Written by
Published on
February 7, 2020
2020 Symposium on Worship | Festival

Welcome and Opening Prayer

CREATION

Psalm 24 reading with refrain "We Long to See You"

Psalm 104: "Rejoice In All Your Works"

FALL

Psalm 69: "Draw Near"

We lament our personal pain and the brokenness in our families, identifying with Jesus, the Man of Sorrows.

Psalm 82: “The Hand of God”

We lament the injustice of our world. In Psalm 82, God speaks to the rulers, authorities, and judges of the world.
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” God asks. And because of their failure to use
power to protect the powerless, God promises their eventual destruction.

Psalm 83: “O God Do Not Be Silent”

We lament the violence, terrorism, and destruction that mark our age and cast shadows over our lives.

Psalm 130 reading with refrain “We Cry From the Depths”

We cry from the depths and wait for you;
We wait in hope for the Lord! (Repeat)

REDEMPTION

Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me”

Jesus speaks into our lament.

Psalm 46 reading with refrain “Be Still”

Be still, slow down.  
Breathe in, breathe out
And know that I am God.

Psalm 37: “The Day of the Lord”

God promises the restoration of all things.

Psalm 32: "Then At Last"

God offers forgiveness and healing to all who repent and turn to him.

Psalm 27: "The Lord Is My Light"

RESTORATION

Psalm 67 reading with refrain “May Our God Be Known”

Psalm 133: "See How Good It Is"

God is building the new heavens and new earth from the broken pieces of our lives, making us his priests, healing the
human family by Christ’s love through us.

See how good it is gathering with friends;
Welcoming the stranger in.
See how good it is.

[Refrain]
When God's children live as one 

By the Spirit we become  
The open arms of God
To a world in need of love. (Repeat)

Sad divisions cease
we're ordained as priests,  
Spreading out God's joyful feast.
See how good it is.  

See the earth renewed
By the morning dew.  
All creation sings the truth: 
"See how good it is!" 

Psalm 107: "Oh Give Thanks"

Explore More Resources

Article
Cultural Diversity
Pastoral Care
Celebrating Christian Worship with Lament in Nepal

Nepali Reformed Churches pastor Arbin Pokharel often describes worship as helping worshipers reenact their identity as God’s people. Doing so honestly means including hospitality, healing, prayer, celebration, and lament.

September 2, 2024
Article
Faith Formation
Theology
Arbin Pokharel on Shepherd Leadership in the Nepali Reformed Churches

The Nepali Reformed Churches are learning about biblical ecclesiology and shepherd leadership to become more Christ-centered and to prepare for a potentially turbulent future. Churches around the world can apply this learning in their own contexts.

September 2, 2024
Article
Faith Formation
Cultural Diversity
Being the Bridge Between Community and Church in Nepal

Higher Ground Nepal is a social enterprise that includes people from all walks of life in Nepal. Proselytizing is not allowed in Nepal, but when people see others living as the genuine presence of Christ in people’s situations, it makes a difference.

September 2, 2024