The opening prayer for the sermon today on Mark 7:14-23.

Holy Father, we are defiled. We are unclean. We are sinful. And the depths of our sin is so deep we can not and will not even think about it. We even have the mistaken notion that we can do something about it. We look at the sin in the world and think we can stop it or at least reign it in through legislation or rules. But the fact remains, sinful people can not stop sin; only the holy, which is you. And so we are thankful that the holy, Jesus, died and rose that our defilement might be taken away and thus making us restored in your eyes.

Oh God, grant us the faith to be honest with ourselves; that we may run to you for help. Grant us ears to hear and a heart to receive the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Loving God, we praise your holy name as we lift our voices in worship and hear Your Word proclaimed. Through Jesus Christ our LORD we pray, Amen.

May God bless your day.
May your worship bring glory to God.
May your faith be strengthened to serve Him.

Praise be to God!

The Pastor -|—