The 4th Sunday of Lent – 31 Mar 2019 – Luke 15:11-32 ~ lost and found

Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

God of compassion, you await the sinner’s return and spread a feast to welcome home the lost.

Save us from the temptations that lead away from you, and draw us back by the constancy of your love, that we may take our place in your household and gladly share our inheritance with others.

Grant this through Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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“Good Good Father” – Chris Tomlin

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Gospel Reading: Luke 15:11-32 (NLT)

Parable of the Lost Son

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: You love us and happily welcome us home from our distress in far countries. Hear our prayers and show us your mercy –

+ That all who follow your Son, Jesus Christ, may return home to your embrace during this season of Lent….
+ That people who have quarreled with each other may be reconciled to you and one another….
+ That families experiencing difficulties and conflict may learn to forgive one another as you have forgiven them….
+ That believing communities in every country may live in peace and be respected….
+ That believers who are suffering great persecution may be delivered from evil and their lives restored….

Heavenly Father: Show us your mercy and rescue us from the darkest places of our exile. Restore us to our families and faith communities, that heaven and earth might rejoice in our return to your household. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Lion and the Lamb” – Big Daddy Weave

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Blessing – 1 Corinthians 5:20-21

We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

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

The 3rd Sunday of Lent – 24 Mar 2019 – Luke 13:1-9 ~ repentance: one more chance

Third Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

God of salvation, we stand before you on holy ground, for your name is glorified and your mercy revealed wherever your mighty deeds are remembered.

Since you are holy and forbearing, turn us from every rash and shallow judgement to seek the ways of repentance.

We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” – Ben Grace (Based on the hymn by Frederick Faber)

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Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9 (NLT)

A Call to Repentance

About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’

“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
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Prayer:

Most holy and merciful Father: We confess that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength.
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ.
We have grieved your Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy upon us: for we have sinned against you.

For all our unfaithfulness and disobedience; for the pride, vanity, and hypocrisy of our lives…. Lord, have mercy.
For our self-pity and impatience, and our envy of those we think more fortunate than ourselves…. Lord, have mercy.
For our unrighteous anger, bitterness and resentment; for all lies, gossip, and slander against our neighbors…. Lord, have mercy.
For our sexual impurity, our exploitation of other people, and our failure to give of ourselves in love…. Lord, have mercy.
For our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our intemperate pursuit of worldly goods and comforts…. Lord, have mercy.
For our dishonesty in daily life and work, our ingratitude for your gifts, and our failure to heed your call…. Lord, have mercy.
For our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty…. Lord, have mercy.
For our wastefulness and misuse of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us…. Lord, have mercy.
For all false judgments, for prejudice and contempt of others, and for all uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors…. Lord, have mercy.
For our negligence in prayer and worship; for our presumption and abuse of your means of grace…. Lord, have mercy.
For seeking the praise of others rather than the approval of God…. Lord, have mercy.
For our failure to commend the faith that is in us…. Lord, have mercy.

Show favor to your people, O Lord, who turn to you in true repentance. For you are a merciful God, full of compassion, long-suffering, and abounding in steadfast love. You spare when we deserve punishment, and in your wrath you remember mercy. Spare your people, good Lord, spare us; in the multitude of your mercies, look upon us and forgive us; through the all-sufficient sacrifice of your blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Come Ye Sinners” – Jami Smith

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Blessing – Psalm 102:17-18

The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

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

The 2nd Sunday of Lent – 17 Mar 2019 – Luke 13:22-35 ~ Always pressing on toward Jerusalem.

Second Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Noel Richards

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Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-35 (NLT)

The Narrow Door

Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.”

Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem

At that time some Pharisees said to him, “Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!”

Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
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Prayer: St Patrick (389-461)- in resolute discipleship, a call to stand.

I call all heaven to witness today that I have put on Christ, I choose no other Lord than the Maker of heaven and earth. This day I walk with Him and He will walk with me. Watch over, and protect me:

+ In life’s choices and circumstance….
+ In my coming and going, in light and darkness….
+ In hesitancy and fear, uncertainty and rebellion….
+ In testing and pain, in danger and doubt….
+ In bearing good news, in breaking new ground….
+ Alone or with others, be they friend or enemy….
+ In carrying your light, in combating darkness….
+ In healing and freedom and life-giving blessing….
+ In comfort or challenge, to rescue and save….
+ In all my beginnings, and at each ending….

Watch over, and protect me. In the name of the Protecting Father, in the name of the Conquering Son, and in the name of the Liberating Spirit, I arise today. Amen.
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“Christ Be All Around Me” – All Sons & Daughters

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Blessing – an Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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

The 1st Sunday of Lent – 10 Mar 2019 – Luke 4:1-13 ~ the devil is a liar

First Sunday of Lent

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you alone do we worship, only your word gives life.

Sustain your people on our Lenten journey. When we walk through the desert of temptation, strengthen us to renounce the power of evil. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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“God is our Strength and Refuge – Psalm 46” – Glory Presbyterian Church Singapore.

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
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Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Teach us to rely on your Word and Spirit to guide us during our Lenten journey. We pray especially –

+ For your people throughout the world….
Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

+ For all those preparing for baptism this Easter….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the poor people of the world, provide their basic necessities….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For believers under attack, protect them and rescue them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For people displaced by war and violence, provide for them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For lost, unbelieving people, find them and save them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

+ For the sick and those who grieve and mourn, heal and comfort them….
Don’t let them yield to temptation, but rescue them from the evil one.

Lord our God, you protect and provide for those who put their trust in you. Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one – through Christ our Lord. Amen
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“You Say” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing –

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.
As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. – Romans 10:4
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Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

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

The 8th Sunday of Epiphany – 03 Mar 2019 – Luke 9:28-36 ~ Listen to him.

Eighth Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

O God, who on a mountain revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son,
wonderfully transfigured, glorious and in dazzling white: Grant that we, being delivered from the anxiety of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“What A Beautiful Name” – Hillsong Worship

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Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 (NLT)

The Transfiguration

About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them.

Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live and love. We confess we have not listened to him – we have not loved you with all our heart, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Please forgive us, and by the power of your Spirit help us –

+ Show patience and kindness, especially to the difficult people in our lives.
+ Show humility and gentleness, considering the needs of others first.
+ Show cheerfulness and grace, even when we have been wronged.
+ Show gladness of heart, when truth wins over falsehood.
+ Show perseverance and faith, when obstacles seem insurmountable.
+ Show hope and endurance, in the face of heartache and suffering.

Heavenly Father: You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live and love. And, he voluntarily laid down his life so that we could be made right with you. Thank you for your forgiveness, and set us again on the path of life and love he has laid out for us. For his name’s sake. Amen.
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“You’re Beautiful” – Phil Wickham