Month: April 2017

3rd Sunday of Easter, 30 Apr – Luke 24:13-35 ~ teach me and correct me

Third Sunday of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help me read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus.

In the light of God’s written Word, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. And so, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.

Create in me a silence that I too may listen to your voice in the Scriptures and make sense of the world around me. Awaken me to the power and force of your resurrection that I may witness first-hand that you are alive and present among us today.

I ask this of you, who lives and reigns with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
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“His Name” – Urban Rescue


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Reading: Luke 24:13-35 (NLT)

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

“What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

“Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
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Reflection & Prayer:

On this Third Sunday of Easter, I declare:

Christ is risen from the dead!
He has brought us victory over sin and death!
Alleluia!

Gracious God: Thank you for pursuing me and walking with me at times when I least expect it.

+ You alone can satisfy the hungers of my heart; you have the words of eternal life.

+ You revealed yourself through the Scriptures; teach me what is true and make me realize what is wrong in my life. Correct me when I am wrong and teach me to do what is right.

+ You passed on the Good News of Easter through trustworthy witnesses; keep me faithful to these truths, and give me the saving wisdom that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

+ You revealed your presence in the breaking of the bread; open my eyes today that I may recognize your presence in Holy Communion.

Gracious God: Every day that I walk with you is a life-changing adventure. Give me the opportunity to tell others what I have seen and heard. And prepare the hearts of those who listen to receive all that you have for them. I ask this through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
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“Our Story” – Urban Rescue


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Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ: thank you for the Word that has enabled me to better understand the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten my actions and grant me the strength to practice what your Word has revealed to me. To the glory of your name – you who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Saturday of 2nd Week of Easter, 29 Apr – John 6:16-21 ~ God with us!

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God, also in our day we need men and women filled with the Spirit of love and service who are attentive to the needs of people. Let them listen even to the unspoken cries of people too timid to voice their poverty and distress and help without condescension their brothers and sisters of Christ, for he is our Lord for ever.
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Reading: John 6:16-21 (NLT)

That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!
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Reflection & Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ: your Kingdom rule knows no boundaries, even the winds and waves obey you. You come to our assistance in the eye of the storm.

+ Free us from our past constraints that we might look forward to wonderful new adventures with you.
+ Free us from our present entanglements that we might look to you alone for our strength and security.

Come Lord Jesus: as light in our darkness, as calm in our storms, as healer of our diseases, as mercy over justice, as love over fear. Be our ever-present help in times of trouble, for your name’s sake.
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“Eye of the Storm” – Ryan Stevenson


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Concluding Prayer

Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. – Psalm 33:1-2 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Friday of 2nd Week of Easter, 28 Apr – John 6:1-15 ~ God our provider

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, your Son Jesus fed those who followed him in the desert and they received as much as they wanted. May we know and be convinced that he can fill our own emptiness not just with gifts that fill our need of the moment but with himself, and may we accept him eagerly, for he is our Lord for ever.
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Reading: John 6:1-15(NLT)

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”

Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

“Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.
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Reflection & Prayer:

Gracious God: In this information age, I am overwhelmed by the plight of the needy; my mind can’t begin to comprehend the depth of their distress. My personal resources seem insignificant; and yet, you fed thousands with a child’s lunch.

  • Lord, nothing escapes your attention; hear the cries of the needy and destitute.
  • Lord, provide for them, both physically and spiritually, out of the abundance of your grace.
  • Lord, multiply the generous giving of your people through Christian agencies.
  • Lord, give wisdom and discernment to Christians in the distribution of resources.
  • Lord, protect us all from the wiles and deceit of the evil one who would subvert their efforts.

God our Provider: All that I have comes from you, use me as you will to advance your Kingdom and bring honor to your name. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Provider” – Urban Rescue


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Concluding Prayer

The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? – Psalm 27:1 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Thursday of 2nd Week of Easter, 27 Apr – John 3:31-36 ~ believe and live

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, your Son Jesus Christ came from you and bore witness to the things he had heard and seen. He could not but bear witness to you. Give us the Spirit of your Son, we pray you, to speak your word and to live it, that we may show Christ, your living Word, to those who have not seen him. We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
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Reading: John 3:31-36 (NLT)

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
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Reflection & Prayer:

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. – John 3:30 (NLT)

Lord Jesus Christ: sent by the Father to live among us and speak his words of life to us – I believe you are the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that you have given me eternal life.

  • Fill me with your Spirit – that I may appreciate the significance of who you are.
  • Fill me with your Spirit – that I may be open to all that you have planned for me.
  • Fill me with your Spirit – that I may be as quick to forgive, as I am to be forgiven.
  • Fill me with your Spirit – that I may recall and apply your teaching to my life.
  • Fill me with your Spirit – that I may worship you freely and truthfully.

Lord Jesus Christ: the Father has entrusted you with everything, I can do no less. My real life, my true self, is hidden in you; may you increase and I decrease that I may become the person I was made to be. Soli Deo gloria.
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“Jesus” – Chris Tomlin


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 34:3,8 (NLT)

Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Wednesday of 2nd Week of Easter, 26 Apr – John 3:16-21 ~ come into the light

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you loved us so much that you gave us your only Son to save us from ourselves and to give us eternal life.

Do not condemn us, Lord, do not leave us to ourselves and to our little schemes but give us your Son now to stay with us and to make love and justice and peace ever new realities among us, your people reborn in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Reading: John 3:16-21 (NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
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Reflection & Prayer:

Ever-loving God: you gave us Jesus, your Son, so that we could believe in him, be saved from our sins, and live in the light of his glory – full of grace and truth.

We praise you with grateful, believing, hearts, Lord – glorify us with the glory of Christ.

  • You have called us into your own marvelous light that we may always see your loving-kindness.
  • You purify and strengthen us through your Holy Spirit to do what is right in your sight.
  • You call us to sacrifice ourselves in the service of others that our worship may be acceptable to you.

At the start of the day fill our hearts with your love; let the praise of your glory be the joy of our lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“God So Loved the World” – The Gabrieli Choir, Budapest


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Concluding Prayer

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. – Psalm 34:1-2 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!