Lord’s Day 49: Q&A 124: On Earth as In Heaven

As we continue in these last few weeks of the Catechism and the Lord’s prayer, we find ourselves at ‘On earth as it is in heaven.’ The writers of the Catechism give us a through-line from last week’s ‘Your Kingdom Come; Your Will be done’ in that God’s will being done on earth means full participation from us here on earth as we strive to reject our own wills and follow after God’s alone. I also like the Psalm 8-like reference to us doing God’s Kingdom work alongside of and like the angels do in heaven. We are full participants in the Kingdom work of Christ.

Lord’s Day 49

Q&A 124

CONFESSION (Matthew 16:24-25)

Sacrificial God,

We confess that we have lived selfish lives

To often we place ourselves at the center,

Not loving our neighbors or you, God.

We want to save our lives on our own,

Not trusting your power to save us.

Forgive us, powerful God

Cleanse us from our sin and selfishness.

Give us the strength and courage

To deny ourselves each day

And take up our cross

Just as your son took the cross upon himself

To set us free from sin and evil.

In his name we pray, Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Titus 2:11-12)

One: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people

All: Our faithful Savior Jesus, has set us free from ungodliness and worldly passions.

One: Christ selflessly gave himself to forgive and set us free from all our sins.

All: Alleluia. Thanks be to God. 

CALL TO GODLY LIVING (Romans 12:1-2)

One: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

Perfect God, you guide all our lives by your perfect will. Although we may resist your will in our lives, remind us each day of your love for us. While we live in this fallen sinful world, give us the wisdom to know your will more and more each day. Your will alone is good. Give us the strength to resist our selfish will and be formed more and more in the likeness of our selfless Savior Jesus Christ. As we offer our prayers today, reveal how you are at work in our lives, our communities, and in ourselves. 

[time for prayer requests]

You hear our prayers, Lord. May your will be done in all these situations, and join our wills to you. Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to, as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.