Category: Uncategorized

After Pentecost | Thursday 25 Jul 2024: Psalm 14; 2 Samuel 10:1-5; Colossians 1:9-14 ~ Live wisely to please God.

After Pentecost | Thursday 25 Jul 2024

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

Opening:

O God, you declare your almighty power
chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises,
may become partakers of your heavenly treasure;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“We ask ⌞God⌟ to fill you
with the knowledge of his will
through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight.”
(Colossians 1:9b)

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From Psalms: Psalm 14 – “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of men” / Psalm Musicals – Christian Music Channel

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OT Reading: 2 Samuel 10:1-5 (GW)

David Defeats Ammon and Aram

10:1 Later the king of Ammon died, and his son Hanun became king in his place. David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun as his father Nahash showed me kindness.” So David sent his servants to comfort Hanun after his father’s ⌞death⌟. But when David’s servants entered Ammonite territory, the Ammonite princes asked their master Hanun, “Do you think David is honoring your father because he sent men to comfort you? Hasn’t David sent his men to explore the city, spy on it, and destroy it?” So Hanun took David’s men, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their clothes from the waist down, and sent them away.

After David was told ⌞what had happened⌟, he sent ⌞someone⌟ to meet them because they were deeply humiliated. The king said to them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return ⌞to Jerusalem⌟.”

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An inspiring prayer in song for the return of Israeli hostages – ‘AFIKIM BA NEGEV’ / ICEJ Canada

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NT Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 (GW)

1:9 For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask ⌞God⌟ to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about God. We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy. You will also thank the Father, who has made you able to share the light, which is what God’s people inherit.

What God Has Done Through Christ

1:13 God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven.

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I’m Forgiven, Praise & Worship Music / Anointed Family

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Benedict of Nursia
+ Gracious and holy Father, please give us intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, hearts to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, tongues to proclaim you, ways of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and  perseverance to look for you. Grant us a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the October 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Wednesday 24 Jul 2024: Psalm 61; 2 Samuel 9:1-13; Luke 15:1-7 ~ Welcome those who are lost.

After Pentecost | Wednesday 24 Jul 2024

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

Opening:

O God, you declare your almighty power
chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises,
may become partakers of your heavenly treasure;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“All the tax collectors and sinners
came to listen to Jesus.”
(Luke 15:1)

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From Psalms: Psalm 61:1-4 “Hear My Cry, O God” (Esther Mui)

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OT Reading: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (GW)

David Keeps His Promise to Jonathan

9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone left in Saul’s family to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Now, Saul’s family had a servant whose name was Ziba. He was summoned to ⌞come to⌟ David. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked him.

“⌞Yes,⌟ I am,” he answered.

David asked, “Is there someone left in Saul’s family to whom I can show God’s kindness?”

“Jonathan has a son who is disabled,” Ziba answered.

“Where is he?” the king asked.

Ziba replied, “He is at the home of Machir, Ammiel’s son, in Lo Debar.”

So King David sent men to get him from the home of Ammiel’s son Machir in Lo Debar. When Mephibosheth (son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul) came to David, he quickly bowed down with his face touching the ground.

“Mephibosheth!” David said to him.

“Yes, sir,” he answered.

“Don’t be afraid,” David told him, “I will certainly show you kindness for your father Jonathan’s sake. I will give back to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

Mephibosheth bowed down ⌞again⌟ and answered, “Who am I that you would look at a dead dog like me?”

Then the king called for Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You, your sons, and your servants should farm the land for him and harvest ⌞the crops⌟ so that your master’s family will have food to eat. However, your master’s grandson Mephibosheth will always eat at my table.” (Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.)

Ziba responded, “I will do everything you’ve commanded, Your Majesty.” From then on, Mephibosheth ate at David’s table as one of the king’s sons.

Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. Everyone who lived at Ziba’s home became Mephibosheth’s servant. 13 However, Mephibosheth, who was disabled, lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king’s table.

