Calls to worship with Scripture and responses

A call to worship gathers the congregation to praise God and hear his Word. Psalm 100, Psalm 95 and Psalm 121 offer biblical starting points, with original responses below.

Print and slides

Download the ProPresenter text file for text import. Congregational words use two phrase lines per slide. Instructions for the leader stay in the PDF.

Open with Scripture

Choose a short passage and let the congregation hear it before the first song. Read the passage in context during preparation. A call drawn from a psalm should keep its address to God and its summons to his people, with enough words to make sense to a visitor.

Leader and congregation

The leader reads the lines marked Leader and everyone joins the lines marked People. Give the congregation printed words or show them on screen. Tell visitors that they can join the responses before starting, and leave a speaking pause after each leader line.

Which call fits this Sunday?

Use Psalm 100 when opening with thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 95 includes a call to listen to God’s voice, so it fits a service centered on hearing and obeying Scripture. Psalm 121 helps a congregation pray for God’s keeping during a difficult week. Church Posting wrote the responsive paraphrases below.

Rehearse the opening

Read the call at the microphone with the musician who begins the first song. Agree on whether the congregation sits or stands and where the music enters. A short opening with a clear cue gives people enough time to find their place in the printed service.

Praise, Psalm 100

Read Psalm 100:1-5. The responses below are original words based on the psalm.

LeaderCome before the Lord with thanksgiving.

PeopleWe praise the God who made us and calls us his people.

LeaderThe Lord is good, and his faithful love endures.

PeopleWe will worship him with gladness.

Come before the Lordwith thanksgiving.

Leader

We praise the God who made usand calls us his people.

People

Rest, Psalm 95

Read Psalm 95:1-7, then use these original responses.

LeaderLet us come before the Lord, our maker.

PeopleHe is our God, and we are the people of his care.

LeaderHear his word today.

PeopleLord, give us ears to hear and hearts to obey.

Let us comebefore the Lord, our maker.

Leader

He is our God,and we are the people of his care.

People

Help, Psalm 121

Read Psalm 121, then use this original prayer.

Prayer Lord, our help comes from you, the maker of heaven and earth. Keep our hearts attentive to your word as we worship together. Amen.

Prepare the service

Choose a call that fits the opening Scripture and song. Mark the leader’s lines and the congregation’s response in the bulletin and on screen.

Sources and permission

Church Posting wrote these prayers and responses, which churches may copy and adapt freely.