For a Pure, Clean Heart

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The following worship resource was inspired by the words of John the Baptist concerning Jesus, that Jesus would baptize his followers with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11; Luke:3:16) Water and fire seem opposed to one another, yet both cleanse and purify. The liturgy is made up of Brian Doerksen’s song Refiner’s Fire (CCLI Song No. 426298) and three scripture readings, all on the theme of seeking God for a pure, clean heart. – Lisa <><

Pure Heart 1 by Avalmaar

For a Pure, Clean Heart
ALL SINGING:
Refiner’s Fire,
verse 1 and chorus

VOICE ONE:
Matthew 3:1-2, 11 (NRSV)
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

VOICE TWO: Malachi 3:2-3 (NRSV)
Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.

ALL SINGING
Refiner’s Fire, verse 2 and chorus

ALL SPEAKING: Psalm 51:1-3, 7, 10-12 (NRSV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

ALL SINGING
Refiner’s Fire, verse 3 and chorus

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Compilation © 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
Please contact Lisa for information and permission to publish this work in any form.

Be sure to also check out Purify Us by Steve Garnaas Holmes.

For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.