Celebration: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Today we acclaim Jesus Christ as our King, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer Him praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of His Kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.
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Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, You have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away. Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and, as a royal and priestly people, serve You humbly in our brothers and sisters. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “O worship the King”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 7:13-14 (NLT)
[Daniel’s prophetic vision shows Jesus (son of man) becoming king in heaven.]

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 93:1-2, 5 (NLT)

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.

Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past.
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Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.
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“Psalm 93: Lord is King, He is Robed in Majesty!” Bill Monaghan

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A Reading from the Letters: Revelation 1:5-8 (NLT)
[Jesus, ruler of the kings of the earth, will come in glory.]

He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him — even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega — the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come — the Almighty One.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 18:33-37 (NLT)
[Jesus debates his kingship with Pilate, and commits his followers to stand on the side of truth.]

“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked him.

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
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Hymn: “Jesus is King”

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Intercessions:

King Jesus: hear our prayers –

+ For all believers – that we may endeavor to make the justice, truth, love and peace of the Kingdom of God a reality…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who lead nations – that people in positions of power may seek truth and justice for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For citizens of all the countries on earth – that we may work together for justice and peace for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that our lives may show that You, King Jesus, rule our hearts…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and sorrowful – that in our friendship and love they may experience Your healing mercies…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those injured and bereaved in the Paris and Mali attacks – that You, King Jesus, may be close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, those whose lives were so cruelly taken in Paris and Mali, and all the dead whom we remember in our hearts – that they may share Your glory, King Jesus…. Lord, hear us.

O God, You rule Your people with love and compassion: hear our prayers and give us the help we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Thou, Oh Lord” – Parkway Worship Ministry

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Benediction:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen