1st Sunday of Advent, 29 November: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 ~ vigilance!

First Sunday of Advent

Advent begins today. It is a 4-week season for preparing our hearts to behold our Savior, the prophesied Messiah. May this season draw our hearts back to reflect on what has already been done and propel us onward into a new year of expectation and readiness for His next glorious appearing!

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

Opening Prayer:

God our Savior, You utter a word of promise and hope and hasten the day of justice and freedom, yet we live in a world forgetful of Your word, our watchfulness dulled by the cares of life. Keep us alert. Make us attentive to Your word, ready to look on Your Son when He comes with power and great glory. Make us holy and blameless, ready to stand secure when the day of His coming shakes the world with terror. We ask this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “”Intro & Prepare Ye The Way”” – Michael W. Smith [A New Hallelujah]

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NLT)
[Jeremiah’s prophecy looks to the day when a son of David will bring salvation. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus.]

“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.

“In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 (NLT)

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
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The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
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The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
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The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
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“Psalm 25” – The Psalm Project

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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 (NLT)
[Grow in love, says Paul; be blameless when the Lord comes in glory.]

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 (NLT)
[Jesus warns his followers to be vigilant.]

vigilance eagle

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
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“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
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Hymn: “Lord I Need You” – Matt Maher

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Intercessions:

Because God is faithful and loving, we can approach Him with confidence.

+ For all believers – that we may be found ready when the Lord comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all people of good will – that we may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families, especially those who suffer – that they may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear – that they may find new courage in this new year…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people burdened by addiction – that the liberation promised by the Lord may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer, in mind or body or spirit – that they may experience God’s healing power…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died – that they may have peace and rest in the Kingdom…. Lord, hear us.

Lord, You are a true friend to those who revere You: be our comfort and support in all our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Light Of The World” – Lauren Daigle

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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

Morning Prayer: 28 November – Psalm 8; Romans 12:14-16 ~ how majestic is your name

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 8 NLT

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Morning Reading: Romans 12:14-16 NLT

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
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Prayer:

God the Father has adopted us as siblings of His only Son, and through the ages has stayed with us and kept us in His love. Merciful Father: hear us as we pray for the needs of the world.

+ We pray for all who plan and build in our communities: give them respect for the human values of life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
+ We pray for all who kill, destroy and enslave, who terrorize their communities: transform them through a renewal of their hearts and minds, and bring them to repentance and newness of life in Christ.
+ You have created us anew in the resurrection of Your Son: give us the strength to create a new life, and a new world no matter the opposition.
+ Be with us as the cornerstone of all that we build: for we can do nothing well without Your aid.
+ Protect all who face hardship, suffering and even death because of their faith: give them wisdom and sound judgement, and deliver them from evil.
+ Pour out Your Spirit on artists, craftsmen, and musicians: may their work bring variety, joy, and inspiration to our lives.

We praise You, O Lord, with voice and mind and deed; and since life itself is Your gift, may all we have and all we are be Yours. Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“How Majestic” – Kari Jobe

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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Morning Prayer: 27 November – Habakkuk 3:1-2, 16-19; Ephesians 2:13-16 ~ he makes me surefooted

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Habakkuk 3:1-2, 12-19 NLT

This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk:

I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.
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I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
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Morning Reading: Ephesians 2:13-16 NLT

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
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Prayer:

Father, we praise You for Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; through the Holy Spirit He offered himself in sacrifice to You, that we might be delivered from death and selfishness, and be free to live in Your peace.

+ We accept this new day as Your gift, Lord; grant that we may live in newness of life.
+ You made all things, and keep all things in being; give us the discernment to see Your hand at work in them all.
+ Your Son sealed the new and everlasting covenant in His blood; help us to live by this covenant and honor it.
+ You sent Your Spirit that we might bear witness to You; pour out Your Spirit upon us that we might bless others.
+ And, Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Almighty God, as in this morning prayer we offer You our praise, grant that in Your kingdom, together with Your saints, we may praise You with even greater joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“We Will Not Be Shaken” – Brian Johnson, Bethel Church

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Canticle

Blessing

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

#Just Pray ~ and give thanks!

Peanut Gallery: On this Thanksgiving Day – Just Pray!

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The Lord’s Prayer Banned Advert https://youtu.be/bxgwWzh0h-w Church of England –
Does this offend you? The Lord’s Prayer ad is banned from cinemas in case it upsets people.
The Church of England has said it is “disappointed and bewildered” by the refusal of leading UK cinemas to show an advert featuring the Lord’s Prayer.

The Church called the decision “plain silly” and warned it could have a “chilling” effect on free speech. It had hoped the 60-second film would be screened UK-wide before Christmas ahead of the new Star Wars film.

Morning Prayer: 26 November – Isaiah 12; Romans 14:17-19 ~ a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Isaiah 12 NLT

In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!

In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Morning Reading: Romans 14:17-19 NLT

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
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Prayer:

Blessed be our God and Father: He hears the prayers of His children.

+ Thank you, Father, for sending us Your Son: may we keep Him before our eyes throughout this day.
+ Make wisdom our guide, help us walk in newness of life.
+ Lord, give us Your strength in our weakness: when we meet problems give us courage to face them.
+ Direct our thoughts, our words, our actions today, so that we may know, and do, Your will.
+ Lord, give us Your Spirit: may we drink deeply from Your fountain of salvation and enter fully into Your joy.
+ Send us out as Kingdom people: bringing goodness, peace and joy to everyone we meet.

Lord God, true Light and Creator of light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Let the Righteous Be Glad (Psalm 68:1-3)” – Shimrit Hanes

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered | Let them that hate Him flee, let them flee before Him
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered | Let them that hate Him flee from before His face

As burning smoke is driven away | Let the Spirit of the living God drive them away
As burning smoke is driven away | Let the Spirit of the living God drive them away

Let the righteous be glad | and rejoice before You
Let the righteous be glad | who trust in You
Let the righteous be glad | and rejoice before You
Those who keep Your commandments, delight in You

O bless His mighty/holy name | Magnify, sanctify God’s great name
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Canticle

Blessing

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

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