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To The Table – Zack Williams – brotherearl1944

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NT Reading: Luke 15:1-7 (GW)

The Lost Sheep

15:1 All the tax collectors and sinners came to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and the experts in Moses’ Teachings complained, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Jesus spoke to them using this illustration: “Suppose a man has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the 99 sheep grazing in the pasture and look for the lost sheep until he finds it? When he finds it, he’s happy. He puts that sheep on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ I can guarantee that there will be more happiness in heaven over one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts than over 99 people who already have turned to God and have his approval.”

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Softly and Tenderly – Anne Murray / Jesus Christ is my Lord

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed  yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and  feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring  them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the October 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

+ 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Tuesday 23 Jul 2024: Psalm 61; 2 Samuel 8:1-18; Acts 20:17-38 ~ Pay attention to those entrusted to you.

After Pentecost | Tuesday 23 Jul 2024

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

Opening:

O God, you declare your almighty power
chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises,
may become partakers of your heavenly treasure;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Pay attention to yourselves
and to the entire flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you
as bishops to be shepherds for God’s church
which he acquired with his own blood.”
(Acts 20:28)

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From Psalms: Psalm 61 – “Hear My Cry” / Melissa David / Magein Shalom Messianic Community

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OT Reading: 2 Samuel 8:1-18 (GW)

David’s Successes

8:1 After this, David defeated and crushed the Philistines. He took control of the main Philistine city from them.

He also defeated Moab, made the Moabites lie down on the ground, and measured them with a rope. He measured two lengths which were to be killed, and one length which was to be spared. So the Moabites became David’s subjects and paid taxes ⌞to him⌟.

When David went to restore his control ⌞over the territory⌟ along the Euphrates River, he defeated Zobah’s King Hadadezer, son of Rehob. David took 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers from him. David also disabled all but 100 of their horses so that they couldn’t pull chariots.

When the Arameans from Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David killed 22,000 of them. David put troops in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became his subjects and paid taxes ⌞to him⌟. Everywhere David went, the Lord gave him victories.

David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer’s  servants, and he brought them to Jerusalem. King David also took a large quantity of bronze from Betah and Berothai, Hadadezer’s cities.

When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated Hadadezer’s whole army, he sent his son Joram to greet King David and congratulate him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer. (There had often been war between Hadadezer and Toi.) Joram brought articles of gold, silver, and bronze with him. King David dedicated these articles to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he conquered— from Edom, Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the goods taken from Zobah’s King Hadadezer, son of Rehob.

David made a name for himself by killing 18,000 Edomites  in the Dead Sea region as he returned ⌞to Jerusalem⌟. He put troops everywhere in Edom, and all the Edomites were David’s subjects. Everywhere David went, the Lord gave him victories.

So David ruled all Israel. He did what was fair and right for all his people. Zeruiah’s son Joab was in charge of the army. Ahilud’s son Jehoshaphat was the royal historian. Ahitub’s son Zadok and Abiathar’s son Ahimelech were priests. Seraiah was the royal scribe. Jehoiada’s son Benaiah was commander of the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And David’s sons were priests.

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Son Of David – Hillsong Worship

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NT Reading: Acts 20:17-38 (GW)

Paul Meets with the Spiritual Leaders from Ephesus

20:17 From Miletus Paul sent messengers to the city of Ephesus and called the spiritual leaders  of the church to meet with him ⌞in Miletus⌟. When they were with him, he said to them, “You know how I spent all my time with you from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. I humbly served the Lord, often with tears in my eyes. I served the Lord during the difficult times I went through when the Jews plotted against me. I didn’t avoid telling you anything that would help you, and I didn’t avoid teaching you publicly and from house to house. I warned Jews and Greeks to change the way they think and act and to believe in our Lord Jesus.

“I am determined to go to Jerusalem now. I don’t know what will happen to me there. However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me. But I don’t place any value on my own life. I want to finish the race I’m running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus—the mission of testifying to the Good News of God’s kindness.

