If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – James 1:5 (NLT)
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. – Proverbs 24:5-6 (NLT)
Prayer: Godly guidance
Generous God: I ask for wisdom and guidance during these last four weeks of the presidential election cycle – for the Presidential candidates, for all others who are seeking public office, for all faithful American citizens, and for myself –
+ I ask that the Presidential candidates might actively seek your wisdom and guidance; and that they might surround themselves with godly counselors. This election has taken some nasty turns, Lord. I pray that you might lift the debate out of the darkness into your glorious light, and that truth and justice might prevail.
+ I ask that all who are seeking public office might look to you for wisdom and guidance, and surround themselves with godly counselors instead of self-serving opportunists. May they be men and women of their word who keep their commitments and work tirelessly for the good of the American people they serve.
+ I ask that you give faithful American citizens wisdom and sound judgement as they prepare to go to the polls on November 8th. Give them spiritual discernment so that they can see through the schemes and deceit of the evil one who thrives in chaos and confusion. Help them to look beyond the personalities of the candidates to the two distinctly different visions of America that they advocate. And, above all else, I pray that your faithful people will choose life.
+ I ask that you temper my partisanship with the wisdom that comes from your Word and Spirit. May I be a respecter of all persons, created in your image, regardless of how strongly I might disagree with them. May I see you in them, and act accordingly.
+ 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
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:65-72 (NLT)
You have done many good things for me, Lord , just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
Reading: Genesis 37:23-24; 50:20 (NLT)
So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
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You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Reading: Acts 5:29-39 (NLT)
But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
Prayer for Those in Trouble
We hold before God:
those for whom life is very difficult;
those who have difficult decisions to make, and
who honestly do not know what is the right thing to do.
We hold before God:
those who have difficult tasks to do and to face, and
who fear they may fail in them;
those who have difficult temptations to face, and
those who know only too well that they may fall to them,
if they try to meet them alone.
We hold before God:
those who know that they can be their own worst enemies.
We hold before God:
those who have difficult people to work with;
those who have to suffer unjust treatment, unfair
criticism, unappreciated work.
We hold before God:
those who are sad because someone they loved has died;
and any who are disappointed in something for which they hoped very much.
Reveal to us your intended purpose in our struggles – that we may bless your name at all times. In Jesus’ name.
“Blessed Be Your Name” – Matt Redman
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!
Opening Sentence
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Reading: Psalm 119:57-64 (NLT)
Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments.
O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
Reading: Ezekiel 37:2-4 (NLT)
“The Vision of The Valley of The Dry Bones” by Gustave Doré, 1886
He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”
Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!
Reading: Romans 8:19-23 (NLT)
For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.
Prayer
The earth is full of Your steadfast love, but now teach me Your commands. It is me that is out of step, out of tune, discordant and jarring.
+ Help me to find my place in Your purpose, O God, may I be receptive and open to Your direction and inspiration.
+ All creation waits in excited expectation for me to assume my destiny, for which I was created, and stand as a “son of God.”
May I hold Him high that all may see the light of Jesus in a son of man.
“Come Alive (Dry Bones)” – Lauren Daigle – Live from the CentricWorship Retreat
Through the eyes of men it seems | There’s so much we have lost | As we look down the road | Where all the prodigals have walked | One by one | The enemy has whispered lies | And led them off as slaves
But we know that you are God | Yours is the victory | We know there is more to come | That we may not yet see | So with the faith you’ve given us | We’ll step into the valley unafraid, yeah
As we call out to dry bones | Come alive, come alive | We call out to dead hearts | Come alive, come alive | Up out of the ashes | Let us see an army rise | We call out to dry bones, come alive
God of endless mercy | God of unrelenting love | Rescue every daughter | Bring us back the wayward son | And By your spirit breathe upon them | Show the world that you alone can save | You alone can save
So breathe, oh breath of God | Now breathe, oh breath of God | Breathe, oh breath of God | Now breathe | Breathe, oh breath of God | Now breathe, oh breath of God | Breathe, oh breath of God, now breathe
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.
Praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord God, who continues to do great things for all peoples.
Opening Prayer:
O God, our life, our health, our salvation, look with mercy on your people. Stir up in us a saving faith, that believing, we may be healed, and being healed, we may worthily give you thanks. 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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“Alleluia” – Bethel Live Worship
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A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:14-17 (NLT)
[The healing of the leper Naaman and his decision to commit himself to the God of Israel.]
So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!
Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”
Elisha refuses the gifts of Naaman Pieter de Grebber, 1637 Frans Hals Museum Haarlem, Netherlands
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.
Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)
Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
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“Psalm 98 (Holy is He)” – David Dunn
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)
[A short summary of the good news.]
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
[The story of the healing of ten lepers, and the return of just one to say ‘thanks’.]
As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.
One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
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“Healer” – Bethel Music
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Intercessory Prayer:
Wonder-working God: Hear our prayers –
+ For a speedy end to the conflict in Syria, that God will move the hearts of the various factions to bring an end to the bloodshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people of Syria, especially those who have lost homes and loved ones: that they may find a place of safety…. Lord, hear us.
+ For journalists, that in carrying out their work, they may always be motivated by respect for truth…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the men and women chosen to spread the Good News, that they may bear the hardships which come with that task…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer from disease in our world, that full medical help may be available to rich and poor alike…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose homes and livelihood have been destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, that they may find the resources to re-build their lives…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer isolation today, as the lepers once did, that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may live with You forever…. Lord, hear us.
God of many wonders, you bring salvation to all the earth: remember your people and grant our prayer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Strength” – Jonathan & Melissa Helser
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Benediction:
(May) Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 