Theme: “What does the Lord require of you?” — Micah 6:8
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Welcome & Call to Worship
Good evening, friends.
We gather in the quiet of this place, in the presence of God who calls us to justice, mercy, and humility.
Tonight our theme comes from Micah 6:8 — a verse that has shaped the faith of God’s people for generations.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.”
“And what does the Lord require of you?”
“To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Let us still our hearts for a moment, breathing in God’s peace.
(30 seconds silence)
Come, let us worship God.
Hymn – Dear Lord and Father of mankind
Opening Praise & Scripture
We lift our hearts in praise — not with loud voices tonight, but with quiet gratitude.
A short verse of praise:
“Holy God, you are our refuge and strength, ever present, ever faithful.”
Let us hear God’s Word from Micah chapter 6, verses 6 to 8.
Scripture Reading (spoken):
“With what shall I come before the Lord…?”
“He has shown you what is good…”
“To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of justice and compassion,
You call us to live with integrity,
to care for our neighbour,
and to walk humbly in your ways.
As we gather tonight, quieten our hearts,
open our minds,
and shape our lives by your Spirit.
Speak to us through your Word,
through silence,
and through prayer.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Part 1 — Act Justly
Micah begins with a challenge: Act justly.
Justice isn’t only about courts or governments — it’s about everyday fairness.
It’s about how we speak to one another.
How we treat those who have less power than we do.
How we respond when we see someone being overlooked or mistreated.
Justice begins in small places:
In our homes.
In our workplaces.
In our community here in Bellshill.
Justice means seeing others as God sees them — with dignity, worth, and value.
Let us hold a moment of silence as we reflect on where God may be calling us to act justly.
(1 minute silence)
Let us pray.
God of justice,
Show us where our actions can bring fairness,
where our words can bring truth,
and where our choices can lift up those who struggle.
Make us people who act justly,
not only in great matters,
but in the small decisions of each day.
Amen.
Hymn – What does the Lord require?
Reflection Part 2 — Love Mercy
Micah continues: Love mercy.
Mercy is compassion in action.
It is kindness that costs something.
It is forgiveness offered even when it is difficult.
It is choosing gentleness over harshness, patience over frustration, generosity over resentment.
Mercy is not weakness — it is strength shaped by love.
Let us pause again, asking God to show us where mercy is needed in our lives.
(1 minute silence)
Let us pray.
God of mercy,
Teach us to be gentle with one another,
patient with ourselves,
and generous in forgiveness.
Help us to love mercy —
not just to show it occasionally,
but to delight in it,
to choose it,
and to live it.
Amen.
Hymn – O for a closer walk
Reflection Part 3 — Walk Humbly
And finally: Walk humbly with your God.
Humility is not thinking less of ourselves — it is thinking truthfully.
It is remembering that we depend on God.
It is listening before speaking.
It is choosing God’s way over ego, pride, or self importance.
Humility is a daily walk — step by step, choice by choice.
Let us take a moment of silence to reflect on how we might walk humbly in the days ahead.
(1 minute silence)
Let us pray.
God of all wisdom,
Keep us grounded in your truth,
steady in your love,
and humble in our walk with you.
Lead us in paths that honour you,
and help us to follow Christ
with sincerity and grace.
Amen.
Intercessions — Prayers for Justice, Mercy & Humility
Let us bring our prayers for the world, for our community, and for ourselves.
Pause between each section.
For our community:
God of Bellshill and beyond,
Bless our neighbours, families, and friends.
Strengthen those who serve others,
and comfort those who feel forgotten.
For those facing injustice:
God of righteousness,
Stand with all who suffer unfairness,
discrimination, or harm.
Bring protection, courage, and change.
For those needing mercy:
God of compassion,
Surround the hurting, the grieving,
and the lonely with your gentleness.
Heal broken relationships
and soften hardened hearts.
For leaders and decision makers:
God of wisdom,
Guide those who hold authority —
in government, workplaces, schools, and churches.
May justice, mercy, and humility shape their choices.
For our own hearts:
God of grace,
Show us where we need to grow,
where we need to repent,
and where we need to trust you more deeply.
For our church:
In times of uncertainty when we discern the way forward,
As we reach out into our community,
As we hear feedback through our Community Survey
As we discuss the way forward with neighbouring Christian Communities
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Amen
Closing Commitment
As we prepare to leave, let us speak together the words of Micah 6:8.
Lord, help us act justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with you.
And now, may the God who calls us to justice,
the Christ who shows us mercy,
and the Spirit who leads us in humility
guide us today and always.
Amen.
Hymn – Come though font of every blessing
Blessing
Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 