After Pentecost | Wednesday 05 Jun 2024: Psalm 99; 1 Samuel 2:22-36; John 5:1-18 ~ God the Father is working in God the Son.

After Pentecost | Wednesday 05 Jun 2024

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

Opening:

O God, the protector of all those who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:
Increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal
that we lose not the things eternal;
grant this, heavenly Father,
for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus replied to them,
“My Father is working right now,
and so am I.”
(John 5:17)

__________

From Psalms: 99 – Poor Bishop Hooper

the lord reigns
let the peoples tremble
he sits enthroned
upon the cherubim
let the earth quake
the lord is great in zion
over all the peoples
let them praise your name

holy is he

the king
in his might loves justice
exalt the lord
and worship at his feet
moses aaron
and samuel among them
called to the lord
you a forgiving and avenging god to them
in the pillar of the cloud

holy is he

__________

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 2:22-36 (GW)

Eli’s Family Condemned

2:22 Now, Eli was very old, and he had heard everything that his sons were doing to all Israel and that they were sleeping with the women who served at the gate of the tent of meeting. So he asked them, “Why are you doing such things? I hear about your wicked ways from all these people. Sons, the report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading isn’t good! If one person sins against another, God will take care of him. However, when a person sins against the Lord, who will pray for him?” But they wouldn’t listen to their father’s warning—the Lord wanted to kill them.

The boy Samuel continued to grow and gained the favor of the Lord and the people.

Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: I revealed myself to your ancestors when they were under Pharaoh’s control in Egypt. I chose ⌞one of your ancestors⌟ out of all the tribes of Israel to serve as my priest, to sacrifice burnt offerings on my altar, to burn incense, and to wear the ephod in my presence. And I gave your ancestors the right to keep portions of the sacrifices that the people of Israel burned on the altar. Why do you show no respect for my sacrifices and grain offerings that I have commanded people to make in my dwelling place? Why do you honor your sons more than me by making yourselves fat on the best of all the sacrifices offered by my people Israel?

“Therefore, the Lord God of Israel declares: I certainly thought that your family and your father’s family would always live in my presence.

“But now the Lord declares: I promise that I will honor those who honor me, and those who despise me will be considered insignificant. The time is coming when I will break your strength and the strength of your father’s house so that no one will grow old in your family. You will see distress in my dwelling place. In spite of the good that I do for Israel, no one in your family will live to an old age. Any man in your family whom I do not remove from my altar will have his eyes fail, and he will be heartbroken. And all your descendants will die in the prime of life. What is going to happen to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you: Both of them will die on the same day. Then I will appoint a faithful priest to serve me. He will do everything I want him to do. I will give him faithful descendants, and he will always live as my anointed one. Then anyone who is left from your household will bow down in front of him to get a coin or a loaf of bread and say, ‘Please appoint me to one of the priestly classes so that I may eat a piece of bread.’ ”

__________

Our Great High Priest | Naomi Moss | All Nations Worship (English, Hindi, Telugu)

__________

NT Reading: John 5:1-18 (GW)

Jesus Cures a Man at the Bethesda Pool

5:1 Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival.

Near Sheep Gate in Jerusalem was a pool called Bethesda in Hebrew. It had five porches. Under these porches a large number of sick people—people who were blind, lame, or paralyzed—used to lie. One man, who had been sick for 38 years, was lying there. Jesus saw the man lying there and knew that he had been sick for a long time. So Jesus asked the man, “Would you like to get well?”

The sick man answered Jesus, “Sir, I don’t have anyone to put me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I’m trying to get there, someone else steps into the pool ahead of me.”

Jesus told the man, “Get up, pick up your cot, and walk.” The man immediately became well, picked up his cot, and walked.

That happened on a day of rest—a holy day. So the Jews told the man who had been healed, “This is a day of rest—a holy day. You’re not allowed to carry your cot today.”

The man replied, “The man who made me well told me to pick up my cot and walk.”

The Jews asked him, “Who is the man who told you to pick it up and walk?” But the man who had been healed didn’t know who Jesus was. (Jesus had withdrawn from the crowd.)

Later, Jesus met the man in the temple courtyard and told him, “You’re well now. Stop sinning so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.”

The man went back to the Jews and told them that Jesus was the man who had made him well.

The Son Is Equal to the Father

5:16 The Jews began to persecute Jesus because he kept healing people on the day of rest—a holy day. Jesus replied to them, “My Father is working right now, and so am I.”

His reply made the Jews more intent on killing him. Not only did he break the laws about the day of rest—a holy day, but also he made himself equal to God when he said repeatedly that God was his Father.

