Seventh Sunday of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed. Alleluia.
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Lord Jesus, help us to live by Your Spirit; and show us that we are God’s children. May Your Spirit come to our aid. Make us generous, warm-hearted and unselfish; help us always to think of the needs of others. Through the Holy Spirit grant us the desire to seek God’s kingdom and His justice; strengthen our resolve to know you and the Father. Lord Jesus, Savior of mankind, You are enthroned with the Father in majesty. We offer You our sacrifice of worship and praise. May we feel Your presence among us to the end of time – one God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 (NLT)

During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”
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Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says… ‘Let someone else take his position.’

“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 103 (NLT)

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A Reading from the Letters: 1 John 4:11-16 (NLT)

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 17:11-19 (NLT)

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
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Intercessions:

Merciful God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer – hear our prayers:

+ For Christians around the world – that by our lives we may pass on the Good News of Christ’s mercy and grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Your church around the world – that You might raise up a new generation of leaders, full of the Spirit and wisdom…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those called to work as missionaries – that they may advance Your Kingdom purposes in today’s world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people of Nepal, recovering from a second earthquake – that people of good will may help them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who work in the media – that their work may advance the cause of truth and justice…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit – that You might restore their health and deliver them from evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who feel lonely or undervalued – that our friendship may help them realize how much You love them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our bothers and sisters who have died in Christ – that they may reside with Him in eternity…. Lord, hear us.

Lord Most High, great king over all the earth, You calm Your people in their distress: hear and grant our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

(May you) grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

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