After the Lord’s Ascension | Monday 13 May 2024: Psalm 115; Exodus 28:29-38; Philippians 1:3-11 ~ Pray for knowledge and insight.

After the Lord’s Ascension | Monday 13 May 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

O God, the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit
to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place
where our Savior Christ has gone before;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“I pray that your love will keep on growing
because of your knowledge and insight.”
(Philippians 1:9)

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From Psalms: Psalm 115 – Poor Bishop Hooper

not to us but to your name be the glory
not to us but to your name be the glory
not to us but to your name be the glory god

the nations say where is their god
our god is in heaven doing all that pleases him
but the form of their handcrafted god
cannot move or make a sound

those who make them will be like them
and so will all those who trust in them

o house of israel
trust in the lord he is their help and shield
o house of aaron
trust in the lord he is their help and shield
o you who fear him
trust in the lord he is their help and shield

the lord will bless and he will remember
the great and the small aaron and israel
may the lord increase you and your children
may you be blessed by your maker

it is not the dead who praise the lord
for it is we who extol the lord

not to us but to your name be the glory
not to us but to your name be the glory
not to us but to your name be the glory god

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OT Reading: Exodus 28:29-38 (GW)

28:29 “Whenever Aaron goes into the holy place, he will be carrying the names of the sons of Israel over his heart as a constant reminder in the Lord’s presence. He must do this by wearing the breastplate for decision-making. Put the Urim and Thummim  into the breastplate for decision-making. They, too, will be over Aaron’s heart when he comes into the Lord’s presence. In this way whenever he’s in the Lord’s presence, Aaron will always be carrying over his heart the ⌞means for determining the Lord’s⌟ decisions for the Israelites.

Other Clothes for Aaron and His Sons

28:31 “Make the robe that is worn with the ephod entirely of violet material. Make an opening for the head in the center with a reinforced edge (like a leather collar) all around it to keep it from tearing. All around the hem of the robe make pomegranates of violet, purple, and bright red yarn with gold bells in between— a gold bell alternating with a pomegranate all around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he serves as priest. The sound of the bells must be heard when he comes into and goes out of the Lord’s presence in the holy place so that he won’t die.

“Make a flower-shaped medallion out of pure gold, and engrave on it (as on a signet ring): Holy to the Lord. Fasten a violet cord to it, and tie it so that it’s on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead. He’s the one to be blamed for anything done wrong when the Israelites bring their holy offerings—whatever their gifts may be. The medallion must always be on Aaron’s forehead so that the Lord will accept their offerings.

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Holy To The Lord – Acappella – A Cappella

Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, cleansed and reconciled
Holy, washed from sin so vile
Holy, living undefiled
O Father make me Holy
“Holy To The Lord”

Holy, thoughts in truth refined
Holy, works in Him designed
Holy, love in Him defined
O help me to be Holy
“Holy To The Lord”

Holy, rev’rent, sanctified
Holy, righteous, purified
Holy, blameless, justified
O Father keep me Holy
“Holy To The Lord”
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NT Reading: Philippians 1:3-11 (GW)

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

1:3 I thank my God for all the memories I have of you. Every time I pray for all of you, I do it with joy. I can do this because of the partnership we’ve had with you in the Good News from the first day ⌞you believed⌟ until now. I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. You have a special place in my heart. So it’s right for me to think this way about all of you. All of you are my partners. Together we share God’s favor, whether I’m in prison or defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God is my witness that, with all the compassion of Christ Jesus, I long ⌞to see⌟ every one of you.

I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight. That way you will be able to determine what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. Jesus Christ will fill your lives with everything that God’s approval produces. Your lives will then bring glory and praise to God.

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I Will Bless The Lord //And Give Him All Glory🔥// Presence Of Jesus Ministry

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Benedict of Nursia
+ Gracious and holy Father, please give me intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, a heart to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, a tongue to proclaim you, a way of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and perseverance to look for you. Grant me a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily,  politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the  grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your  straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Spirit kindle in us the fire of God’s love.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

After The Lord’s Ascension | Sunday 12 May 2024: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 ~ Jesus: Use the truth to be holy.

After The Lord’s Ascension | Sunday 12 May 2024

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

O God, the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit
to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place
where our Savior Christ has gone before;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“I’m dedicating myself to this holy work
I’m doing for them so that they, too,
will use the truth to be holy.”
(John 17:19)

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Love divine all loves excelling – citrail

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Reading from Acts of the Apostles: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (GW)

1:15 At a time when about 120 disciples had gathered together, Peter got up and spoke to them.