“Now I know that none of you whom I told about God’s kingdom will see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am not responsible for the ⌞spiritual⌟ death of any of you. I didn’t avoid telling you the whole plan of God. Pay attention to yourselves and to the entire flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to be shepherds for God’s church which he acquired with his own blood. I know that fierce wolves will come to you after I leave, and they won’t spare the flock. Some of your own men will come forward and say things that distort the truth. They will do this to lure disciples into following them. So be alert! Remember that I instructed each of you for three years, day and night, at times with tears in my eyes.

“I am now entrusting you to God and to his message that tells how kind he is. That message can help you grow and can give you the inheritance that is shared by all of God’s holy people.

“I never wanted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothes. You know that I worked to support myself and those who were with me. I have given you an example that by working hard like this we should help the weak. We should remember the words that the Lord Jesus said, ‘Giving gifts is more satisfying than receiving them.’ ”

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with all of them. Everyone cried a lot as they put their arms around Paul and kissed him. The thought of not seeing Paul again hurt them most of all. Then they took Paul to the ship.

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Take My Life and Let It Be | Songs and Everlasting Joy

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

William Temple
+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours,  utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior  Jesus Christ. 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.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the October 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Monday 22 Jul 2024: Psalm 61; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Hebrews 13:17-25 ~ Jesus is our great shepherd.

After Pentecost | Monday 22 Jul 2024

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

Opening:

O God, you declare your almighty power
chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises,
may become partakers of your heavenly treasure;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The God of peace
brought the great shepherd of the sheep,
our Lord Jesus, back to life
through the blood of an eternal promise.”
(Hebrews 13:20)

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From Psalms: Psalm 61 “Hear My Cry” | Maranatha! Music

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OT Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 (GW)

7:18 King David went into the tent and sat in front of the Lord. “Who am I, Almighty Lord,” he asked, “and why is my house so important that you have brought me this far? And even this you consider to be a small act, Almighty Lord. You’ve also spoken about the distant future of my house. Almighty Lord, this is the teaching about the man.

“What more can I, David, say to you, Almighty Lord, since you know me so well! You’ve done this great thing because of your promise and your own desire. You made it known to me.

“That is why you are great, Lord God. There is no one like you, and there is no other god except you, as we have heard with our own ears. Who is like your people Israel? It is the one nation on earth that God came to free in order to make its people his own, to make his name  known, and to do great and wonderful things for them. You forced  nations and their gods out of the way of your people, whom you freed from Egypt to be your own. You created the people of Israel to be your people forever. And you, Lord, became their God.

“Now, Lord God, keep the promise you made to me and my house forever. Do as you promised. Your name will be respected forever when ⌞people⌟ say, ‘The Lord of Armies is God over Israel.’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your presence. You, Lord of Armies, God of Israel, have revealed it especially to me, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ That is why I have found the courage to offer this prayer to you.

“Almighty Lord, you are God, and your words are trustworthy. You promised me this good thing. Now, please bless my house so that it may continue in your presence forever. Indeed, you, Almighty Lord, have promised it. With your blessing my house will be blessed forever.”

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The Blessing Israel by Passages Israel (2022) | Passages Israel

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NT Reading: Hebrews 13:17-25 (GW)

13:17 Obey your leaders, and accept their authority. They take care of you because they are responsible for you. Obey them so that they may do this work joyfully and not complain about you. (Causing them to complain would not be to your advantage.)

Pray for us. We are sure that our consciences are clear because we want to live honorably in every way. I especially ask for your prayers so that I may come back to you soon.

The God of peace brought the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, back to life through the blood of an eternal promise. May this God of peace prepare you to do every good thing he wants. May he work in us through Jesus Christ to do what is pleasing to him. Glory belongs to Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to listen patiently to my encouraging words. I have written you a short letter. You know that Timothy, our brother, has been freed. If he comes here soon, both of us will visit you.

Greet all your leaders and all God’s holy people. Those who are with us from Italy greet you.

May God’s good will  be with all of you!

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May the Peace of God (Benediction Hymn) – Nates Puruganan

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with  your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is  filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the October 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Saturday 20 Jul 2024: Psalm 23; Jeremiah 12:1-13; Luke 18:35-43 ~ What do you want Jesus to do for you?

