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Jul 18, 2021

Worship at Work

Worship at Work

Passage: Psalms

Speaker: Andrew Kerhoulas

Series: Ascend

Keywords: worship, work, rest, idolatry, anxious toil, clinging to god

Psalm 127 is a song about what gives our work meaning. When we’re mindful of God’s work as we go about daily life, in the office or with our families, we won’t labor in vain; when we connect Sunday to Monday we flourish.

Readings & Scripture

PREPARATION: Philippians 4:4-7
LEADER: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

ALL: The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PASTORAL PRAYER

MUSIC:
All Creatures
He’s Always Been Faithful

MEMBER INTERVIEW & PRAYER: Faith & Work

Corporate Prayer adapted from Our World Belongs To God
ALL: Our Creator God,
We pray for all who work in business and industry,
who work in homemaking,
who work in medicine,
who work in education,
who work in agriculture,
who work in government,
who work in tourism,
who work in service to others,
who are beginning a new career,
who struggle in their work,
who are seeking new or different jobs,
who are retired or anticipating retirement,
who are unemployed or underemployed.
Give us joy in our work, and in using gifts and talents we receive from you.
Give us joy in doing all our work to your honor and glory.
Equip us to labor in ways that promote justice and peace.
Equip us to be ministers of your peace in a world that cries for peace.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

MESSAGE: Worship At Work

CENTRAL TEXT: Psalm 127
LEADER: A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

MUSIC: He Will Hold Me Fast

BENEDICTION: Based on 1 Corinthians 15:58
LEADER: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The peace of the Lord be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.

Related SCRIPTURES

  • Genesis 1-3
  • Exodus 20:8-11
  • Deuteronomy 10:20
  • 1 Kings 4; 11
  • Ruth 1:14; 4:1-2
  • 1 Kings 4:29-34; 11:1-8
  • Psalm 63:8
  • Proverbs 10:22; 11:10; 23:4-5
  • John 5:1-17; 6:39; 20:17
  • Philippians 4:4-7
  • Romans 12:9
  • Revelation 2:1-7

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. How has the pandemic changed the way you work? How about the way you rest?
  2. What does Psalm 127 have to say about work? What about family life?
  3. Is it challenging to see meaning in your work? How does the psalm address vain work?
  4. In what way(s) does the gospel bring meaning to our work inside and outside of the home? What does God’s work have to do with yours?
  5. How can our church help you connect Sunday to Monday?

QUOTES

“Work must be good if God does it.” Eugene Peterson

BOOKS / DOCS

Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor
Amy Sherman, Kingdom Calling