20th Sunday after Pentecost – The Peanut Gallery

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

O God, who alone can probe the depths of the heart, You hear the prayer of the humble and justify the repentant sinner.

As we stand before You, grant us the gift of humility, that we may see our own sins clearly and refrain from judging our neighbor.

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.
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“Your Name” – Paul Baloche

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Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14(NLT)

Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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“Hungry” – Kathryn Scott

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Intercession:

Compassionate God, we fall on our knees before Your throne of grace; hear our prayers for the needs of Your people. We pray especially –

+ For church leaders around the world, that they may lead with humility and grace….

+ For world leaders, that they may govern with wisdom, justice and mercy….

+ For national leaders, that they may not forget the needs of the poor and powerless….

+ For our own country, that politics may be set aside for liberty, justice, and the betterment of all….

+ For those suffering from war and injustice, that they may be delivered from evil and their communities restored….

+ For the sick, particularly people near death, that Your presence and loving-kindness may comfort them as they approach Your heavenly kingdom….

Compassionate God, You rescue Your people in all their distress, hear our prayers we ask in humility and faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Good Fight” -Unspoken

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Closing: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (excerpts)

Fight the good fight; finish the race and remain faithful. For the crown of righteousness awaits you, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to all who eagerly await Him – on the day of His return.

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

20th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Beneficent God, it is Your will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Look upon Your abundant harvest and send workers to preach the gospel to every creature, so that Your people, gathered by the Word of Life and supported by the power of the Holy Spirit, may advance in the way of salvation and love. 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.
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“Psalm 96” – Vertical Worship

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Reading: Matthew 22:15-21 (NLT)

Taxes for Caesar

Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
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Intercessory Prayer

God of glory and power, hear our prayers –

+ That our church leaders may preach the Gospel with faith and courage….
+ That the men and women who work for righteousness and peace may not give up….
+ That Christian missionaries may be empowered and protected, and bear much good fruit….
+ That those working to restore communities devastated by disaster may see progress….
+ That Your people may care for our neighbors, in good days and bad….
+ That church communities may be strengthened, bringing hope and healing to all….
+ That all who have gone before us in faith may experience the wonder of eternal life….

God of glory and power, You will judge the peoples in fairness: hear our prayers and graciously grant them according to Your will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Bound For Glory” – Vertical Worship

This world is not my home. I’m here for a moment. It’s all I’ve ever known. But this world is not my home.

The fight is not my own. These burdens aren’t my future. The empty tomb has shown. I am bound for glory.

I am free because I’m bound. I am bound for heavens gate. Where my feet will stand on holy ground. I am bound for glory. Bound for glory.

The saving work is done. Death is not my ending. My God has overcome. For I am bound for glory.

All my pain, hurt and shame. Gone when Jesus calls my name. Endless joy, endless praise. All when Jesus calls my name. All my pain, hurt and shame. Gone when Jesus calls my name. Endless joy, endless praise. All when Jesus calls my name.
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Blessing – Psalm 67:1-4 (NLT)

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!