Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Father God, with the prayer your Son taught us always on our lips, we ask, we seek, we knock at your door. In our every need, grant us the first and best of all your gifts, the Spirit who makes us your children. 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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“Lead On O King Eternal”

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 11:1-13 (NLT)

Teaching about Prayer

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:

“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
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“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” – Larnelle Harris

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Intercession:

God of glory and majesty, thank you for hearing and responding graciously to our prayers. Good Father, hear us now as we pray –

+ That all of your people may learn to rely on your mercy and help in their time of need….
+ That your people may share what you have provided with those who are needy….
+ That your people may show respect and kindness to all indigenous peoples….
+ That those who are sick or infirmed may receive your healing and comfort….
+ That all the members of our families may receive your protection and blessing….
+ That all who are travelling may return home declaring the wonders you have shown them….

God of glory and majesty, you answer the prayers of those who call out to you: than you, in advance, for giving us just what we need at just the right time, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“The Lord’s Prayer” – Hillsong Worship

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Closing: Colossians 2:6-7

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen