our hearts in your presence. Moreover we humbly ask that you would descend upon us today. We beseech your favor, that you might draw us into deeper fellowship. We pray that we might be made to walk in the Spirit and not according to the flesh. We desire that we might be exposed to your holiness so that we might walk away radiating with holiness ourselves. As Moses came down from the mountain radiating with the glory of your presence, we desire to meet with you and become like you in righteousness, wisdom, and grace.
What we ask is that this time might be a time of worship and a time of transformation; a time of praise and a time of conversion; a time of reverence and a time of repentance. For this we ask in Jesus Name.
You are the King of kings and the God of gods. To you all nations bow in submission. Kings prostrate themselves before you and authorities derive their power from you.And we who are gathered here today have gathered as one body to lift our praise to you. As crowds would gather to give laud and adoration to a conquering warrior we come to cast our praise to you, our Mighty King.
We acknowledge your sovereign power and bow our hearts in your presence. Moreover we humbly ask that you would descend upon us today. We beseech your favor, that you might draw us into deeper fellowship. We pray that we might be made to walk in the Spirit and not according to the flesh. We desire that we might be exposed to your holiness so that we might walk away radiating with holiness ourselves. As Moses came down from the mountain radiating with the glory of your presence, we desire to meet with you and become like you in righteousness, wisdom, and grace.
What we ask is that this time might be a time of worship and a time of transformation; a time of praise and a time of conversion; a time of reverence and a time of repentance. For this we ask in Jesus Name.
Prayer of Repentance and Renewal
Holy God,
If we would deny the fact that we are sinners, we would be denying what is most evident to all. We would be fools if we tried to cover our iniquity, for it would be like trying to cover the sand on the sea shore.
Lord, we cannot escape the guilt. We cannot escape the shame. And so we come to you that we might obtain mercy. For we know that you are a God of mercy. You are full of compassion and will not turn away those who humbly and honestly turn from their sins.
Lord, that which we are ashamed of, we are sorrowful for. And we pray that you might do with our sins what we cannot: Cover them and cast them far away from us. Do not count them against us, but throw them upon Jesus and let his blood be a tide that washes them away.
We ask also that you would create in us a spirit of righteousness. Give us the holy characteristics that are becoming of those who profess your Name. We ask that your Spirit might come into us and break down our critical spirits. May it be that we love our neighbor rather than despise them. Make us to magnify their gifts rather than their imperfections. May we desire what is worthy and beautiful in them rather than envy and laud that which wicked and damnable. Help us to rejoice in their virtues mimic their merits and be silent regarding what is undesirable.
We pray that we might be made to honor Christ in this way—by being people who dwell on that which is worthy of praise and devoted to what is good.
If we would deny the fact that we are sinners, we would be denying what is most evident to all. We would be fools if we tried to cover our iniquity, for it would be like trying to cover the sand on the sea shore.
Lord, we cannot escape the guilt. We cannot escape the shame. And so we come to you that we might obtain mercy. For we know that you are a God of mercy. You are full of compassion and will not turn away those who humbly and honestly turn from their sins.
Lord, that which we are ashamed of, we are sorrowful for. And we pray that you might do with our sins what we cannot: Cover them and cast them far away from us. Do not count them against us, but throw them upon Jesus and let his blood be a tide that washes them away.
We ask also that you would create in us a spirit of righteousness. Give us the holy characteristics that are becoming of those who profess your Name. We ask that your Spirit might come into us and break down our critical spirits. May it be that we love our neighbor rather than despise them. Make us to magnify their gifts rather than their imperfections. May we desire what is worthy and beautiful in them rather than envy and laud that which wicked and damnable. Help us to rejoice in their virtues mimic their merits and be silent regarding what is undesirable.
We pray that we might be made to honor Christ in this way—by being people who dwell on that which is worthy of praise and devoted to what is good.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Our Cheif Desire
God of Gods,
You are beyond all comprehension. Your ways are higher than our ways. Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We know that we are unable to grasp the enormity of your being. For thinking about you is like trying to mine the depths of the oceans. But we gather together today to spend our energy in such holy contemplations. We gather in order to delight ourselves in your presence and to stand in awe of your infinite majesty.
