End the Year with DIY Worship

A New Commentary on Psalm 106

And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…. -Hebrews 10:24-25a

This passage above is often cited to encourage people to attend church services. But this is a limited interpretation. In 19th century Britain, it was assumed that families would also worship in their homes. I had the opportunity this morning to gather with my wife, sons and daughter-in-law to worship in our living room using Psalm 106 to structure our worship together. I offer the post below to encourage you to worship with your family and friends as we prepare for the new year. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

1-Preparation.

• A song of praise¹ (listened to or sung) draws everyone together.

2-Thanksgiving.

• Reader #1:

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Ps. 106:1

• Each person shares a story of thanks to God followed by everyone repeating the above.

3-Praise

• Reader #2:

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his purpose? -Ps. 106:2

Each person shares a quality of God they are thankful for.

• Hymn² (suggestion “Great Is They Faithfulness”)

4-Prayer

• Reader #3:

Blessed are those who act justly,

who always do what is right.

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,

come to my aid when you save them,

that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may share in the joy of your nation

and join your inheritance in giving praise.

-Psalm 106:3-5

• Prayers asking God for our needs.

5-Confession

• Reader #4:

We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;

we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

When our ancestors were in Egypt,

they gave no thought to your miracles;

they did not remember your many kindnesses,

and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. -Psalm 106:6-7

• A time of silent confession³

6-Forgiveness

• Reader #5:

Many times he delivered them,

but they were bent on rebellion

and they wasted away in their sin.

Yet he took note of their distress

when he heard their cry;

for their sake he remembered his covenant

and out of his great love he relented.

He caused all who held them captive

to show them mercy.

Save us, Lord our God,

and gather us from the nations,

that we may give thanks to your holy name

and glory in your praise. -Psalm 106:43-47

7-Close in Praise

• Reader #6:

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Praise the Lord. -Psalm 106:48

• Closing Song of Praise⁴

---

1. Suggested Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Suggested Contemporary Song: Glory and Wonder

2. Suggested Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

3. Suggested Song for this time of confession: Yaweh by Kimberly and Alberto Rivera.

4. Suggested Song: This Is Why I Thank the Lord