__________

“Jesus Healer” | Bluetree / Integrity Music

__________

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. 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.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

- Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
- Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
- Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
- Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
- Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
- Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
- Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
- Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
- Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, healing, and hope;
- Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
- We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

+ Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in the Name of your Son: Mercifully incline your ear to us as we make our prayers and supplications to you; and grant that what we ask faithfully, according to your will, we may obtain effectually, for the relief of our necessities and the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Tuesday 04 Jun 2024: Psalm 99; 1 Samuel 2:18-21; Acts 15:1-5, 22-35 ~ Non-Jewish people turn to God.

After Pentecost | Tuesday 04 Jun 2024

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

Opening:

As [Paul and Barnabas]
were going through Phoenicia and Samaria,
they told the whole story of how
non-Jewish people were turning to God.
This story brought great joy to all the believers.
(Acts 15:3)

__________

From Psalms: 99 – Northland Church

__________

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-21 (GW)

The Faithfulness of Samuel’s Family

2:18 Meanwhile, Samuel continued to serve in front of the Lord. As a boy he was ⌞already⌟ wearing a linen ephod. His mother would make him a robe and bring it to him every year when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

Eli would bless Elkanah (and his wife) and say, “May the Lord give you children from this woman in place of the one which she has given to the Lord.” Then they would go home.

The Lord came to Hannah. She became pregnant ⌞five times⌟ and had three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in front of the Lord.

__________

Faith & Faithfulness – New Wine Worship

__________

NT Reading: Acts 15:1-5, 22-35 (GW)

Controversy about Moses’ Teachings

15:1 Some men came from Judea and started to teach believers that people can’t be saved unless they are circumcised as Moses’ Teachings require. Paul and Barnabas had a fierce dispute with these men. So Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were sent to Jerusalem to see the apostles and spiritual leaders about this claim.

The church sent Paul and Barnabas ⌞to Jerusalem⌟. As they were going through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told the whole story of how non-Jewish people were turning to God. This story brought great joy to all the believers.

The church in Jerusalem, the apostles, and the spiritual leaders welcomed Paul and Barnabas when they arrived. Paul and Barnabas reported everything that God had done through them. But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “People who are not Jewish must be circumcised and ordered to follow Moses’ Teachings.”

5:22 Then the apostles, the spiritual leaders, and the whole church decided to choose some of their men to send with Paul and Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, who were leaders among the believers. They wrote this letter for them to deliver:

From the apostles and the spiritual leaders, your brothers.

To their non-Jewish brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.

Dear brothers and sisters, We have heard that some individuals who came from us have confused you with statements that disturb you. We did not authorize these men ⌞to speak⌟. So we have come to a unanimous decision that we should choose men and send them to you with our dear Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas and Paul have dedicated their lives to our Lord, the one named Jesus Christ. We have sent Judas and Silas to report to you on our decision. The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to place any additional burdens on you. Do only what is necessary by keeping away from food sacrificed to false gods, from eating bloody meat, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual sins. If you avoid these things, you will be doing what’s right.

Farewell!

5:30 So the men were sent on their way and arrived in the city of Antioch. They gathered the congregation together and delivered the letter. When the people read the letter, they were pleased with the encouragement it brought them. Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, spoke a long time to encourage and strengthen the believers.

After Judas and Silas had stayed in Antioch for some time, the congregation sent them back to Jerusalem with friendly greetings to those who had sent them. Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and many others taught people about the Lord’s word and spread the Good News.

__________

Good News – Bryan & Katie Torwalt

Line by line it was written
Hope in every sentence
He was good start to finish
Yes He was
The words that usher His presence
And tell of the glories of heaven
The earth that still shakes at the mention
Yes it does

I’ve got good news
For the broken, for the hurting
He came for you
In your hoping, in your searching
One thing remains true
Jesus is still our Good News

Freeing each soul that was bound up
Loving the one who was unloved
Giving mercy to sinners
And he still does
His love is as vast as an ocean
He cares for the poor and the orphaned
The healer that stopped for the one
And He still does

What joy, what relief
His blood washed me clean
There’s still hope for me
For all He has redeemed
He wrote a better story
He has set me free
There’s still hope for me

__________

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

- Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
- Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
- Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
- Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
- Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
- Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
- Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
- Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
- Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, healing, and hope;
- Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
- We pray in Jesus’ Name.

+ Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Monday 03 Jun 2024: Psalm 99; 1 Samuel 2:11-17; Romans 9:19-29 – God calls both Jews and Gentiles.

After Pentecost | Monday 03 Jun 2024

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

Opening:

“Can’t God also reveal the riches of his glory
to people who are objects of his mercy
and who he had already prepared for glory?
This is what God did for us whom he called—
whether we are Jews or not.”
(Romans 9:23-24)

__________

From Psalms: 99 – Psalm 99 – performed by Sons of Korah – Roger Allen Burns

__________

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 2:11-17 (GW)

2:11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. But the boy ⌞Samuel⌟ served the Lord under the priest Eli.

The Sins of Eli’s Sons

2:12 Eli’s sons, ⌞Hophni and Phinehas,⌟ were good-for-nothing priests; they had no faith in the Lord. Now, this was how the priests dealt with the people who were offering sacrifices: While the meat was boiling, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he would stick it into the pot, kettle, cauldron, or pan. Whatever the fork brought up ⌞from the pot⌟ belonged to the priest. This is what the priests did in Shiloh to all the people of Israel who came there ⌞to sacrifice⌟. But ⌞in the case of Eli’s sons,⌟ even before the people burned the fat, their servants would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the meat to the priest to roast. He doesn’t want boiled meat from you. He wants it raw.”

If the man said to the servant, “First let the fat be burned, then take as much as you want,” the servant would say to him, “Give it to me now, or I’ll take it by force.” The sin of Eli’s sons was a serious matter to the Lord, because these men were treating the offerings made to the Lord with contempt.

__________

Forgive Us (Official Live Video) | CITIZENS

__________

NT Reading: Romans 9:19-29 (GW)

9:19 You may ask me, “Why does God still find fault with anyone? Who can resist whatever God wants to do?”

Who do you think you are to talk back to God like that? Can an object that was made say to its maker, “Why did you make me like this?” A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay.

If God wants to demonstrate his anger and reveal his power, he can do it. But can’t he be extremely patient with people who are objects of his anger because they are headed for destruction? Can’t God also reveal the riches of his glory to people who are objects of his mercy and who he had already prepared for glory? This is what God did for us whom he called—whether we are Jews or not.

God Chose People Who Are Not Jewish

9:25 As God says in Hosea:

“Those who are not my people
I will call my people.
Those who are not loved
I will call my loved ones.
Wherever they were told,
‘You are not my people,’
they will be called children of the living God.”

Isaiah also says about Israel:

“Although the descendants of Israel are
as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore,
only a few will be saved.
The Lord will carry out his sentence on the land,
completely and decisively.”

This is what Isaiah predicted:

“If the Lord of Armies hadn’t left us some descendants,
we would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah.”

__________

God Full of Mercy / El Maleh Rachamim by Sarah Liberman (Official Lyric Video)

__________

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those, who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

- Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
- Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
- Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
- Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
- Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
- Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities;
- Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
- Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
- Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, healing, and hope;
- Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
- We pray in Jesus’ Name.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 02 Jun 2024: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6 ~ A Holy Day for help, healing and hope.

After Pentecost | Sunday 02 Jun 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Then [Jesus] added,
“The day of rest—a holy day,
was made for people, not people
for the day of rest.”
(Mark 2:2)

__________

The Sabbath Song – Derrol Sawyer / Mabe line

__________

OT Reading: Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (GW)

5:12 “Observe the day of rest as a holy day. This is what the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days to do all your work. The seventh day is the day of rest—a holy day dedicated to the Lord your God. You, your sons, your daughters, your male and female slaves, your oxen, your donkeys—all of your animals—even the foreigners living in your city must never do any work ⌞on that day⌟. In this way your male and female slaves can rest as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God used his mighty hand and powerful arm to bring you out of there. This is why the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the day of rest as a holy day.

_______

From the Psalms: Psalm 81 – Hymn “Sing for joy to God our Saviour” / Psalm Musicals – Christian Music Channel

__________

NT Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 (GW)

4:5 Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake. We are his servants because the same God who said that light should shine out of darkness has given us light. For that reason we bring to light the knowledge about God’s glory which shines from Christ’s face.

Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn’t come from us. In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up. We’re persecuted, but we’re not abandoned. We’re captured, but we’re not killed. We always carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our bodies. While we are alive, we are constantly handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our mortal nature. Death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

__________

All about Jesus – Taya / GoodnsMusic

__________

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:23-3:6 (GW)

Jesus Has Authority over the Day of Rest—a Holy Day

2:23 Once on a day of rest—a holy day, Jesus was going through the grainfields. As the disciples walked along, they began to pick the heads of grain.

The Pharisees asked him, “Look! Why are your disciples doing something that is not permitted on the day of rest—a holy day?”

Jesus asked them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he and his men were in need and were hungry? Haven’t you ever read how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was chief priest and ate the bread of the presence? He had no right to eat those loaves. Only the priests have that right. Haven’t you ever read how he also gave some of it to his men?”

Then he added, “The day of rest—a holy day, was made for people, not people for the day of rest. For this reason the Son of Man has authority over the day of rest—a holy day.”

Jesus Heals on the Day of Rest—a Holy Day

3:1 Jesus went into a synagogue again. A man who had a paralyzed hand was there. The people were watching Jesus closely. They wanted to see whether he would heal the man on the day of rest—a holy day, so that they could accuse him of doing something wrong.

So he told the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stand in the center ⌞of the synagogue⌟.” Then he asked them, “Is it right to do good or to do evil on the day of rest—a holy day, to give a person back his health or to let him die?”

