+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.
As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:5-9 (ESV)
Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord.
For the Lord is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
A Reading from the Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-2 (NLT)
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”
A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12 (NLT)
For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 21:5–19 (NLT)
Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
Intercessions:
Lord God: Your time is near. I come before You with perseverance and hope for the needs of Your people and the needs of the world. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Church leaders, bishops, priests, and ministers everywhere: that they may lead the church in offering hope and vision to the world in times of confusion and chaos. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christians in every tribe and nation, especially those who are persecuted because of the faith: that they may experience Your comfort, provision, and protection, and that Your angel armies might overcome the evil one in their defense. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For leaders of all nations: that they exercise wisdom and sound judgement, seeking an end to war and violence. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are devastated by natural disaster, especially in the Philippines: that they might receive food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and comfort, and that the Church might rise to the challenge. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For peace in the Middle-East, especially in Syria: that violence may end and all people may work toward just societies that offer safety, education and opportunity for all citizens. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are responsible for public safety, especially firefighters, police and medical personnel: that they maintain vigilance and receive renewed energy. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For members of the military and aid agencies dispersed throughout the world: that they may soon return home to their loved ones. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For those who are seriously ill, hospitalized, or homebound, and their caregivers. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For the recently deceased, born and unborn, and for all who mourn their loss. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For my loved ones – family, friends and neighbors. (pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
God of all time, in these days of uncertainty You are my constant hope. Give me wisdom and an obedient heart as I strive to live out Your Gospel and wait with patience for Your coming in glory. I ask this through Christ my Lord. Amen.
Hymn: “When You Walk Into The Room” – Jesus Culture
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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