Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God, our provider, you are the orphan’s hope and the widow’s bread. Strengthen our faith, that with simplicity of heart we may come to trust in you alone and hold back nothing in serving you. Grant 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.
__________

“All the Poor and Powerless” – All Sons & Daughters

__________

Gospel Reading: Mark 12:38-44 (NLT)

Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Gracious God, you raise up those who are bowed down: hear our prayers for help and mercy for all who are troubled and weighed down –

+ For all Christian leaders, that their faith may be lived with integrity and sincerity….
+ For all Christians, that we may show kindness and generosity to the poor and needy…
+ For our President, that you may bless him, protect him, and give him wisdom and sound judgement…
+ For all government officials, that partisanship may be abandoned for the common good…
+ For all vulnerable people, that they may be protected and delivered from evil-doers…
+ For ourselves, that we may be open to understanding those who are different from us…
+ For all who have died in Christ, particularly those who have lost their lives through war or violence, that they may rest in eternal peace and joy…

Gracious God, you support us in times of joy and sorrow: help us today in all our needs, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“I lift Up My Hands” – Israel & New Breed

__________

Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

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