But they were silent. Jesus was angry as he looked around at them. He was deeply hurt because their minds were closed. Then he told the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man held it out, and his hand became normal again.

The Pharisees left, and with Herod’s followers they immediately plotted to kill Jesus.

__________

In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible) | FBA Worship

__________

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly plead for all sorts and conditions of men; that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially in the Holy Land]; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we pray for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

- Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
- Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically; and
- Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
- Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones; and
- Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
- Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities; and
- Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
- Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
- Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, healing, and hope; and
- Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
- We pray in Jesus’ Name.

+ Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Saturday 01 Jun 2024: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; John 7:19-24 ~ Stop judging by outward appearance!

After Pentecost | Saturday 01 Jun 2024

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

Opening:

O Lord,
we entreat you mercifully to hear us,
and grant that we,
to whom you have given the desire to pray,
may by your mighty aid
be defended and comforted in all our adversities;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Stop judging by outward appearance!
Instead, judge correctly.”
(John 7:24)

__________

From Psalms: 139 – Poor Bishop Hooper

lord you have searched me
lord you have known me
you know when i sit
you know when i rise
you discern my thoughts even from afar

you see my going out and
you see my lying down and
lord you are acquainted with all my ways
before a word is on my tongue
you know it altogether

you hem me in behind and before
you lay your hand upon me
this knowledge is to wonderful for me
this knowledge is to wonderful for me

oh where can i go from you spirit
or where can i flee from your presence
if i ascend to heaven still you are there

if i make my bed in the depths
or take the wings of the morning
if i settle on the far side on the side of the sea
even there your hand will lay hold of me

even the darkness is not dark to you
the night is bright as the day
for darkness is as light to you
the darkness is as light to you

delicate you formed me
you knit my inner parts
you wove me in the womb
i will give thanks to you
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made

my frame it wasn’t hidden
when i was made in the secret
your eyes beheld my substance
and in your book all was written
every moment was ordained
before there passed a single day

how precious are your thoughts to me
how vast the sum of them
if i should try and count them
they would outnumber the sand
and i am still with you
and you are still with me whenever i awake

search me oh god and know my heart
try me and know my anxious thoughts
see the grievous ways in me
and lead into ways everlasting
lead me into the way that’s everlasting

__________

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10(GW)

Hannah’s Prayer

2:1 Hannah prayed out loud,

“My heart finds joy in the Lord.
My head is lifted to the Lord.
My mouth mocks my enemies.
I rejoice because you saved ⌞me⌟.
There is no one holy like the Lord.
There is no one but you, O Lord.
There is no Rock like our God.

“Do not boast
⌞or⌟ let arrogance come out of your mouth
because the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and he weighs ⌞our⌟ actions.

“The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumble are armed with strength.
Those who were well-fed hire themselves out for a piece of bread,
but those who were hungry hunger no more.
Even the woman who was childless gives birth to seven children,
but the mother of many children grieves all alone.

“The Lord kills, and he gives life.
He makes ⌞people⌟ go down to the grave, and he raises them up ⌞again⌟.
The Lord causes poverty and grants wealth.
He humbles ⌞people⌟; he also promotes them.
He raises the poor from the dust.
He lifts the needy from the trash heap
in order to make them sit with nobles
and even to make them inherit a glorious throne.

“The pillars of the earth are the Lord’s.
He has set the world on them.
He safeguards the steps of his faithful ones,
but wicked people are silenced in darkness
because humans cannot succeed by their own strength.

“Those who oppose the Lord are broken into pieces.
He thunders at them from the heavens.
The Lord judges the ends of the earth.
He gives strength to his King
and lifts the head of his Messiah.”

__________

Blessed Be Your Name / pastorloran

__________

NT Reading: John 7:19-24 (GW)

7:19 Didn’t Moses give you his teachings? Yet, none of you does what Moses taught you. So why do you want to kill me?”

The crowd answered, “You’re possessed by a demon! Who wants to kill you?”

Jesus answered them, “I performed one miracle, and all of you are surprised by it. Moses gave you the teaching about circumcision (although it didn’t come from Moses but from our ancestors). So you circumcise a male on a day of rest—a holy day. If you circumcise a male on the day of rest—a holy day, to follow Moses’ Teachings, why are you angry with me because I made a man entirely well on the day of rest—a holy day? Stop judging by outward appearance! Instead, judge correctly.”

__________

Here’s my heart – Lauren Daigle / City of Joy Fellowship

__________

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Give us, O Lord, steadfast hearts, which no unworthy thought can drag down; unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out; upright hearts, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon us understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

- Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
- Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically; give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
- Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones, and rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
- Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the Oct 7th atrocities; deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
- Send your heavenly hosts to destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
- Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
- And use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
- We pray in Jesus’ Name.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: