Centering Practice
We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths
- Author Morgan Harper Nichols reminds us, “There is a reason the sky gets dark at night — we were not meant to see everything all the time. We were meant to rest and trust even in the darkness”
- Inhale: The world seems dim
- Exhale: But we dream in the dark
Call to Worship
We gather together to seek Jesus,
the Light of the World
and the One who sets us free.
We open our hearts, minds, and lives
to hear the voice of Love.
May the word of Christ dwell in us richly.
Amen.
Worship Songs
Oh Our Lord + Center
Oh Christ be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives
We behold the breaking dawn
The light that shines over everyone
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord
We behold the rising sun
The earth awaits, Your hope has come
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord
Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
How majestic is Your name in all the earth
We behold the falling rain
Like waters rise, flood this place
We reach for You, we cling to You, oh Lord
Oh, Your name is a light in the darkness
Oh, Your name is the word of truth
Oh Your name, oh Your name
Cares Chorus
I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet
Anytime I don’t know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You
Prayer of Confession
God of hope & promise,
Your love is always steadfast
and Your grace abounds around us.
When we feel overwhelmed and lose faith;
For our broken relationships;
In our grief, sorrow, and despair;
Hear us, O God, we pray:
— Moment of silent prayer —
Light of the World,
direct and guide our steps.
Free us to live as Your people,
for the life of the world You love.
Amen.
Assurance of God’s Love
Blessing of the Backpacks
Offering Prayer
Announcements
- Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
- Reset Sunday: August is a month with 5 Sundays, which means we will not gather in community on Sunday, August 31st.
- Church Retreat: Our retreat is coming up next month on September 20th and 21st (Saturday and Sunday). We’ll be in town at Marina Village.
- Women’s Bible Study: Starting up this month! Please talk to PJ if you’re interested in joining.
- Young Adult’s Bible Study: Please contact Pastor David if you’re interested — every other Thursday via Zoom at 5:30 pm.
- Office Space: Please join us in prayer as we look to establish an ongoing presence in the Mira Mesa area — and keep an eye out!
Passing of the Peace
Let’s greet each other at this time!
Blessing of the Children
Worship Song
You Keep on Getting Better + Lord I Need You
You are good
In the morning I sing
You are good
In the evening I sing
You are good
You are good to me
I will sing of Your goodness
I will sing of Your love
Though the seasons come quickly
You have always been enough
Though the night may get darker
Though the waiting seems long
You have always been faithful
To remind me of Your love
You have always been patient
You have always been kind
You’re consistent through the ages
Oh what a friend of mine
So I’ll remind my soul to bless You
Standing firm upon Your truth
Knowing You cannot be shaken
I’ve seen what You can do
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Scripture Reading
Psalm 119:49-88
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
those who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
wherever I make my home.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
for I have kept your precepts.
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I implore your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your decrees;
60 I hurry and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes.
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was humbled I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
so that they may know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
so that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail with watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;
they flout your law.
86 All your commandments are enduring;
I am persecuted without cause; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love spare my life,
so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Hope in the Dark
Pastor Dan
Worship Song
Lord I Need You + Turn Your Eyes
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Lord I need You, Oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My One defense, my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
Anchor & Hope Church 