Seventh Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God and Father, you are kind to the ungrateful, merciful even to the wicked. Pour out your love upon us, that with open and generous hearts we may reserve judgement and follow your way of compassion. 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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“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Kingsway Music

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Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)

Love for Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of love and compassion: You are slow to anger and rich in mercy, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they exemplify the love of Christ for friends and enemies alike….

+ For believers everywhere, that we bless, pray for, and do good to those who hate us….

+ For believers suffering the effects of war and violence, that they be delivered from evil, return evil with good, and be strengthened in faith….

+ For believers in conflict with each other, that mercy replace enmity and forgiveness lead to peace….

+ For believers suffering hurt and injustice, that wounds be healed, wrongs be made right, and be Christ glorified….

+ For believers who are sick or troubled, that broken bodies, minds, or spirits be healed and that they be filled with the love of Christ….

+ For ourselves and those nearest us, that we love them as Christ loved us whether they deserve it or not….

God of love and compassion, have mercy on us and help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Love Your Enemies” – Kyle Sigmon

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his 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!