+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness, of the Creator of creation. (Lorica of St Patrick)
Morning Reading: John 8:51-59 (NLT)
“I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”
high tower and cross
The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”
The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.
Morning Prayer
I arise today through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism, through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me from snares of the devil, from temptations of vices, from every one who desires me ill, afar and anear, alone or in a multitude.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism, through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. (Lorica of St Patrick)
“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark
Closing Sentence
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness, of the Creator of creation. (Lorica of St Patrick)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
(Isaiah 55:6)
Morning Reading: John 8:31-42 (NLT)
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”
“Our father is Abraham!” they declared.
“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”
They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.
Morning Prayer
Blessed be Christ our Savior. In him we become a new creation, the old order passes and all things are renewed. You promised us, Lord, a new heaven and a new earth; renew me in your Spirit, that I may come to the new Jerusalem and rejoice in you for ever.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may work with you to fill the world with your Spirit.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may be engaged civically for your Kingdom purposes.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may recognize with joy the power you have given me.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may be set free from all evil.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may see your path through the confusion of these times.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may pursue the things that really matter in life.
God of mercy, shed your light on our hearts and, in your goodness, hear us when we pray. Keep us faithful to your teachings so that the Truth may set us free. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“The truth will set you free” – Dion DiMucci
down the dirty city street, black-topped sneakers on my feet, i raced thru’ early teenage years, and dealt with all those needless fears. waiting as the school bell rang, to drop my books and join the gang, in alley fights with stick ball games, when passing girls wore dirty names.
over my shoulder and back thru’ the years, i can see my father’s eyes in my memory, Jesus died upon the cross, all was won and nothing lost, and how the truth will set you free, yeah, and how the truth will set you free.
i turned my collar, i combed my hair, and i’d hide all the confusion there, when two dimes made my pockets ring, i was a wealthy new york king. being cool by the candy store, i knew my world yet wanted more, my high school colors of black and blue, they would disturb my point of view.
you know our candy stores turn shopping malls, and two dimes won’t buy much at all, the boy, Caruso, on the street is a father now in slippered feet, who tells his son as years go by, how God’s the truth and hates a lie, its not what’s in your pockets son, but what’s in your heart that makes us one.
over your shoulder and back thru’ the years, you will see your father’s eyes in your memory telling you why Jesus died upon the cross, all was won and nothing lost, and how the truth will set you free, yeah, and son the truth will set you free.
the truth will set you free, the truth will set you free, the truth will set you free
Closing Sentence
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
(Isaiah 55:6)
Morning Reading: John 8:21-30 (NLT)
Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
Side Chapel Pauline Monastery of Jasna Góra Częstochowa, Poland
“Who are you?” they demanded.
Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me — he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, bread of life, strengthen us and fill us with the blessings of your paschal sacrifice.
+ Implant your word in our hearts through faith and obedience.
+ Yield a harvest in us through diligence and perseverance.
+ Make us eager to fulfill your plan for the world to spread the great message of peace.
+ Forgive our sins and take away our guilt by your saving grace.
Gracious God, help your people to persevere in obedience to your will, so that through this obedience your Church in our time may grow in grace and increase in numbers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Lift High The Cross”
Closing Sentence
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
(Isaiah 55:6)
Morning Reading: John 8:12-20 (NLT)
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”
Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
“Where is your father?” they asked.
Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.
Morning Prayer
Christ Jesus, Light of the World, lead me out of darkness into your glorious light. By grace through faith you gave me a life that is new; your abounding grace has enriched me with every blessing.
+ May I live in the light and ever grow in your likeness.
+ May I bring joy this day to those who are in need.
+ May I draw nearer to you through the help I give to others.
+ May I do what is right and good in your sight.
+ May I seek you today with all my heart.
+ Forgive me for the times I have hurt other people.
+ Forgive me for failing to preserve the unity of your family.
Lord God, have mercy on me and direct me in the path of true life. Illumine my way out of darkness into newness of life, and prepare me for the glory of your kingdom. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Great Light Of The World” – Bebo Norman
Closing Sentence
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Today we worship our compassionate God, who heals our sinfulness and challenges us to leave sinfulness behind.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
God of power, God of mercy, you bring forth springs in the wasteland and turn despair into hope. Look not upon the sins of our past, but lift from our hearts the failures that weigh us down, that we may find refreshment and life in Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________
Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Nathan and Christy Nockels
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NLT)
[The challenge to begin anew is seen in this reading from Isaiah.]
“I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
“But forget all that — it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed.
“I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honor me before the whole world.
__________
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 126:1-6 (NLT)
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Psalm: “Psalm 126” – Sojourn Music
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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 3:8-14 (NLT)
[Paul urges us to keep straining ahead for the prize of glory.]
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
__________
A Reading from the Gospels: John 8:1-11 (NLT)
[Jesus meets the woman taken in adultery, treating her with justice and compassion.]
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
Woman Caught in Adultery John Martin Borg
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
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Hymn: “Press On” – Selah
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Intercessions:
Wonder-working God: hear our prayers on behalf of your people.
+ For our church leaders that they may walk with you in humility and grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers that we may show compassion and mercy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers that we may be slow to judge and quick to understand…. Lord, hear us.
+ For dispossessed and destitute families that they may be cared for…. Lord, hear us.
+ For persecuted believers that they may stay strong in faith and hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and weary among us that we might be their support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ that they may enter his saving presence…. Lord, hear us.
Mighty God, you deliver your people in every trial: hear our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
Hymn: “I’ll Fly Away” – Johnny Cash
Benediction:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
(1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 