Category: Life around the World

8th Sunday after Pentecost, 04 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:13-21 ~ Live with eternity in mind.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: (Psalm 90 adaptation)

Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom…. Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)

Parable of the Rich Fool

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
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“Psalm 90” – James Block

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Intercession:

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name. We pray especially –

+ That wrongs may be made right, and what’s lost may be found
+ That the foolishness of pleasures may be replaced with the wisdom of godliness
+ That the foolishness of loving money may be replaced with the wisdom of loving Jesus
+ That our sinful desires (sexual immorality, impurity, lust, greed, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language), may be replaced with godly desires (tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness)
+ That we may be clothed with the love of Christ, and ruled by the peace of Christ in our hearts

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
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“When its all been said and done” – Robin Mark

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Closing: Colossians 3:16-17

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

7th Sunday after Pentecost, 28 Jul 2019 – Luke 11:1-13 ~ Persist in Prayer.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Father God, with the prayer your Son taught us always on our lips, we ask, we seek, we knock at your door. In our every need, grant us the first and best of all your gifts, the Spirit who makes us your children. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
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“Lead On O King Eternal”

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 11:1-13 (NLT)

Teaching about Prayer

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:

“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
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“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” – Larnelle Harris

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Intercession:

God of glory and majesty, thank you for hearing and responding graciously to our prayers. Good Father, hear us now as we pray –

+ That all of your people may learn to rely on your mercy and help in their time of need….
+ That your people may share what you have provided with those who are needy….
+ That your people may show respect and kindness to all indigenous peoples….
+ That those who are sick or infirmed may receive your healing and comfort….
+ That all the members of our families may receive your protection and blessing….
+ That all who are travelling may return home declaring the wonders you have shown them….

God of glory and majesty, you answer the prayers of those who call out to you: than you, in advance, for giving us just what we need at just the right time, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“The Lord’s Prayer” – Hillsong Worship

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Closing: Colossians 2:6-7

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

6th Sunday after Pentecost, 21 Jul 2019 – Luke 10:38-42 ~ The better choice: worship over worry.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Is He Worthy?” – Chris Tomlin

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
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Intercession:

God of grace and glory: we come before you today in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In your mercy, hear our prayers and help us. We pray especially –

+ That believers may choose worship over worry….
+ That hospitality and mercy may be a mark of believers….
+ That believers may welcome the weary and care for the needy….
+ That believers may be strengthened through the power of your Spirit….
+ That those on vacation may return home refreshed and renewed….
+ That troubled people may have believing friends to calm their fears….
+ That the sick may be healed and the demonized set free by the power of your Spirit….

God of grace and glory: you have shown us your mercy through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Make us a gracious and merciful people that we might freely give to others what we have received from you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“How Can I Keep From Singing” – Audrey Assad

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Closing: Colossians 1:11-14 (adapted) –

May God strengthen you with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. And may you be filled with joy,  always thanking the Father. For he has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. And he has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased your freedom and forgave your sins.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

5th Sunday after Pentecost, 14 Jul 2019: Luke 10:25-37 ~ The Compassionate Neighbor.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

In Christ you draw near to us, God of mercy and compassion, lifting us out of death, binding up our wounds, and nursing our spirits back to health. Let such a tenderness as yours compel us to go and do likewise. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Love divine all loves excelling” – Keswick Praise

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 10:25-37 (NLT)

The Most Important Commandment

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
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Intercession:

God of compassion: we come before your throne of grace to receive your mercy and help. Hear our prayers for those in need –

+ For Christian leaders that they may preach the Gospel and practice what they preach….
+ For strangers and aliens that they may be protected and find food, shelter and rest….
+ For those divided by prejudice and hatred that they may be overcome by your love….
+ For Christians that we may show charity and kindness to everyone we meet….
+ For victims of violence and crime that they may receive support and healing….
+ For those suffering the effects of natural disaster, that their lives may be restored….

God of love and compassion: hear our prayers and respond to them out of your loving-kindness and grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Mighty To Save” – Hillsong Chapel

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Closing: – Colossians 1:9-10

May God give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

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

4th Sunday after Pentecost, 07 Jul 2019: Luke 10:1-20 ~ “Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’”

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Boundless, O God, is your saving power; your harvest reaches to the ends of the earth.

Fill our hearts with zeal for your kingdom and place on our lips the tidings of peace. Grant us perseverance as heralds of the gospel and joy as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” – Grace Community Church – Sun Valley, California

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 10:1-20 (NLT)

Jesus Sends Out His Disciples

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

“Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

“If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’ I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day.

“What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. Yes, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead.”

Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.”

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
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Intercession:

Gracious God: We come before you in Jesus’ name, that we might receive mercy and help in this our time of need. We pray especially:

+ That missionaries everywhere may courageously spread the good news of your Kingdom….
+ That listeners everywhere may welcome the good news of your Kingdom with great joy….
+ That violence and hatred may be defeated by love exhibited by believers everywhere….
+ That people at war with each other may make peace, with believers leading the way….
+ That visitors to our communities may receive hospitality from believers….
+ That the downhearted may find peace in your love and encouragement from believers….
+ That the sick may experience your healing, giving you all the glory….

Glorious and mighty God, you are ever willing to come to our help, hear our prayers and respond according to your loving-kindness and perfect will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Send the Light” – Altar of Praise Men’s Chorale

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Closing: – Psalm 66 (excerpts)

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

+ Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
+ Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, He rules by his might forever.
+ Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his loving-kindness!

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen