Calls to Worship Using Jesus’ 7 “I am” Statements

Introduction

The “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John are some of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture. Spoken into a world of uncertainty, each one reveals something essential about who Jesus is—and who He is for us. He is bread for the hungry, light for those in darkness, a gate for the outsider, a shepherd for the lost. These images not only shaped the imagination of the early church, they continue to speak into our worship today.

This collection of ten modern, biblical calls to worship—seven based on Jesus’ individual “I Am” statements and three that combine them—offers language that is rooted in Scripture and responsive to the needs of today’s congregation. Written in call-and-response format (One / All), they can be used in traditional or contemporary worship, morning or evening gatherings, liturgical or free church settings.

This was inspired by my time reading and writing about The 7 “I am” sayings of Jesus.

1. I Am the Bread of Life

John 6:35

One: Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry.”

All: We come with open hands and hungry hearts.

One: Not with empty ritual, but for true nourishment.

All: Christ feeds us with mercy, truth, and grace.

One: Let us worship the One who sustains our souls.

All: Jesus, Bread of Life, we come to you.

2. I Am the Light of the World

John 8:12

One: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.”

All: We come seeking light in a world full of shadows.

One: His light shines in the deepest night and leads us home.

All: In him, we find clarity, courage, and peace.

One: Let us worship the Light that never goes out.

All: Jesus, Light of the World, we follow you.

3. I Am the Gate

John 10:9

One: Jesus said, “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved.”

All: We come to the threshold of grace.

One: The door is open, and Christ welcomes all.

All: In him, we find belonging and new life.

One: Let us enter with thanksgiving.

All: Jesus, our Gate, we step into worship.

4. I Am the Good Shepherd

John 10:11

One: Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I lay down my life for the sheep.”

All: He knows us by name and calls us his own.

One: When we wander, He finds us. When we fall, he carries us.

All: In every valley and on every hill—he is with us.

One: Let us worship our Shepherd with trust and joy.

All: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we are yours.

5. I Am the Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25

One: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live.”

All: In a world of grief and loss, we cling to hope.

One: Death does not have the final word.

All: Jesus brings life where we thought all was lost.

One: Let us worship the Risen One.

All: Jesus, Resurrection and Life, we believe in you.

6. I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:6

One: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

All: When we are unsure of the path—he guides us.

One: When truth feels distorted—He grounds us.

All: When life feels thin—he renews us.

One: Let us worship with trust in every step.

All: Jesus, Way, Truth, and Life, we follow you.

7. I Am the True Vine

John 15:5

One: Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

All: Apart from him, we wither—but in him, we thrive.

One: He prunes what is unfruitful and nourishes what is good.

All: We are rooted in grace and called to grow in love.

One: Let us abide in Christ today.

All: Jesus, True Vine, we draw our life from you.

8. All We Need

John 6:35; 8:12; 10:11; 11:25; 15:5

One: Jesus is the Bread of Life—he satisfies our deepest hunger.

All: He is the Light of the World—guiding us through darkness.

One: He is the Good Shepherd—laying down his life for us.

All: He is the Resurrection and the Life—bringing hope out of despair.

One: He is the True Vine—our source, our strength, our song.

All: Let us worship Jesus, the Great I Am.

9. A Call for Ordinary Time

John 10:9; 14:6; 15:5

One: In our ordinary days and uncertain steps—

All: Jesus is the Gate that opens into grace.

One: He is the Way when we are lost,

All: The Truth when we are confused,

One: And the Life when we are weary.

All: Rooted in the Vine, we are never alone.

One: Come, let us worship the Christ who walks with us.

All: Jesus, we rest in You.

10. Who Do You Say That I Am?

Matthew 16:15; John’s “I Am” statements

One: Jesus once asked, “Who do you say that I am?”

All: And we respond with worship:

One: You are the Bread that feeds us,

All: The Light that guides us,

One: The Gate that welcomes us,

All: The Shepherd who protects us,

One: The Resurrection that raises us,

All: The Way who leads us,

One: The Vine who sustains us.

All: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

Conclusion

Jesus’ “I am” statements are not just theological truths, they are invitations into deeper communion with him. Each image is replete with depth that spans the wide world of Scripture.

As you use these calls to worship, or they spark your own modifications, may you and your congregation be blessed and drawn into the amazing mystery and marvel of our One God - Father, Son, and Spirit.

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