You are beyond all comprehension. Your ways are higher than our ways. Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We know that we are unable to grasp the enormity of your being. For thinking about you is like trying to mine the depths of the oceans. But we gather together today to spend our energy in such holy contemplations. We gather in order to delight ourselves in your presence and to stand in awe of your infinite majesty.
And it is to you, the great I Am, that we come this morning. We have longed for you through this week. Our hearts have panted in thirst for you. Indeed, our inward man has yearned for the renewal of your Spirit.
So we ask that you would come and meet with us today. Come and refresh us with new life and give us a taste of what eternity will be like.
Lord, we desire one thing this morning: and it is you. And we desire that a flame of devotion might be ignited within our souls so that we might fear you and worship you aright. And we have the confidence that this will be done, for we ask this in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our Lack of Passion
Gracious God,
In looking at your law we find that you are a God who requires the utmost devotion. We understand that you take no pleasure in sin, but desire us to love you with all our heart, mind and strength.
But we acknowledge that we lack the proper devotion. We confess that our hearts are often so lethargic. Instead of having blood that boils over with passion, our hearts are like tepid waters. Our souls are as quiet as a winter night.
While we recognize your lordship and acknowledge your gracious dealings with us, we still fail to possess a passionate spirit and adoring affection for you. This we admit is a wretched thing. It is utterly deplorable.
You have never ceased to love us. Your have never ceased to shower us with affection. You have protected us, pleased us, and pursued us. You have given us nourishment for body and soul, not to mention your law, your promises, and your one and only Son.
Indeed, in view of such things, our deadness is despicable and deserves to be punished. We know that such a demeanor is not only unlawful, but it is unworthy of you. Therefore we come before you and ask that you would forgive us for it. And we beseech you for grace to overcome this lukewarmness. We pray that you might kindle a fire within our hearts and fan it into a roaring blaze. May we not put you off, but seek to abide ever in the presence of your face.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
From All Eternity
Most holy and gracious God,
All that transpires in time comes as a result of your foreordination. Whatsoever comes to pass today was written before ages began. You planned every moment and devised each of the works of man.
In eternity you set forth this day. From of old you ordained that this would be the day that your praises would be raised and your word declared. You decreed the prayers and songs, and even the thoughts of our minds were prepared in advance by you.
Thus we stand in awe of your transcendence and we are overwhelmed by your unchangeable plans. We admit that we cannot understand it all. While we may try to inquire about its intricacies, we are met with inexpressible mysteries. But what mystifies us, is altogether plain to you.
As this book of history is written ,and even while this day unfolds, we wish to be counted as righteous in your eyes. We desire that our hearts and minds might be yours and yours alone. We do ask that all things might be ordered to your glory today. We pray that we, like all the creatures of the earth, may conform to the counsel of your will and render you the praise that you deserve.We pray that this day we would demonstrate before the world that our God reigns. For this we ask in the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
All that transpires in time comes as a result of your foreordination. Whatsoever comes to pass today was written before ages began. You planned every moment and devised each of the works of man.
In eternity you set forth this day. From of old you ordained that this would be the day that your praises would be raised and your word declared. You decreed the prayers and songs, and even the thoughts of our minds were prepared in advance by you.
Thus we stand in awe of your transcendence and we are overwhelmed by your unchangeable plans. We admit that we cannot understand it all. While we may try to inquire about its intricacies, we are met with inexpressible mysteries. But what mystifies us, is altogether plain to you.
As this book of history is written ,and even while this day unfolds, we wish to be counted as righteous in your eyes. We desire that our hearts and minds might be yours and yours alone. We do ask that all things might be ordered to your glory today. We pray that we, like all the creatures of the earth, may conform to the counsel of your will and render you the praise that you deserve.We pray that this day we would demonstrate before the world that our God reigns. For this we ask in the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Hallowed be Thy Name
Oh, Yes. We will have church today.
I will reiterate our weather policy for those of you who may not know: If you feel your life or safety are in danger, don't come. But If God opens the way to you, come and worship. I will be there no matter what.
I will reiterate our weather policy for those of you who may not know: If you feel your life or safety are in danger, don't come. But If God opens the way to you, come and worship. I will be there no matter what.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
He is to be feared above all gods.
All the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Psalm 96:4-5
Monday, December 10, 2007
Eternal God,
You are exalted over all nations and your glory is above the heavens. No other god compares to you and no one can begin to speak of your Excellency. Your greatness extends from generation to generation and your majesty cannot be broken.This day we gather together to acknowledge you as our King. We lift our voices to praise our God who is enthroned on high.
