Reading through Romans
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.
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A reading from Romans: Romans 1:1-7 (NLT)
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Brazilian soccer star, Kaka, has become the world’s first athlete to reach 10 million followers on Twitter, making him only the sixteenth person in the world to pass the benchmark.
The devout Christian soccer player is one of the most popular sports stars in the world, and is one of the most followed people on Twitter.
This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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Prayer:
Gracious and merciful God: I begin this new day with You. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lived and died and was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit… so that I might know that You love me. And thank You for all those You have chosen to proclaim this Good News throughout the world… especially those who proclaimed it to me.
As this day unfolds, may the light of Christ rise in my heart; may it shine forth – full of grace and truth – to the world around me. And may all I do and say glorify my Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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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 peace of 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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