29 July – The Peanut Gallery

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, you are our ever-present help in times of trouble. Pour out your Spirit on your people in every tribe and nation, that we may live courageously and do the work you have called us to do. 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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“Betzet Yisrael” (Psalm 114) – Miqedem

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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:45-52 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God: Nothing escapes your notice; no thought, or word, or deed is hidden from you. Hear your peoples’ cries for help as we pray in faith –

+ For all church leaders, that we might be led by your Spirit and guided by your Word….
+ For all church workers, that we might do our part using the gifts you have given us….
+ For all believers, that we might grow in unity and patience towards one another….
+ For all who are fearful, that we might take courage in your unfailing love….
+ For all who are sick, that we might experience your miraculous healing power….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they might live in your perfect peace forever….

Strengthen your people, O Lord, and grant our prayers for unity and faith that we might continue to grow into maturity as measured by your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Not Afraid” – Red Rocks Worship

I have this confidence because | I’ve seen the faithfulness of God
The still inside the storm | The promise of the shore
I trust the power of Your word | Enough to seek Your kingdom first
Beyond the barren place | Beyond the ocean waves

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

You keep the promises You make | There isn’t one that is delayed
So I will not lose heart | Here, I will lift my arms
And start to sing into the night | My praise will call the sun to rise
Declare the battle won | Declare that it is done

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
When I am in the fire, I will not feel the flames
I’ll stand before the giant, declaring victory
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
No, I am not afraid, no, I am not afraid
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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: 1 Thessalonians 1-3 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Lord Jesus – I pray for your church around the world today, especially for those suffering oppression and great persecution. Protect your people, Lord; be their shield and defender against the anger and violence of hate-driven people. Provide for your people, Lord; supply their need for food, clothing and shelter, and give them safe havens for rest.

1 Thessalonians 1.2-3 (NLT) – We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

+ Thank you, Lord, for their faithfulness and steadfastness in the face of great opposition. I ask, Lord, that they might continue to labor in love, strengthened and empowered by your Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 2.7-8 (NLT) – But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

+ Lord, I pray that the plight of our persecuted brothers and sisters might be taken to heart by your people around the world. Fill us with a passion to relieve their suffering by whatever means available to us.

1 Thessalonians 2.13 (NLT) – And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

+ Lord, Pour out your Spirit that your written Word in Scripture might come alive in new, fresh ways. Accomplish your good works of grace, love, and peace in the hearts of all believers.

1 Thessalonians 3.11-13 (NLT) – 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.

Lord Jesus – Hold your people close to your heart – that we might increase in love for one another and persevere in godliness as we await your return with all the saints who have gone before us. Amen.
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“All the Poor and Powerless” – All Sons & Daughters

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!