An Opening Prayer for a Church Service

Heavenly Father, we are glad to be in Your house today.

Thank You for every person who walked through these doors — the ones who came in singing, and the ones who barely made it here at all. You welcome every one of us the same.

Prepare our hearts now for worship. Set aside the week behind us and the week ahead, and help us fix our eyes on You alone.

Speak through the songs we sing. Speak through the Word we hear. Speak in the quiet spaces in between.

If anyone came in carrying something heavy, meet them here, Lord. Let no one leave this place today without a touch of Your grace.

We give You this hour. Be honored in everything we do.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

This prayer is written to be read from the front at the start of a worship service, but it also fits a chapel gathering or a livestream welcome. Take a breath before you begin — the congregation will settle as you speak.

A Verse to Hold On To

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." — Psalm 122:1 (KJV)