23rd Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Brighten your Church, O God, with the promise of your kingdom and waken our hearts to its light. Bid us hasten with faith undimmed to greet the bridegroom’s return and to enter the wedding feast. 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. Amen.
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“You’re The One” – Praise and Worship

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Reading: Matthew 25:1-13 (NLT)

Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
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Intercessory Prayer

Gracious God: Your loving-kindness is better than life itself. Hear our prayers –

• For all believers – that they may receive the gift of wisdom and live accordingly….
• For believers preparing for marriage – that they may grow in love, kindness, and grace….
• For believers imprisoned for their faith – that they may be sustained by Your Spirit….
• For believers suffering persecution and oppression – that they may be protected by the Heavenly Host….
• For believers who grieve the loss of a loved ones – that they may experience Your comfort….
• For all our loved ones who have died in Christ – that their hope in God may be rewarded in eternity….

God of endless love, in the shadow of Your wings we find refuge: hear our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Psalm 62” – Aaron Keyes

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Blessing – Revelation 22:20-21 (NLT)

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!