We thank you that you have not remained at a distance. We praise you for stooping to inquire as to our well being and to bring us aid in times of need.You have raised us from the dust and you have lifted us our of our misery. You have given us joy and seated us with princes. We who were outcasts, you have made royalty. Truly you are most gracious, most kind, and most worthy of praise.
For this reason we seek your favor this morning. We ask that you would descend upon us again. Send forth your Spirit into this place and bring us into your holy presence. Let not one second of this time be wasted on frivolous thoughts or unnecessary worries. But let us be enraptured with our God this morning and may we dwell in the shelter of your wing.
You are exalted over all nations and your glory is above the heavens. No other god compares to you and no one can begin to speak of your Excellency. Your greatness extends from generation to generation and your majesty cannot be broken.This day we gather together to acknowledge you as our King. We lift our voices to praise our God who is enthroned on high.
We thank you that you have not remained at a distance. We praise you for stooping to inquire as to our well being and to bring us aid in times of need.You have raised us from the dust and you have lifted us our of our misery. You have given us joy and seated us with princes. We who were outcasts, you have made royalty. Truly you are most gracious, most kind, and most worthy of praise.
For this reason we seek your favor this morning. We ask that you would descend upon us again. Send forth your Spirit into this place and bring us into your holy presence. Let not one second of this time be wasted on frivolous thoughts or unnecessary worries. But let us be enraptured with our God this morning and may we dwell in the shelter of your wing.
Almighty God,
We know that you are a God who will not put up with men forever. You have suffered long with sinners. You have overlooked a multitude of sins. But we know that you will one day break forth into this world and bring justice to your land. For this reason we bow before you as unworthy servants. We know that we have done wrong and we have not ceased to profane your name. But we come to you, poor and wretched sinners that we are, and beg for your mercy.
Lord, you have given each one of us responsibilities. You have committed to our care many things: money, children, time, and talents. You have given us a hearty portion of good things in this life. But all these things we have squandered. We have not used them in a way that is pleasing to you. Nor have we exercised proper care in our various duties. The examples that we have been poor and our leadership has been full of defects. When we should have been as tender as a shepherd, we have been stern and cruel. When we should have been liberal and openhanded, we have been miserly and calloused.
But you haven not been this way with us. You have time and again been gentle, generous, and gracious. The loving-kindness that you have expressed towards us has only made our sins all the more obvious and all the more wicked.
So we come to you, wishing to confess and forsake these sins. We seek you for pardon and pray that you might not be angry with us. Instead of casting us out into the outer darkness, we pray that you might discipline us in love. We ask that you would isolate these sins and remove them, as well as the many others that do infect our souls. We pray that we might find in their place those graces and virtues that were found in our Dear Savior, Jesus Christ. May we be filled with his undying love and faithfulness.
For we ask this in his precious name. Amen.
We know that you are a God who will not put up with men forever. You have suffered long with sinners. You have overlooked a multitude of sins. But we know that you will one day break forth into this world and bring justice to your land. For this reason we bow before you as unworthy servants. We know that we have done wrong and we have not ceased to profane your name. But we come to you, poor and wretched sinners that we are, and beg for your mercy.
Lord, you have given each one of us responsibilities. You have committed to our care many things: money, children, time, and talents. You have given us a hearty portion of good things in this life. But all these things we have squandered. We have not used them in a way that is pleasing to you. Nor have we exercised proper care in our various duties. The examples that we have been poor and our leadership has been full of defects. When we should have been as tender as a shepherd, we have been stern and cruel. When we should have been liberal and openhanded, we have been miserly and calloused.
But you haven not been this way with us. You have time and again been gentle, generous, and gracious. The loving-kindness that you have expressed towards us has only made our sins all the more obvious and all the more wicked.
So we come to you, wishing to confess and forsake these sins. We seek you for pardon and pray that you might not be angry with us. Instead of casting us out into the outer darkness, we pray that you might discipline us in love. We ask that you would isolate these sins and remove them, as well as the many others that do infect our souls. We pray that we might find in their place those graces and virtues that were found in our Dear Savior, Jesus Christ. May we be filled with his undying love and faithfulness.
For we ask this in his precious name. Amen.
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