Epiphany Season | Wednesday 24 Jan 2024
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening:
Give us grace, O Lord,
to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ
and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation,
that we and the whole world may perceive
the glory of his marvelous works;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
[Jesus] appointed twelve whom he called apostles.
They were to accompany him and
to be sent out by him to spread ⌞the Good News⌟.
They also had the authority
to force demons out of people.
(Mark 3:14-15)
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From Psalms: Psalm 46 – Shane & Shane / Light of the World
https://youtu.be/4Ps6qZOQBYo?si=Jo0LYOT42DXtvnos?rel=0
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OT Reading: Proverbs 8:1-21 (GW)
Wisdom’s Announcement
8:1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise its voice?
⌞Wisdom⌟ takes its stand on high ground,
by the wayside where the roads meet,
near the gates to the city.
At the entrance ⌞wisdom⌟ sings its song,
“I am calling to all of you,
and my appeal is to all people.
You gullible people, learn how to be sensible.
You fools, get a heart that has understanding.
Listen! I am speaking about noble things,
and my lips will say what is right.
My mouth expresses the truth,
and wickedness is disgusting to my lips.
Everything I say is fair,
and there is nothing twisted or crooked in it.
All of it is clear to a person who has understanding
and right to those who have acquired knowledge.
Take my discipline, not silver,
and my knowledge rather than fine gold,
because wisdom is better than jewels.
Nothing you desire can equal it.
Wisdom’s Authority
8:12 “I, Wisdom, live with insight,
and I acquire knowledge and foresight.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.
Advice and priceless wisdom are mine.
I, Understanding, have strength.
Through me kings reign,
and rulers decree fair laws.
Through me princes rule,
so do nobles and all fair judges.
I love those who love me.
Those eagerly looking for me will find me.
I have riches and honor,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
What I produce is better than gold, pure gold.
What I yield is better than fine silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice,
to give an inheritance to those who love me
and to fill their treasuries.
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More Precious Than Silver – Steffany Gretzinger (Official Lyric Video)
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NT Reading: Mark 3:13-19a (GW)
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles
3:13 Jesus went up a mountain, called those whom he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve whom he called apostles. They were to accompany him and to be sent out by him to spread ⌞the Good News⌟. They also had the authority to force demons out of people.
He appointed these twelve: Simon (whom Jesus named Peter), James and his brother John (Zebedee’s sons whom Jesus named Boanerges, which means “Thunderbolts”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus).
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I Speak Jesus | Here Be Lions / Integrity Music
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+ O God, our heavenly Father: Pour out your Spirit on your faithful people in the Middle East, that your Son’s life-giving Gospel may be preached to every tribe and nation. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Bring home the hostages, and deliver from bondage every person captivated by the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically, and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch
May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 