Introductory Notes:
- A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below.
- Calvin Brown is minister of First Church, Nelson, B.C., and worship editor of Channels.
- This Covenanting Liturgy is based on Hebrews 11 and the Covenanting Prayer. This liturgy is an appropriate one for nearly any occasion. It should be read with enthusiasm, feeling and growing intensity. The sense is that as we help one another remember the faithfulness of God exhibited among his people we more and more identify with them until we become one with them in Spirit and are willing also to make gladly the commitment that they did. It would be useful to have this explained to the choir and have them rehearse the reading so it has good leadership.
- In future issues of Channels we wish to include the following:
– Children’s Time Devotions for use at home or church
– Prayers of Adoration
– Offertory Prayers
We would appreciate submissions from either clergy or lay people.
Pastor or Liturgist: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do.
People: This is what the ancients were commended for.
Pastor: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
People: Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Pastor: Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
People: God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Pastor: Our ancestors in the faith chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
People: Yes! Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised!
Pastor: Yes! And they shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Women: Yes! And women received back their dead raised to life again!
Men: Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection!
Pastor: Some faced jeers and floggings, while still others were chained and put into prison.
People: They were stoned, they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword.
Pastor: They went about destitute, persecuted and mistreated. People: The world was not worthy of them!
Pastor: These were all commended for their faith and God planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
People: Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance that race marked out for us!
Pastor: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
People: Yes! Let us consider him so that we will not grow weary and lose heart!
Pastor: Let us also yield ourselves to God as living sacrifices in a fresh way right now! Let us commit all we are or ever hope to be to Jesus so that like the people of faith who went before us we will not be ashamed when our works are tested. Let us pray.
All: May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are no longer our own but yours. Put us to what you will. Rank us with whom you will. Put us to doing, put us to suffering. Let us be employed for you or laid aside for you. Exalted for you or brought low for you. Let us be full, let us be empty. Let us have all things, let us have nothing. We freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.