Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 10 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us,
not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins,
giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: Titus 3:1-15 (NLT)

Do What Is Good

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

Paul’s Final Remarks and Greetings

I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us.

May God’s grace be with you all.
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Morning Prayer:

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, for he promised to be with his Church until the end of time.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

In all things we are victorious through your love; take us into your care today.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Let the love of your Holy Spirit be in our hearts: so that we may consecrate this day to you.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Help all Christians to answer your call: may they be salt to the earth and light to the world.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

We pray for all those in industry: may they work in harmony for justice and for the good of the whole community.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Shed your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of your commandments we may never be deceived or misled.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Psalm 109:1-5, 26-31 (TLB)

• O God of my praise, don’t stand silent and aloof while the wicked slander me and tell their lies. They have no reason to hate and fight me, yet they do!
• I love them, but even while I am praying for them, they are trying to destroy me. They return evil for good, and hatred for love.
• Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because you are loving and kind. Do it publicly, so all will see that you yourself have done it.
• Then let them curse me if they like—I won’t mind that if you are blessing me! For then all their efforts to destroy me will fail, and I shall go right on rejoicing!
• Make them fail in everything they do. Clothe them with disgrace.
• But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the poor and hungry to save them from their enemies.

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You Make Me Brave – Bethel Music

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Closing:Titus 3:4

Jesus Christ gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

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