Category: Life in Christ

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020: Isa 51:4-6, Matt 16:13-20, Ps 138, Rom 11:25-36, ~ “Who do you say I am?”

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Living God, you sent your Son among us to reveal your wisdom and make known your ways. Increase our faith, that we may confess Jesus as your Son, take up his work on earth, and trust his promise to sustain the Church. 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.

Then [Jesus] asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
(Matthew 16:15-16)

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Come Thou Almighty King – The Prestonwood Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 51:4-6 (NLT)

“Listen to me, my people.
Hear me, Israel,
for my law will be proclaimed,
and my justice will become a light to the nations.
My mercy and justice are coming soon.
My salvation is on the way.
My strong arm will bring justice to the nations.
All distant lands will look to me
and wait in hope for my powerful arm.
Look up to the skies above,
and gaze down on the earth below.
For the skies will disappear like smoke,
and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing.
The people of the earth will die like flies,
but my salvation lasts forever.
My righteous rule will never end!

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Mighty To Save – Laura Story

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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Psalm 138 (“You Answered Me”) Tony Alonso

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Prayer

For Your Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

For Our Congregations

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in our local congregations the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For A Spirit of Evangelism

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.

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Rescue the Perishing – Altar of Praise Chorale

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Closing – Romans 11:25,-30-32 (NLT)

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ….

Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

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

Saturday Morning Prayer: 22 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:49-50, Philippians 1:27-30 ~ live as citizens of heaven

Saturday Morning Prayer, 22 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,
conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”
(Philippians 1:27)

Collect for Purity

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

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Scripture: Psalm 119:49-50 (NLT)

Remember your promise to me;
it is my only hope.
Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.

Psalm 119:49-50,147 (I Hope In Your Word) – Hosanna Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:27-30 (NLT)

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

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Reflection:

Live as Citizens of Heaven (Christopher L. Scott)

It was a great privilege for the Philippians to be considered Roman citizens. However, it was even more of a privilege that they were able to be citizens of heaven. While we are citizens of heaven, we still live on earth. There is a tension to be managed here. We need to live the values and goals of the heavenly life while also existing here on the sinful and materialistic world. These are two sets of values and cultures that clash. Thus, we need to depend on the Spirit and focus on living as citizens of heaven here on earth.

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Prayer: Anima Christi 

+ Soul of Christ, sanctify me
+ Body of Christ, save me
+ Blood of Christ, inebriate me
+ Water from the side of Christ, wash me

O good Jesus, hear me

+ Within Thy wounds hide me
+ Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
+ From the malicious enemy defend me
+ In the hour of my death call me

And bid me to come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
And with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen.

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“To live is Christ” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Closing: Philippians 1:20-22

I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ.

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

Friday Morning Prayer: 21 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:1-24, Philippians 1:3-6, 9- 11 ~ God always finishes what he starts

Friday Morning Prayer, 21 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1:6)

Collect for Purity

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

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Scripture: Psalm 119:1-3, 7-8 (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.

Psalm 119:1-3 (Walk in His Ways) – Stored In My Heart Worship

As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

Psalm 119:7-8 (I Will Praise) – Stored In My Heart Worship

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:3-6 (NLT)

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

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Reflection:

God Will Finish What He Began

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1:6)

God’s always finishes what he starts and that includes shaping your character. God has been molding your character to be like his Son’s. You were created to be like Christ. (Rick Warren)

Remember that it’s not about you. God isn’t saying, “You will finish the work you began…” Nor is he saying, “You will finish the work I began.” Rather, he is saying, “I will finish the work I began in you.” We’re not the ones who complete the work; he does.

So let’s stop being robbed of our joy because we’re feeling overwhelmed with the cares of life and worrying about how everything will turn out. Instead, let’s trust him to complete everything he has begun concerning our lives and the lives of our loved ones today. (Jim Cymbala)

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Prayer: 

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family, by grace through faith in your Son Jesus Christ. Fill me with your Spirit, and continue the makeover of my character that you have begun. I long for that day of completion –

+ when I will see Jesus face-to-face….

+ when all my physical ailments will be gone….

+ when all my character flaws will be gone….

+ when all my insecurities will be gone….

+ when my life will truly reflect your glory….

Heavenly Father: Fill me with your joy today, knowing that – no matter what happens around me – you will finish what you have begun in me, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
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“Awake My Soul (Christ Is Formed In Me)” – Phillips, Craig & Dean

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Closing: Philippians 1:9-11

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

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

Thursday Morning Prayer: 20 Aug 2020 -Psalm 115, Romans 16 ~ The God of Peace

Thursday Morning Prayer, 20 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
(Romans16:20)

Collect for Purity

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.

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Scripture: Psalm 115 (NLT)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Why let the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens,
and he does as he wishes.
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.

Trust in God (Psalm 115) – Teshuva – Hallel

May the Lord richly bless
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

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Scripture Reading

Romans 16:17-20, 25-27 (NLT)

Paul’s Final Instructions

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
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Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.

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Reflection:

The God of Peace

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
(Romans16:20)

The God of peace, the author and giver of all good. When we come to God for spiritual victories, we must not only eye him as the Lord of hosts, whose all power is, but as the God of peace, a God at peace with us, speaking peace to us, working peace in us, creating peace for us. Victory comes from God more as the God of peace than as the God of war; for, in all our conflicts, peace is the thing we must contend for. God, as the God of peace, will restrain and vanquish all those that cause divisions and offences, and so break and disturb the peace of the church. (Matthew Henry)

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Prayer:

God of Peace: we pray for victory over the designs and devices of Satan –

+ that we may not be seduced by false teaching, that causes conflict and division among believers….

+ that we may not be ensnared by temptations, that keep us from living commendable godly lives….

+ that we may not be overcome by fears, that prevent us from living courageously by faith….

+ that we may not be stymied by weakness, instead of relying on your strength and wisdom….

God of Peace: we take you at your word, celebrating every small victory you give us now, and looking forward to the final defeat of Satan when Jesus comes again. Amen.
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“Enemy’s Camp” – Daywind

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Closing: Romans 16:19-20

 I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

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

Wednesday Morning Prayer: 19 Aug 2020 -Psalm 111/112, Romans 15:1-13 ~ The God of Hope

Wednesday Morning Prayer, 19 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“I pray that God, the source of hope,
will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.”
(Romans15:13)

Collect for Purity

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.

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Scripture: Psalm 111 / 112 (NLT)

Psalm 111:1-4

Praise the Lord!

I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

Psalm 112:1-4

Praise the Lord!

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

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Psalm 111 and 112 (first 4 verses of each) – MIQEDEM (in original Hebrew – for translation turn on CC!

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Scripture Reading

Romans 15:1-13 (NLT)

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:

“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name.”

And in another place it is written,

“Rejoice with his people,
you Gentiles.”

And yet again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

And in another place Isaiah said,

“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Reflection:

Confident Hope (Matthew Henry)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.
Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)

God is the God of hope. He is the foundation on which our hope is built, and he is the builder that doth himself raise it: he is both the object of our hope, and the author of it.

The joy and peace of believers arise chiefly from their hopes…. this is through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Prayer:

God the source of our hope:

+ Fill us with true heavenly joy, that satisfies the deep longing of our souls….

+ Produce in us unspeakable joy, through the powerful working of your Holt Spirit….

+ Fill us with peace of conscience, the confident assurance of sins confessed and forgiven….

+ Strengthen our faith, in the goodness and love of Christ – the substance and evidence of our hope….

We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Confidence” – Sanctus Real

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Closing: Romans 15:13

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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