Category: Life around the World

The Third Sunday of Epiphany, 26 Jan 2020, Matthew 4:12-22 ~ “Come, follow me!”

The Third Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer:

God of salvation, the splendor of your glory dispels the darkness of earth, for in Jesus Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom. Give us grace to readily answer his call and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that 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.
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“Only A Holy God” – CityAlight

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-22 (NLT)

The Ministry of Jesus Begins

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali,
beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,

the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
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“Fishers of Men” – Rhonda Vincent

Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Peter, John, and James
Could never be the same
After they heard him say
I’ll make you fishers of men

He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men

Cast your nets aside
And join the battle tide
He will be your guide
To make you fishers of men

Jesus bore the cross
To gather in the lost
Oh what a mighty cost
To set us free from sin

He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men
He said, Rise and follow me
I’ll make you worthy
Rise and follow me
I’ll make you fishers of men
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Intercession:

Sovereign Lord, you alone are our defense our fortress against our enemies. You have examined our hearts and know everything about us. Hear us now and help us as we come to your throne of mercy and grace. We pray especially –

+ For your guidance and strength to support us in our times of trouble, and through our daily challenges….

+ For clean hands and pure hearts that we may live quiet, godly lives that honor the glory of your name….

+For an abiding awareness of the presence of your Spirit with us everywhere and in every circumstance….

+ For faithfulness to your calling and purpose for our lives as you reveal it over time, stage by stage….

+ For harmony among your people around the world, that we may be united in thought and purpose….

+ For healing, strength and comfort for those innocents who suffer from the effects of war and violence….

Sovereign Lord, you are our defense, our fortress, and our ever-present help – refresh our hope and renew our hearts we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“A Mighty Fortress is our God” – Martin Luther

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Closing: (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Second Sunday of Epiphany, 19 Jan 2020, John 1:29-42 ~ “Look! There is the Lamb of God!”

The Second Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer:

Merciful God, you sent your Son, the spotless Lamb, to take upon himself the sin of the world. Make our lives holy, that your people may bear witness to your purpose of reconciling all things in Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Crown Him with many crowns” – Robin Mark

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Gospel Reading: John 1:29-42 (NLT)

Jesus, the Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

The First Disciples

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.

They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”.

Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”.
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“Lamb of God” – Twila Paris

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Intercession:

Almighty and Everlasting God: You have given us new songs to sing, hymns of praise to You. Many will see what You have done and be amazed. They will put their trust in You.

And now, Lord God, Hear our cries and help us –

+ that those who are in the pit of despair may be lifted up, their feet set on solid ground… Lord, help us.

+ that those who are weak and wobbly, may be steadied in their walk with You…. Lord, help us.

+ that all who love You, who live quiet peaceful lives, may be filled with joy…. Lord, help us.

+ that all who love You, may joyfully follow the instructions You have written on our hearts…. Lord, help us.

+ that all who love You, may not be afraid to speak out about the Good News of Your justice…. Lord, help us.

+ that all who love You, may talk with everyone about your faithfulness and saving power…. Lord, help us.

O Lord our God, we declare that You are just and merciful. Hear our prayers and help us, we pray, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Amen.
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“Worthy Is The Lamb” – Hillsong Worship

Thank you for the cross Lord
Thank you for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love Lord
Thank you for the nail pierced hands
Washed me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The Darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
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Closing: (1 Corinthians 1:2-3)

To you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The First Sunday of Epiphany, 12 Jan 2020, Matthew 3:13-17 ~ The Baptism of Jesus

The First Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer:

Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Jesus Shall Reign” – Tarkwa Crusaders Choral, Ghana

  • Jesus shall reign where’er the sun, Doth his successive journeys run;
    His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
  • To Him shall endless prayer be made. And princes throng to crown His head,
    His name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice.
  • People and realms of every tongue, Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
    And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name.
  • Blessings abound where’er He reigns: The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
    The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest.
  • Where He displays His healing power, Death and the curse are known no more;
    In Him the tribes of Adam boast More blessings than their father lost.
  • Let every creature rise and bring Peculiar honors to our King;
    Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud Amen.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT)

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

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“You’re Beautiful” – Phil Wickham

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Intercession:

Lord God of heaven and earth: Your unfailing love lasts forever;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.
Hear our prayers –

+ For those who lead the nations of the world, that they may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and
truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue….

+ For those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, that they may fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey you….

+ For those who shepherd your people, that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments….

+ For those who follow you with reverent and obedient hearts, that  we may hear and receive your holy Word, and
serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives….

+ For those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that may receive your comfort, healing, and deliverance from all harm….

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Everlasting God” – Lincoln Brewster

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Closing: (Psalm 42:1)

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ, 05 Jan 2020, Matthew 2:1-12 ~ We have come to worship him.

The Epiphany of the Lord

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

Opening Prayer:

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Adore” – Chris Tomlin

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)
 
Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
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“Is He Worthy?” -Chris Tomlin

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Intercession:

For our nation –

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our President –

O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to President Donald J Trump wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For those in the armed forces –

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our enemies –

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.

For the peace of the world –

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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“He Shall Reign Forevermore” – Christ Tomlin

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Closing: (Psalm 72:19)

Praise his glorious name forever!
Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and amen!
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

1st Sunday after Christmas, 29 Dec 2019, John 1:1-18 ~ Jesus Christ has revealed God to us.

1st Sunday after Christmas

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

Opening Prayer: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Of The Father’s Love Begotten” – Out of Darkness

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Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 (NLT)

In the beginning the Word already existed.

+ The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
+ He existed in the beginning with God.
+ God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
+ The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
+ The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
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“Light of the World” -Lauren Daigle

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Intercession:

Almighty and everliving God, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to bring light and life into our dark and dying world. We humbly ask you to receive our prayers and supplications –

+ For those who call on your name – to walk in righteousness, and live in unity and godly love, according to the truth of your holy Word…. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For those who lead nations – to impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect your people…. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For those who lead your church – that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy sacraments…. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all your people – to graciously receive your holy Word with reverent and obedient hearts, that we may serve you in holiness and righteousness throughout our lives….  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all who proclaim the Good News of your Kingdom throughout the world – to make disciples in every nation, baptizing them and teaching them to follow Jesus…. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity- comfort and sustain them by your goodness in this transitory life….  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all who live in darkness and despair – that the light and life of your Word made flesh might rescue them and deliver them from evil…. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Heavenly Father, grant these prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“No Longer Slaves” – Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

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Closing: (Galatians 4:4-7)

“When the right time came, God sent his Son… so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.