These excerpts from Scripture and the confessions may be used for Affirmations of Faith following the proclamation of the Word.
These excerpts from Scripture and the confessions may be used for Affirmations of Faith following the proclamation of the Word.
These words from Scripture may be spoken at the conclusion of the sermon.
These biblical words may be spoken after the reading of Scripture.
These biblical words may be spoken before the reading of Scripture.
These Prayers for Illumination based on Scripture and the confessions may be used before the reading and proclamation of the Word.
In the Reformed tradition, the “third use of the law” is for those who have already accepted God’s grace through Jesus Christ, in whom the Holy Spirit is already at work. Here, the use of the law is to continually reshape and reform us according to God’s will and teach us to follow God’s commandments in our daily lives.
These words from Scripture may be spoken after the Declaration of Forgiveness (and/or the Summary of the Law). They may precede the Passing of the Peace. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation.
Each of these confession and pardon sequences is designed to be used as a set, following the shape of the Scripture or confession that is its source. In each case, a congregational prayer of confession should be supplied as indicated. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text.
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Declarations of Forgiveness. They are appropriately spoken from the baptismal font, perhaps while lifting water from the font. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text (with the exception of selections from the catechisms).