What can we give you that isn't already yours? What can we offer that you don't already possess? You don't ask for slaughtered goats or lambs. You don't need them to survive; they are yours anyway. You don't need us to call attention to outward sacrifice, you would rather our sacrifice be quiet and internal. Sacrifice a little of our time and spend it with you. Sacrifice our desires, our bad habits and make good habits. Sacrifice our selfishness and be a little more selfless. But the most pleasing of all sacrifices to you, you say: is a sacrifice of praise. To give thanks and praise and to glorify your Holy Name. You assure us that if we do this, then when we are in need and call upon your name, you will be there for us.

Lord, so often, as humans we focus on what is on the outside but what matters most to you is what is on the inside. We are often so busy and preoccupied with by the world around us that we forget to stop or slow down and we miss what is most important in our lives. Lord help us sacrifice a little of our time to deepen and strengthen our friendship. Help us Lord to step back and open our eyes to what matters most in our lives: friends, family, and faith and to take time to be grateful for them and really cherish what precious short time we have together.

Open our hearts Lord and fill them with the love you had and gave for the whole world so that we might be less selfish and more selfless. In being more selfless there is less of my self and there is more of you. We were all created in God's image and likeness. God is selfless love. The more we are selfless the closer we are to God and the more clearly we reflect the image and likeness of Christ to the world and those in it. We were created to be selfless, but like Jesus we must take the time to be alone, give thanks and praise for all the blessings we have and to eat, drink and rest that we might have Strength for the Journey.

How awesome is your name throughout the earth and your majesty is far beyond  the wonder of the earth and the heavens far above. It is exalted by all creation, even from the mouths of newborns. You have fashioned praise in defense against evil and chaos and render them powerless. I look to the heavens to marvel at your handiwork. The sun, the moon, the stars that you alone, by a word, have set in place. How is it that one as great and awesome as you would notice us, to care, and love us? But in all our frailty and mortality you have created us to be like you, a little lower than the angels. You gave us glory and honor. You have us power and authority to rule over what you have fashioned. You gave us dominion over the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and the beasts of the field. You have given us all of this. How awesome, how great, is your name Oh Lord My God throughout all the earth!

Lord, we exalt and we praise your name through all the earth. How great how marvelous are the works you have made. You have lifted us up from our smallness and weakness to be like you, to be close to you. You have given us power, authority, and dominion over your creation. Help us to be good stewards to take care of and nurture all of creation and all life. We are too prone to turn our thoughts to the evil one and we don't always protect and respect this gift as we ought. Forgive us Lord, look with love and compassion upon your beloved, and lead us back to yourself once more. Amen.

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

Up here upon the mountain you call me: come follow, come walk
Here upon the mountain I listen and try to hear you talk
Silence isn't easy outer words and inner thoughts
Searching to fill a hunger when it's you I should've sought

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

Now and then I feel the weight from sin and shame
I say sorry and ask forgiveness and every time the same
But you love me anyway I see you love me still
You loved me then, you love me now, and you always will

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

There are days when I feel like I can fly
Other times I just want to break down and cry
I can't stay here forever and sometimes I must go
Out in the world or to the valley far below

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

The journey's long, the road is hard and I want to give in
You teach me dependence and faith invaluable lessons

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story

There in the beauty of a sunset, in a picture perfect day
I catch a little glimpse of You in a more amazing way
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

The miracle of a rainbow, the beauty of a blade of grass
Finding untold treasure where others see only trash
Listen. Here the thrum of wind on golden strings
The bells sounding clear and pure in the trees they sing

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

Feel the complex dance around you come alive as you are filled
With a racing spirit and feet that won't be stilled
A song bursts forth just like the morning sun
And overflows and covers you until you and it are one

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

We lose sight of what's important as we fight to survive
But if we stop to look through a child's eyes we learn to truly thrive

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are: running in place

A life of joy and wonder greets the sun in morning sky
A life of joy and wonder will run free and learn to fly
A life of joy and wonder finds gladness in the rain
A life of joy and wonder finds healing amidst the pain

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are running in place

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A child's eyes are bright and strong; they don't dull or dim
You might hear their quiet song if you stop and listen

There is a life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are running in place
A life of joy and wonder takes patience, love, and care
It takes a long time, many years till we get there

But a life of joy and wonder is a precious thing I'm told...

Because a life of joy and wonder far surpasses the value of gold!

We are called to be the spirit of Nazareth. We are like a city on a hill: defending, protecting our families an communities as well as being and shining the light of Christ for all to see. As Christ is the vine and we are its branches which bear great fruit when rooted firmly in Christ, so too are we called to stand strong and secure in Christ's teachings so that those around us; our wives and children can grow and flourish. The spirit of Nazareth is a call to action. We were made to be courageous, to take a stand, to lead, to love, to light and guide. We are here to follow Christ who came before us and strive to set a good example for those who will one day do the same. We are men and we are the Spirit of Nazareth! AMEN

Father we come to you today in prayer an thanksgiving for the youth of our church and for all the youth around the world. We ask you Oh Lord to sen your Holy Spirit down upon them so that they may receive a holy spark to set their hearts ablaze with love for you, themselves and all your glorious creation! We pray for the youth that they would become today's great leaders, role-models, and guardians. Guide them, keep them safe and close to you Lord as they find themselves in who you are. We also pray for ourselves Lord. Those of us who gather here to lead, guide, teach, nurture. Fill us with a spirit of wisdom and understanding. Help us to be good stewards of the great task before us. Grant us, we pray, the strength, the courage, and commitment as we strive to change the world by changing our lives one heart at a time. With the understanding that you hear and answer our prayers in your way and your time and you know our hearts, we say: let your will be done Lord not ours. We pray this and all things with great confidence in your Most Holy Name Jesus. AMEN.

(Angel Warriors)

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

Guardians of light of love and of truth
Unseen warriors fighting for you
Though you can't touch them they are always close by
No need to fear so wipe the tear from your eye

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

They guard and protect you they'll keep you from harm
Though you can't see them don't be alarmed
There is never a moment when you are all alone
They are present always; even when they aren't shown

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

They walk right beside you wherever you go
I feel a calm, a peace; and in my heart I know
Watching over you all day and when you sleep at night
Surrounded by the enemy they stand and fight

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care