He said, “Brothers, what the Holy Spirit predicted through David in Scripture about Judas had to come true. Judas led the men to arrest Jesus. He had been one of us and had been given an active role in this ministry….

1:21 He must be one of the men who accompanied Jesus with us the entire time that the Lord Jesus was among us. This person must have been with us from the time that John was baptizing people to the day that Jesus was taken from us.”

The disciples determined that two men were qualified. These men were Joseph (who was called Barsabbas and was also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s thoughts. Show us which of these two you have chosen. Show us who is to take the place of Judas as an apostle, since Judas abandoned his position to go to the place where he belongs.”

They drew names to choose an apostle. Matthias was chosen and joined the eleven apostles.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 1 – Sons of Korah

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Reading from the Letters: 1 John 5:9-13 (GW)

5:9 We accept human testimony. God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony that he has given about his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them. Those who don’t believe God have made God a liar. They haven’t believed the testimony that God has given about his Son.

This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in his Son. The person who has the Son has this life. The person who doesn’t have the Son of God doesn’t have this life.

Conclusion

5:13 I’ve written this to those who believe in the Son of God so that they will know that they have eternal life.

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God So Loved / We The Kingdom

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Reading from the Gospels: John 17:6-19 (GW)

17:6 “I made your name known to the people you gave me. They are from this world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They did what you told them. Now they know that everything you gave me comes from you, because I gave them the message that you gave me. They have accepted this message, and they know for sure that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me.

“I pray for them. I’m not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours. Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine. I have been given glory by the people you have given me. I won’t be in the world much longer, but they are in the world, and I’m coming back to you. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me, so that their unity may be like ours. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me. I watched over them, and none of them, except one person, became lost. So Scripture came true.

“But now, ⌞Father,⌟ I’m coming back to you. I say these things while I’m still in the world so that they will have the same joy that I have. I have given them your message. But the world has hated them because they don’t belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. They don’t belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

“Use the truth to make them holy. Your words are truth. I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I’m dedicating myself to this holy work I’m doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy.

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Holiness – Sarah Hart / OCPmusic

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your  Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, without whose beauty and goodness our souls are unfed, without whose truth our reason withers: Consecrate our lives to your will, giving us such  purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time we may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ  our Savior. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily,  politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out  your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son  Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Spirit kindle in us the fire of God’s love.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Saturday 11 May 2024: Psalm 47; Deuteronomy 34:1-7; John 16:4-11 ~ Jesus sent us the helper in his stead.

Easter Season | Saturday 11 May 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
whose only-begotten Son
our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven:
May our hearts and minds also there ascend,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am telling you the truth:
It’s good for you that I’m going away.
If I don’t go away, the helper won’t come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.”
(John 16:7)

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From Psalms: Psalm 47 – Poor Bishop Hooper

clap your hands lift a shout up to the lord
he is great he is king over all the earth

sing praises sing praises
the lord ascends among the voices

god reigns over all
he is seated on his holy throne
all the people of the world
will exalt the highly honored one

he is great
greatly exalted

sing praises sing praises
the lord ascends among the voices

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OT Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-7 (GW)

Moses’ Death and Burial

34:1 Then Moses went up on Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab. He went to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. The Lord showed him the whole land. He could see Gilead as far as Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the territory of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev, and the Jordan Plain—the valley of Jericho (the City of Palms)—as far as Zoar.

Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised with an oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I said I would give it to their descendants. I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you may not go there.”

As the Lord had predicted, the Lord’s servant Moses died in Moab. He was buried in a valley in Moab, near Beth Peor. Even today no one knows where his grave is.

Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyesight never became poor, and he never lost his physical strength.

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In the Shadow of Your Wings 04-22-2023 – Live Worship / Beth Sar Shalom

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NT Reading: John 16:4-11 (GW)

16:4 But I’ve told you this so that when it happens you’ll remember what I’ve told you. I didn’t tell you this at first, because I was with you.

“Now I’m going to the one who sent me. Yet, none of you asks me where I’m going. But because I’ve told you this, you’re filled with sadness. However, I am telling you the truth: It’s good for you that I’m going away. If I don’t go away, the helper won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. He will come to convict the world of sin, to show the world what has God’s approval, and to convince the world that God judges it. He will convict the world of sin, because people don’t believe in me. He will show the world what has God’s approval, because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore. He will convince the world that God judges it, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

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Come Holy Spirit, Come (Bo, Ruach Elohim) ShalomDFW.org

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily,  politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all  dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your  Son  Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Spirit kindle in us the fire of God’s love.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Easter Season | Friday 10 May 2024: Psalm 47; Exodus 24:15-18; Revelation 1:9-18 ~ Jesus (the first and last) is alive forever.

