Month: May 2017

Wednesday of 7th Week of Easter, 31 May – John 17:12-19 ~ keep us safe

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: we confess that we have sinned against you and against our neighbor. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us.

Lord, God of heaven, look down and see your people who are in great trouble and distress. The evil one prowls this earth seeking to steal, kill, and destroy us. Protect us and deliver us from evil. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who live and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Reading: John 17:12-19 (NLT)

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.
__________

Reflection & Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ:

+ You have called us by name and we have followed you; we are your people, the sheep of your pasture. Thank you, Good Shepherd, our provider and protector.

+ You have chosen us to be your very own possession that we may show others your goodness. Thank you, Light of the world, for calling us out of the darkness into your wonderful light.

+ You have set us apart as temporary residents and foreigners in a hostile and unbelieving world. Thank you, Word of God, for teaching us and consecrating us in your truth.

+ You have given us your Spirit that we may lead honorable lives. Thank you, Spirit of Christ, for empowering us to live as citizens of your Kingdom – respecting everyone and loving the family of believers.

Lord our God: our rock, our fortress, our savior; protect us and keep us safe from the evil one.  Through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Keep Us Safe” – Carrie Underwood


__________

Concluding Prayer – Psalm 18:2-3 (NLT)

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
__________

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

Tuesday of 7th Week of Easter, 30 May – John 17:1-11 ~ bring him glory

Tuesday of the Seventh 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 carried out the mission you had given him, without fear and in all faithfulness to you. God, give us a bit of his sense of mission. Give us the strength of the Spirit to speak your word as it is, bold and demanding, without compromising or giving in to the changing moods and fashions of the day. And may our lives be like an open book in which people can read your word. We ask you this through Christ our Lord.

Reading: John 17:1-11a (NLT)

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you.
__________

Reflection & Prayer:

Lord Jesus: you have given us eternal life through your sacrificial obedience to the Father.

+ Thank you for your self-sacrifice on our behalf.
+ Thank you for your transparency in showing us the Father.
+ Thank you for displaying for us the glory of the only true God.
+ Thank you for bringing us the Good News of the Kingdom.

Lord Jesus: you have claimed us as your own; fill us with your Spirit that we may keep your word and bring you glory in our daily lives.
__________

“To God Be The Glory” – (Royal Albert Hall, London)


__________

Concluding Prayer – Psalm 68:19-20 (NLT)

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.
__________

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

Monday of 7th Week of Easter, 29 May – John 16:29-33 ~ take heart

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God, when your Son Jesus had to pass through trials, he knew that you were with him and he committed himself into your hands. In this way he brought us your peace. As those baptized into his name, let your Spirit help us be brave when suffering and difficulties come our way, that, like your Son and with him, we may overcome evil in ourselves and in the world. May our pains give birth to love and peace and hope for others. We ask you this through Christ our Lord.

Reading: 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.”
__________

Reflection & Prayer:

Merciful God: on this Memorial Day in America, we remember the many trials and sorrows of those who have died in service to our country. We pray for them and their families – that they may forever rest in your perfect peace.

We have no illusions that we can bring about peace on earth; at best, we can stand in the gap when the forces of evil threaten to overwhelm us. And today, we thank you especially for the men and women who gave their lives to do just that.

We look to you alone, O Lord, for peace on earth; you have overcome the world – in you we put our trust. Reach out to us, reveal yourself to us, surprise us – that we may find light and strength to face the challenges of today.

We have no idea what lies ahead of us, but we do know that, come what may, you are with us – you will never leave us or forsake us. Give us the surety of your Spirit – that we may experience your liberating presence and peace.

Sovereign God: you have defeated the ruler of this world, once and for all, through Jesus’ sacrifice of love. Give us courage to continue to engage this defeated enemy, and suffer further hardship if need be, even as we declare your victory – through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Take Heart” – Hillsong United


__________

Concluding Prayer – Psalm 16:1-2,5 (NLT)

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”
_____

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
__________

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

Sunday: The Ascension of the Lord, 28 May – Matthew 28:16-20 ~ enthroned in majesty

Sunday: The Ascension of the Lord

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

Opening Prayer

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
__________

“Behold Our God” – Praise And Harmony Singers


__________

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
__________

Reflection & Prayer:

God of majesty, yours is the power that raised Christ from death, yours the glory that exalted him to your right hand – enthroned with you in majesty forever.

+ Send us your Spirit: that he may live in and through us, and bear witness that we are your children.

+ Send us your Spirit: that we may make disciples – baptizing, teaching, and healing with power and authority.

+ Send us your Spirit: that we may lead lives worthy of this calling to which we have been called.

+ Send us your Spirit: that we may be humble and gentle – patient, loving, and peaceful with each other.

+ Send us your Spirit: that we may be generous, warm-hearted and unselfish – putting the needs of others ahead of our own.

Lord God: through the Holy Spirit grant us the desire to seek your kingdom and your justice; strengthen our resolve to know you and the Father. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Be Enthroned” – Jeremy Riddle | Bethel Music


__________

Concluding Prayer – Psalm 150 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!
__________

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

Saturday of 6th Week of Easter, 27 May – John 16:23-28 ~ in Jesus’ name

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God, merciful Father, it is hard for us to accept pain, for we know that you have made us for joyous life to the full. When suffering cuts to the core of our being, help us to discover the depth of our inner freedom and love, and all the faith and loyalty of which we are capable, together with, and by the power of, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reading: 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.”
__________

Reflection & Prayer:

Our Father: Thank you for the privilege of coming into your presence through faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Quiet our hearts before you as we abide in the beauty of your holiness.

Unite our hearts with yours; make our wills your will; give us the mind of Christ that we might truly love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Make us more concerned about what we can give to you, than about what we can receive from you.

Holy Spirit: help us in our weakness when we don’t know how to pray. Give expression to the yearnings of our hearts that the Father may grant our requests presented in harmony with his own will. Fill us with abundant joy and infuse our lives with the Father’s tender love for us that we may rest assured in him, come what may.

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
__________

“In Jesus’ Name” – Third Day w/ Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant & Michael Tait

The blind have sight | The deaf now hear | The lame will walk | The lost drawn near | And with new life | The dead are raised | All through the power | In Jesus name

The tired find rest | The sick are healed | The mysteries of our God revealed | And now the truth | Can be proclaimed | All through the power | In Jesus name

Name above all names | Savior and our Lord | Every knee will bow | And every tongue confess | No other name is given | By which we can be saved | Let us find our life and love | In Jesus name

The thirsty filled | The hungry fed | And those who mourn | Are comforted | The chains are broken | That have enslaved | We’re offered freedom | In Jesus name

There is power | There is hope | There is love like you’ve never known | There is forgiveness | And healing from your pain | All through the power | In Jesus name

Let us find our life and love | In Jesus name
__________

Concluding Prayer – Psalm 47:8-9 (NLT)

God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.
__________

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