Lent | Friday 18 March 2022
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening:
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves
to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and
inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all
adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil
thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
“Go back
to what you heard and believed at first;
hold to it firmly.
Repent and turn to me again.”
(Revelation 3:3a)
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Psalms: Psalm 63 – Better Than Life – by Shane & Shane
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OT Reading: Daniel 12:1-4 (NLT)
The Time of the End
12:1 “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”
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Hold On – St Aldates Worship
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NT Reading: Revelation 3:1-6 (NLT)
The Message to the Church in Sardis
3:1 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars:
“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.
“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
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Wake Up Church (Heather Marjorie)
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Prayer:
+ St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
+ Holy and Eternal God, I come to You burdened with worries, fears, doubts, and troubles. Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxieties that disturb me, of the concerns that weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart.
Loosen my grip on the disappointments and grievances I hold on to so tightly. Release me from the pain of past hurts, of present anger and tension, and of future fears.
Sometimes it’s too much for me, Lord, too many demands and problems, too much sadness, suffering and stress. Renew me spiritually and emotionally. Give me new strength, hope, and confidence. Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You.
Let your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen.
+ O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, into your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Closing: faith and worship | John Birch
May the peace of God enfold us,
The love of God uphold us,
The wisdom of God control us.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 