First Presbyterian Church

Marshall, Missouri

October 18, 2026

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship: (Psalm 119:105-112)

Leader: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
People: I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances.
Leader: I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
People: Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
Leader: I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
People: The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
Leader: Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
People: I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

Opening Hymn: #345 Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult

Call to Confession:

Friends, as Christians we proclaim to follow the Word made flesh. Jesus calls us to focus on his precepts in order to get understanding and keep ourselves back from the evil ways of the world. However, when we are honest with ourselves we recognize that we are no wiser than the rest of the world and fall into the same traps of idolatry and brokenness that others do. Fortunately, we serve one who gracefully invites us to repentance, knowing that we can turn around and once more follow the path illuminated by his word. Please join me in the prayer of confession found in your bulletin…

Prayer of Confession:

Unison: Lifegiving Word, we praise you for the way your hands have made us and fashioned us. We rejoice for the hope we find in your Word. Although your faithfulness endures forever, we recognize that ours does not. We have turned away from your ordinances and forgotten the sweetness of the grace you offer. In your steadfast love, call us back to you. Remind us once more of the joy of your salvation so that we may more fully keep the decrees of your mouth. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:

Beloved, the promises of our God are everlasting. Our rebellion has been overruled. Through Christ we have been given a glimpse of God’s Word made flesh. Jesus’ mercy has come into the world, so that we might live and find delight in the grace we have been given. Do not forget the wonderful decree of the one who made heaven and earth: we have been forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Gloria Patri

Passing of the Peace

Children’s Sermon

Noisy Offering

Prayer of Illumination:

Unison: Blessed are you, O Lord, as we prepare to hear your Word read and proclaimed, we ask you to open our hearts to treasure what your Holy Spirit has to say to us this day. Teach us anew and fashion us ever more into disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17

Sermon: “Then God spoke all these words”

Responsive Hymn: #358 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Affirmation of Faith: Apostle’s Creed

Time of Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Minute For Mission

Invitation to Offering

Doxology

Prayer of Thanksgiving: 

Unison: God of everlasting grace, we praise you for the treasure of your Word, and the generosity that it has inspired. Take our whole hearts, our talents, and our financial gifts to bring about your divine justice in this world. Grant peace to all who call on you, this day and forever more. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #466 Take My Life and Let it Be

Benediction

Congregational Response: #614 Let There Be Peace on Earth

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Note: This liturgy was written to coincide with the Narrative Lectionary Sunday NL105 for a small PC(USA) congregation in west central Missouri. The order of worship reflects our local tradition. Hymn numbers from from the Worship and Rejoice hymnal. Please feel free to use and adapt as desired, giving credit to Rev. Mike Williams.