Category: Life in Christ

After Christmas Day | 1st Sunday 29 Dec 2024: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 ~ Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.

After Christmas Day | 1st Sunday 29 Dec 2024

+ In the name 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.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature
and in favor with God and man.”
(Luke 2:52)

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O Come, All Ye Faithful | Christ Our Life

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OT Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (ESV)

2:18 Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the Lord.” So then they would return to their home.

2:26 Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 148 – Poor Bishop Hooper

praise the lord oh praise the lord
praise him angels all his hosts
praise him from the highest heavens

praise him moon and praise him sun
praise him waters there above
praise him from the highest heavens

praise him from the furthest sky
praise him all you stars that shine
praise him from the highest heavens

let them praise him let them praise
for he spoke and they were made
ever placed by the decree he gave

praise the lord from the earth from the deeps
fire and hail snow and mist stormy winds fulfilling
every hill and mountain cedars and the trees
cattle wild animals
flying birds and creeping things
kings oh kings princes and all people
young men and maidens
old men and their children

let them praise let them praise
for his name alone is exalted
let them praise let them praise
for his glory towers o’er earth and heaven

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NT Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV) 

3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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Let the Peace of Christ | EMC Crusaders Choir

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Gospel Reading: Luke 2:41-52 (ESV)

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

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What A Beautiful Name – Hillsong Worship

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May God, who has called us out of darkness
into his marvelous light,
bless us and fill us with peace.

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

Advent Season | 4th Sunday 22 Dec 2024: Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 ~ Blessed is she who believed God’s promise.

Advent Season | 4th Sunday 22 Dec 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Stir up your power, O Lord,
and with great might come among us;
and as we are sorely hindered by our sins
from running the race that is set before us,
let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
(Luke 1:42)

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Veni, Veni, Emmanuel | Hayley Westenra / benedictosaurus

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OT Reading: Micah 5:2-5a (ESV)

5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 80 – “Lord, Make Us Turn to You (Ps 80)” | JessComTV

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NT Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 (ESV) 

10:5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”

When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

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Once For All | Paul Baloche / Integrity Music

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Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (ESV)

Mary Visits Elizabeth

1:39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

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Blessed Are You Among Women | StillSong

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting.

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

Advent Season | 3rd Sunday 15 Dec 2024: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 ~ Christ Jesus will come again to judge the world.

Advent Season | 3rd Sunday 15 Dec 2024

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

Opening prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ,
you sent your messengers the prophets
to preach repentance
and prepare the way for our salvation:
Grant that the ministers and stewards
of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way,
by turning the hearts of the disobedient
toward the wisdom of the just,
that at your second coming to judge the world,
we may be found a people acceptable in your sight;
for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

John: “I baptize you with water, but…
He will baptize you
with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
(Luke 3:16)

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Rejoice, The Lord Is King | Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus · Festival Brass

1 Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

2 His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

3 Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

4 Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord and judge shall come
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

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OT Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 (ESV)

Israel’s Joy and Restoration

3:14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Behold, at that time I will deal
with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you in,
at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes,” says the Lord.

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From Isaiah 12:2-6:  “The Lord Is My Strength and My Song” | Perimeter Worship

Give thanks to God for his love endures forever
And his everlasting mercies never fail
He is my rock he’s a shelter for the weary
On this ever winding journey he restores me

I will rejoice when the night is long
I will rejoice when the morning dawns
In every change my hope remains the same
The Lord is my strength and my song

In summer’s gold you are graciously providing
And we see your goodness shining on this world
In the winter’s cold in the stillness of the waiting
You are purposely creating something beautiful

I will rejoice when the night is long
I will rejoice when the morning dawns
In every change, my hope remains the same
The Lord is my strength and my song

From the mountains sing “Alleluia!”
Through the valley sing “It is well”
For our God is King and his reign goes on
The Lord is my strength and my song

I will rejoice when the night is long
I will rejoice when the morning dawns
In every change, my hope remains the same
The Lord is my strength and my song
The Lord is my strength and my song
The Lord is my strength
And my song

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NT Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV) 

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Gaudete | City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir  / Chet Valley Churches

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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18 (ESV)

3:7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

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O Come Divine Messiah | Advent | Sunday 7pm Choir

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

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.

Almighty and everliving God: mercifully receive our prayers for the Church and the World.

+ Inspire continually your Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the  truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Amen.

+ Lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct their leaders that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our country’s leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true faith and virtue. Amen.

+ Give grace, heavenly Father, to all Church leaders that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, especially in our local congregations, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. Amen.

+ Prosper, we pray, all those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded. Amen.

+ Comfort and sustain, O Lord,  all your people who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity – especially those embroiled in the Middle East warfare. Amen.

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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting.

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

Advent Season | 2nd Sunday 08 Dec 2024: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 ~ Prepare the way of the Lord.

Advent Season | 2nd Sunday 08 Dec 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Blessed Lord,
who caused all Holy Scriptures
to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn,
and inwardly digest them,
that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word
we may embrace and ever hold fast
the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.'”
(Luke 3:4)

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Prepare The Way | Reflections On Taize Session Singers

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OT Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 (ESV)

3:1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

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From Luke 1:68-79: Zechariah’s Prophecy | Trish and Ed / Diocese of St. Benedict, Old Catholic Missionaries

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NT Reading: Philippians 1:3-11 (ESV) 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my  imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6 (ESV)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

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Prepare the Way | DarleneBAZ

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

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.

Almighty and everliving God: mercifully receive our prayers for the Church and the World.

+ Inspire continually your Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the  truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Amen.

+ Lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct their leaders that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true faith and virtue. Amen.

+ Give grace, heavenly Father, to all Church leaders that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, especially in our local congregations, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. Amen.

+ Prosper, we pray, all those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded. Amen.

+ Comfort and sustain, O Lord,  all your people who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity – especially those embroiled in the Middle East warfare.

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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting.

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

Advent Season | 1st Sunday 01 Dec 2024: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36 ~ Watch yourselves.

The Season of Advent begins a new Church Year.
Scripture readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C)
using the (ESV) (English Standard Version translation.

Advent Season | 1st Sunday 01 Dec 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness,
and put on the armor of light,
now in the time of this mortal life in which
your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility;
that in the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts
be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness
and cares of this life, and
that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”
(Luke 21:34)

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Come Thou Long Expected Jesus | First City Church

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OT Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16 (ESV)

The Lord’s Eternal Covenant with David

33:14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

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From the Psalms: Psalm 25 | Exodus Road Band

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NT Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (ESV) 

3:9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and 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.

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More Love to Thee – Tommy Walker – from Generation Hymns 2

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Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-36 (ESV)

The Coming of the Son of Man

21:25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

21:29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

21:34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

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Wake Up Sleeper | by Austin French / Landon’s Lyric Videos

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

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.

Prayer for the Church and the World

Almighty and everliving God, we are taught by your holy Word to offer prayers and supplications and to give thanks for all people. We humbly ask you mercifully to receive our prayers. Amen.

+ Inspire continually your Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the  truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Amen.

+ Lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct their leaders that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true faith and virtue. Amen.

+ Give grace, heavenly Father, to all Church leaders that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, especially in our local congregations, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. Amen.

+ Prosper, we pray, all those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded. Amen.

+ We ask you in your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [especially your people in Israel and the Middle East]. Amen.

+ Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of believers who have departed this life; and give us grace to follow all your saints, that we may share with them in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting.

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