The following words and phrases can be used to focus your attention while distractions are shed. Rhythmically repeat the word or phrase, breaking as indicated by the slash (/), inhaling and then exhaling.
A prayerful reading of Scripture is a way of entering into a conversation with God, and allowing God to be the first speaker. So often our prayers are a conversation in which we are the only speakers and God does all the listening. This can be our default mode of conversation with God even during a worship service. The next time you attend a worship service pay attention to the “Prayers of Confession” or “Prayers of the People,” or even the “Proclamation of the Word,” and compare the amount of time spent we do the talking compared to the amount …
Ash Wednesday is a day of solemn assembly that is built right into the church year. It is a fast day, a day of mourning for our sin and the sin of all humanity before God, a recognition of our mortality save for the grace of God and a request that the Lord remember our creation and breathe new life into our burned-out, dusty lives once more.
See related pages: Ash Wednesday, Season of Lent, Presbyterian Worship
Here is a sample of a list of sins from a solemn assembly that was compiled by the preparatory team who had met in prayer for weeks before the larger gathering. You will want to go through the same preparatory process to compile your own list, but this one, taken and added to from HeartRest is a helpful start to you in compiling your own list for a bulletin insert. You will want to add printed directions regarding what you want people to do with this list during your solemn assembly.
This liturgy for the Reaffirmation of Baptism, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, was used by the Worship and Spiritual Renewal Committee of the 218th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in San Jose, California. This was the committee that discussed and approved the overture for solemn assemblies.
This service for solemn assemblies is a more informal, experiential service particularly suited for gatherings in flexible spaces. Whenever and however you decide to do it, you need to prepare for the service like any other renewal service.
Confessional materials for solemn assembly's extended examination.
You may also find other materials that will be helpful to you elsewhere in Theology and Worship and in the Book of Common Worship.
There is more than one “right” way to go about planning a solemn assembly or spiritual renewal service. In some ways the preparation for the service will be just like the preparations made for any other worship service in the congregation’s life together.
You might want to design a timeline such as the one we’ve created. Adapt this schedule according to the needs and interest of your congregation or presbytery.
One of the hallmarks of the Reformed liturgical tradition is the prominence of the confession of sin in public worship. Gathered in the presence of the holy, triune God, we immediately recognize our unrighteousness and brokenness in the light of God’s glory.
A hymn for Baptism of the Lord Sunday by Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette.