+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
I have come to seek You, O God, just as I am I come.
I have come to be sought by You, just as I am I come.
I will wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in His word do I hope.
Reading: Psalm 119:136 (NLT)
Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.
Reading: Isaiah 5:1-4 (NLT)
Now I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill. He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with the best vines. In the middle he built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks. Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes, but the grapes that grew were bitter.
Now, you people of Jerusalem and Judah, you judge between me and my vineyard. What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done? When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes?
Reading: Luke 13:34; 19:41 (NLT)
Statue of Jesus Weeping at St. Joseph’s Church near the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me….”
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But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.
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Prayer
Lord God:
Fill me with your sorrow and compassion for those who disobey and even flaunt your law.
+ Touch my heart with the sorrow of your broken heart, that I may love the lost.
Your law is good, and just, and given to care for and tend the people you love.
+ Conform my life to your Kingdom rule, that I may demonstrate your love to the lost.
Call out in me again a willingness to love and serve you.
“Sovereign Over Us” – Worship Mob
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God is merciful to all who humble themselves before him.
Opening Prayer:
O God, who alone can probe the depths of the heart, you hear the prayer of the humble and justify the repentant sinner. As we stand before you, grant us the gift of humility, that we may see our own sins clearly and refrain from judging our neighbor. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“How great is our God” – Chris Tomlin
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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 (USCCB)
[The Lord is not deferential to the powerful but takes the side of the powerless.]
The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 21-22 (NLT)
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
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Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
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“The cry of the poor “
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)
[Paul speaks of his imminent death and reflects on his own deep faith.]
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
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The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
[Jesus gives an example of humility before God – the Pharisee and the tax collector.]
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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“God of Mercy and Compassion”
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Intercessory Prayer:
God of justice and mercy, you know no favorites but are partial to the prayers of the powerless and broken-hearted. In humility, and total dependence, we come before you –
+ For all civil leaders, that their governance may reflect your justice and mercy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all religious leaders, that they may lead your people with humility…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers facing persecution, that their faith may be strengthened and their religious freedom respected…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who feel broken-hearted and powerless, that they may recognize your presence with them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our families and especially for people who are sick or troubled…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers whose life on earth is over, that the crown of righteousness may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.
Compassionate God, you rescue your people in all their distress, hear the prayers we offer in humility and truth, through Christ our Lord.
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“Ever Be” – Kalley Heiligenthal | Bethel Music
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Benediction:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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2 Kings 6:16-17 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord , open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
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Prayer:
God of Angel Armies, send Saint Michael and Your Heavenly Hosts to protect and defend America from the principalities and powers that would destroy us. Give Your people courage and confidence knowing that there are more on our side than on theirs.
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Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
Archangel Michael Guido Reni, circa 1636 Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
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Saint Michael Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection against
the wickedness and snares of the devil;
may God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, cast into hell
Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
__________
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – one God forever. Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Collect: 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.
(1979 Book of Common Prayer)
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2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT)
These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
Hillary has long believed that “the personal is political,” especially when political power can benefit her personally. Indeed, as the emails show, her public career has been based on showing one face to her gullible supporters and another, more ruthless one to allies and adversaries behind closed doors.
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Prayer: deceitful workers
Almighty God: You know our hearts, our desires, and our secrets; all are laid bare before You. And now, in these last few weeks before the election, Hillary Clinton’s secrets are being laid bare before the American electorate.
+ Thank You for using Julian Assange and Wikileaks to shine light on the darkness of American politics.
+ Thank You for revealing the duplicity of Hillary Clinton – one face to gullible supporters, and another more ruthless one to allies and adversaries behind closed doors.
Almighty God: Give Your people the discernment to recognize the lies, deceit and corruption infecting our political system.
+ Reveal the deceitfulness of corrupt officials who have gotten rich while serving in public office.
+ Reveal the shameless deceit of corrupt officials who use world-wide tragedies to enrich themselves and their cronies under the guise of charity.
+ Reveal the deceitfulness of corrupt officials who participate in “pay to play” schemes designed to gain access and favors in order to enrich themselves.
+ Reveal the bigotry of “deceitful workers” toward socially conservative Catholics and Evangelicals who have opposed their “progressive” social agenda.
+ Reveal the schemes of “deceitful workers” who have connived for years to rig the system and undermine our electoral process.
+ Reveal the collusion of the “deceitful workers” in the media that has become a propaganda arm of the State – hiding the truth concerning corruption at the highest levels of our government from the American people.
Almighty God: I pray for the souls of these “deceitful workers… who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” Convict them of their sin – that they may repent of their service to the Evil One, and turn to You for mercy and forgiveness.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – one God forever. Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
I have come to seek You, O God, just as I am I come.
I have come to be sought by You, just as I am I come.
I will wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in His word do I hope.
Reading: Psalm 119:129-132 (NLT)
Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.
Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.
Reading: Habakkuk 2:14 (NLT)
For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.
Reading: John 7:37-39 (NLT)
On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)
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O Lord, Your word enters and lets in the light. It gives understanding to the simple.
Open-mouthed and longing I come to You. To whom else shall I go? You have the words of eternal life. I have believed, sometimes recklessly, sometimes hesitantly, but I have believed, and come to know that You are the only one who can satisfy my thirst.
I am an emptiness for Thee to fill;
my soul a cavern for Thy sea.
May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!
The Peanut Gallery 