Easter Season | Friday 10 May 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
whose only-begotten Son
our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven:
May our hearts and minds also there ascend,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Don’t be afraid!
I am the first and the last, the living one.
I was dead, but now I am alive forever.
I have the keys of death and hell.”
(Revelation 1:17b-18)

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From Psalms: Psalm 47 (Shout to God) – The Psalms Project [feat. Chris Heesch]

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OT Reading: Exodus 24:15-18 (GW)

24:15 So Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered it. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from inside the cloud. To the Israelites, the glory of the Lord looked like a raging fire on top of the mountain. Moses entered the cloud as he went up the mountain. He stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights.

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I Lift my eyes to Yeshua | נושא את עיניי אל ישוע / One for Israel Ministry

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NT Reading: Revelation 1:9-18 (GW)

1:9 I am John, your brother. I share your suffering, ruling, and endurance because of Jesus. I was ⌞exiled⌟ on the island of Patmos because of God’s word and the testimony about Jesus. I came under the Spirit’s power on the Lord’s day. I heard a loud voice behind me like a trumpet, saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

I turned toward the voice which was talking to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lamp stands. There was someone like the Son of Man among the lamp stands. He was wearing a robe that reached his feet. He wore a gold belt around his waist. His head and his hair were white like wool—like snow. His eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like glowing bronze refined in a furnace. His voice was like the sound of raging waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun when it shines in all its brightness.

When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. Then he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the first and the last, the living one. I was dead, but now I am alive forever. I have the keys of death and hell.

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Revelation Chapter One / Vinesong

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds  deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you  and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily,  politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in  glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

+ Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our  ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Spirit kindle in us the fire of God’s love.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ascension of the Lord | Thursday 09 May 2024: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 ~ Jesus was taken to heaven.

Ascension of the Lord | Thursday 09 May 2024

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son
our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven:
May our hearts and minds also there ascend,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Then Jesus took them to a place near Bethany.
There he raised his hands and blessed them.
While he was blessing them,
he left them and was taken to heaven.”
(Luke 24:50-51)

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Alleluia! Sing to Jesus / ILP music

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From the NT: Acts 1:1-11 (GW)

Introduction

1:1 In my first book, Theophilus, I wrote about what Jesus began to do and teach. This included everything from the beginning ⌞of his life⌟ until the day he was taken to heaven. Before he was taken to heaven, he gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles, whom he had chosen.

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

1:3 After his death Jesus showed the apostles a lot of convincing evidence that he was alive. For 40 days he appeared to them and talked with them about God’s kingdom.

Once, while he was meeting with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for what the Father had promised. Jesus said to them, “I’ve told you what the Father promises: John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles came together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you’re going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus told them, “You don’t need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. Then you will be my witnesses to testify about me in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he had said this, he was taken to heaven. A cloud hid him so that they could no longer see him.

They were staring into the sky as he departed. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood near them. They asked, “Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking at the sky? Jesus, who was taken from you to heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.”

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From the Psalms: Psalm 47 – “Shout to God” / Grapeview Church

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From the NT: Ephesians 1:15-23 (GW)

Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians

1:15 I, too, have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. For this reason I never stop thanking God for you. I always remember you in my prayers. I pray that the glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Christ better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that he calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God’s people will inherit. You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the believers. He worked with that same power in Christ when he brought him back to life and gave him the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. He is far above all rulers, authorities, powers, lords, and all other names that can be named, not only in this present world but also in the world to come. God has put everything under the control of Christ. He has made Christ the head of everything for the good of the church. The church is Christ’s body and completes him as he fills everything in every way.

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Above all – Michael W. Smith | Worship Therapy

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From the Gospels: Luke 24:44-53 (GW)

2:44 Then he said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you. I told you that everything written about me in Moses’ Teachings, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He said to them, “Scripture says that the Messiah would suffer and that he would come back to life on the third day. Scripture also says that by the authority of Jesus people would be told to turn to God and change the way they think and act so that their sins will be forgiven. This would be told to people from all nations, beginning in the city of Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things.

“I’m sending you what my Father promised. Wait here in the city until you receive power from heaven.”

Then Jesus took them to a place near Bethany. There he raised his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken to heaven.

The disciples worshiped him and were overjoyed as they went back to Jerusalem. They were always in the temple, where they praised God.

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This I Believe (The Creed | Maranatha! Music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds  deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you  and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily,  politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us.  Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is  immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who has opened the kingdom of heaven,
bring us to reign with him in glory.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.