Morning Prayer: 18 May – Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33 ~ believe and receive

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore Him, alleluia.

+ We thank you, Christ our Lord, and through You we give thanks to the Father in the Holy Spirit – let everything I do this day speak Your name.
+ May Your Holy Spirit dwell within us – may He make me a living member of Your body.
+ Do not allow us to judge or despise our brothers and sisters in Christ – make me remember that one day I shall stand before Your judgement seat.
+ Fill us with all joy and peace in believing – by the power of the Holy Spirit enlarge the horizons of my hope.

Lord God, let the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon me, so that I may hold fast to Your will with fidelity and show it forth in a holy life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Acts: Acts 19:1-8 (NLT)

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.

“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

“Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked.

And they replied, “The baptism of John.”

Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”

As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God.
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If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the God. (Colossians 3:1)
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:29-33 (NLT)

Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming — indeed it’s here now — when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

7th Sunday of Easter: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 103; 1 John 4:11-16; John 17:11-19 ~ keep them safe from the evil one

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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Apostle Matthias Duccio, 1311 Museo dell Opera del Duomo Florence, Italy — Apostle Matthias
Duccio, 1311
Museo dell Opera del Duomo
Florence, Italy

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

Morning Prayer: 16 May – Acts 18:23-28; John 16:23-28 ~ ask, using my name

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

To Christ be praise and glory! He promised the apostles that the power of the Holy Spirit would come upon them.
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You are the Word of truth, the wisdom and splendor of the Father – let me be Your witness today, in word and in deed. May I recognize the things of the Spirit and set my heart on them – where my heart is, there will my treasure be. Grant that the Holy Spirit may come to help me in my weakness and teach me how to pray. Let me be filled with all knowledge and love – enable me to counsel others in truth and love. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Acts: Acts 18:23-28 (NLT)

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

“Christ and Abbot Mena”
The oldest known Coptic icon was found in Bawit in Middle Egypt in 1900 by the French archaeologist Jean Clédat (1871 – 1943) who discovered the large Coptic Monastery of St. Apollo that once stood there. It was gifted by the Egyptian government to France as part of the policy of dividing archaeological finds in 1901-1902, and is kept at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.
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I came from the Father and have come into the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. (John 16:28)
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:23-28 (NLT)

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: 15 May – Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23 ~ unassailable joy

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.
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Lord, pour on us the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father – clothe us with power from on high. Send your Spirit upon us. You gave us a new birth in baptism with water and the Spirit – clothe us in the garment of eternal joy when Christ comes in His glory. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Acts: Acts 18:9-18 (NLT)

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there [in Corinth] for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

Aquila, Priscilla and Paul Orthodox Icon — Aquila, Priscilla and Paul
Orthodox Icon

But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”

But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” And he threw them out of the courtroom.

The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.

Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
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Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. (Luke 24:46,26)
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:20-23 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: 14 May – Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20 ~ prelude to power

The Ascension of the Lord

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

You, Christ, are the king of glory.
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Lord Jesus, on this day You promised the Holy Spirit to the apostles, for the spreading of Your gospel to the ends of the earth – strengthen us by the power of the Spirit in bearing witness before the world. Fill us with a holy joy; teach us how to thank You with reverence and love on account of the ascension of Christ Your Son. You have raised us up with Him: where He, the head, has preceded us in glory, there we, the body, are called in hope. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Acts: Acts 1:1-11 (NLT)

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 1:17-23 (NLT)

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else — not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
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Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 16:15-20 (NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

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

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