After Pentecost | Saturday 20 Jul 2024

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

Opening:

Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and, that we may receive what we ask,
teach us by your Holy Spirit to ask
only those things that are pleasing to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you and the same Spirit
lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

When the man came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
(Luke 18:40-41)

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From Psalms: Psalm 23 – Poor Bishop Hooper

the lord is my shepherd
there’s nothing that i lack
he lets me rest easy
and leads along right paths

it’s all for his name’s sake
and for his glory
even when i go through
the darkest valley

i will fear not
i will fear not
i will fear not

your rod and your staff will
protect and comfort me
you set my feast table
before my enemies
i’m honored anointed
my cup overflows with blessings

i will fear not
i will fear not
i will fear not

surely your goodness and your faithful love
will run after me every single day of
my life
i will live
i will live
i will live
in the house of the lord

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From Jeremiah: Jeremiah 12:1-13 (GW)

Jeremiah’s Question

12:1 O Lord, even if I would argue my case with you,
you would always be right.
Yet, I want to talk to you about your justice.
Why do wicked people succeed?
Why do treacherous people have peace and quiet?
You plant them, and they take root.
They grow, and they produce fruit.
They speak well of you with their lips, but their hearts are far from you.
You know me, O Lord.
You see me and test my devotion to you.
Drag them away like sheep to be slaughtered.
Prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long will the land mourn?
How long will the plants in every field remain dried up?
The animals and the birds are dying,
because people are wicked.
They think that God  doesn’t know what they are doing.

The Lord’s Reply

12:5 “If you have raced against others on foot, and they have tired you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in open country,
how can you live in the jungle along the Jordan River?
Even your relatives and members of your father’s household betray you.
They have also formed a mob to find you.
Don’t trust them when they say good things about you.

“I have abandoned my nation.
I have left my own people.
I have handed the people I love over to their enemies.
My people have turned on me like a lion in the forest.
They roar at me, so I hate them.
My people are like a colorful bird of prey.
Other birds of prey surround it.
Go, gather all the animals in the field,
and bring them to devour it.
Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard.
They’ve trampled my property.
They’ve turned my pleasant property into a wasteland.
They’ve left it a wasteland.
Devastated, it mourns in my presence.
The whole land is destroyed,
but no one takes this to heart.
Looters swarm all over the bare hills in the desert.
The Lord’s sword destroys them
from one end of the land to the other.
No one will be safe.
My people planted wheat, but they harvested thorns.
They worked until they became sick, but they gained nothing by it.
They were disappointed by their harvests
because of the burning anger of the Lord.

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God Full of Mercy / El Maleh Rachamim by Sarah Liberman (Hebrew/English)

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NT Reading: Luke 18:35-43 (GW)

Jesus Gives Sight to a Blind Man

18:35 As Jesus came near Jericho, a blind man was sitting and begging by the road. When he heard the crowd going by, he tried to find out what was happening. The people told him that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by. Then the blind man shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The people at the front of the crowd told the blind man to be quiet. But he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him. When the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man said, “Lord, I want to see again.”

Jesus told him, “Receive your sight! Your faith has made you well.” Immediately, he could see again. He followed Jesus and praised God. All the people saw this, and they, too, praised God.

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Open My Eyes That I May See | Songs and Everlasting Joy

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ 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.

+ Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    • Protect Israel from the fiery darts of the evil one coming from every direction, both within and without.
    • Grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, and diplomatically;
    • Give them hearts to receive, and the courage to do, what’s right in your sight.
    • Comfort those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones;
    • Rebuke those who would use grief for evil purposes.
    • Bring swift and certain justice to all those complicit in the October 7th atrocities;
    • Deliver the hostages from captivity, and restore their souls.
    • Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.
    • Strengthen the Messianic communities – Jew and Arab alike – bind them together in love, that they may be a source of help, and healing, and hope;
    • Use them in the restoration of your people to their proper place in your Kingdom.
    • We pray in Jesus’ Name. 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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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