Tag: Anglican Church in North America

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 02 Sep – Mark 7:1-23 ~ defiled from within

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Father of light, giver of every good and perfect gift, bring to fruition the word of truth sown in our hearts by your Son, that we may rightly understand your commandments, live your law of love, and so offer you worship that is pure and undefiled. Grant 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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“Here on earth” (Psalm 15) – The Shiyr Poets

Lord who may sojourn | Who may worship and rest
In your sanctuary | Here on earth
Lord who may live on | Who may dwell on your hill
On your holy mountain | Who may dwell

Those who walk without blame and do justice
Speaking truth from their hearts to their neighbor
Those whose tongues speak no slander | No wrong or hateful slur
Who despises a vile and evil man | Yet who honors all who fear the Lord
What they vow they fulfill even when it hurts | They will never change
When they lend to those in need | No interest will be charged | They won’t accept a bribe to speak against the innocent

Those who do these things | Will never stumble and fall
They will not be shaken here on earth
They will not be shaken here on this earth
They will never stumble, never fall here on earth

Lord who may sojourn who may worship and rest
In your sanctuary here on earth . . . . here on earth . . . .
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Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-23 (NLT)

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.

So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”

Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’

For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God:

‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’

But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

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.

We pray especially –

+ For all church leaders, that their hearts may be conformed to your Word and Spirit, and that their lives might reflect it…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers, that that our secret sins may be exposed to the cleansing of your Word and Spirit, and that we may be forgiven and set free…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers, that our church traditions may not displace your Word and Spirit in shaping our worship, our faith,, and our practice…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers, that we may share food, clothing and shelter with the poor and needy among us in distress…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our faith communities, that your presence may abide with us throughout the challenges of the coming year…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ, that they may live in your presence for ever and ever…. Lord, hear us.

God our creator, your love for your people has no end: hear our prayers and give us your supporting grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Build my life” – Housefires


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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!

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 26 Aug – John 6:60-69 ~ you alone have the words of eternal life

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

In every age, O God, you give your people freedom to walk in faith or to turn away. Grant us grace to remain faithful to your Holy One, whose words are spirit and life, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark


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Gospel Reading: John 6:60-69 (NLT)

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One of God: usher us into the presence of the Father, that we may present our needs and receive help in this our day of trouble. Lord, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders – that we may repent of our sins, past and present, and receive forgiveness… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who pray without ceasing – that you may hear their cries and respond to their needs… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who are suffering great pain and affliction at the hands of wicked people – that they may be delivered and healed… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who have turned away from you – that they may repent, return, and be restored by the communion of saints… Lord, have mercy.
+ For all who are searching for meaning – that they may hear your call and follow you… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who are destitute and dislocated – that they may receive comfort and restoration… Lord, have mercy.
+ For all who have died in faith – that they may enjoy the wonders of life eternal in your presence… Lord, have mercy.

Lord our God, you heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind. Work your wonders among us that we might bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.
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“Taste and See” – Shane & Shane


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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!

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 19 Aug – John 6:53-59 ~ I will raise him up on the last day

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Wise and gracious God, you spread a table before us and nourish your people with the word of life and the bread from heaven. In our sharing of these holy gifts, show us our unity in you and give us a taste of the life to come. 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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“Praise the Lord Who Heals the Broken Hearted (Psalm 147)” – Bill Monaghan


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Gospel Reading: John 6:53-59 (NLT)

So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”

He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God, those who revere you lack nothing; hear our prayers as we approach your throne of grace –

+ For all believing pastors and priests serving your people this weekend, that they may offer the word of life and the bread of heaven…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers who come to your table this weekend, that we may be nourished in faith and assured of eternal life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believing families, that our commitment to you and one another may be deepened…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers who are brokenhearted and cast down, that our wounds may be healed and our spirits lifted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers who are dislocated and dispossessed, that we may receive solace and the necessities of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers who have died, especially our loved ones, that they may live forever in your presence…. Lord, hear us.
+ For unbelievers in every tribe and nation, that your Spirit might lead them to Christ, the Bread of Life, and that our lives might bear witness to his presence in us…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, those who seek you lack no blessing: hear these prayers we offer in faith, and continue to help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets


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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!

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – 12 Aug – John 6:41-51 ~ anyone who believes has eternal life

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God, our Father and provider, whose Son has given his flesh for the life of the world, sustain your pilgrim people on our journey with the word of life and the bread of heaven. Draw us nearer to him that, following his way of sacrificial love, we may come to the banquet of eternal life. Grant 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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“Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah” – Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church, Cardiff


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Gospel Reading: John 6:41-51 (NLT)

Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said. For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. As it is written in the Scriptures,‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: we enter your presence under the auspices of your Son, Jesus Christ. Hear our prayers and grant us your mercy and help –

+ For all believers who gather in worship this weekend, that we may have fullness of life…
+ For all believers who gather in your name, that we may be bound together in spirit and peace…
+ For all believers who are preparing for another school year, that we may bring out the best in one another…
+ For all who experience despair, to the point of giving up, that you may sustain them with help and hope…
+ For all believers, that they may treat others with love, gentleness, and respect…
+ For all believers travelling during summer holidays, that they may return home refreshed…
+ For all believers who have died, that having received the Bread of Life, they may live forever…

We bless you, O Lord, at all times: from all our terrors you set us free: receive our prayers, and continue your gracious care and provision, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Draw Me Close” – Michael W. Smith


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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!

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – 05 Aug – John 6:24-35 – I am the bread of life.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Lord, giver of ever lasting life, satisfy our hunger through Christ, the bread of life, and quench our thirst with your gift of belief, that we may no longer work for food that perishes, but believe in the One whom you have sent. 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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“I Am the Bread of Life” – Toolan | Notre Dame Folk Choir


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Gospel Reading: John 6:24-35 (NLT)

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O God, you are our Provider and Sustainer: hear our prayers as we approach your throne of grace in this our time of need. Lord, help us. We pray –

+ for all believers – that you may sustain their hope of eternal life….
+ for every man and woman searching for meaning – that they may find Jesus….
+ for believing families – that they may teach your truths to their children…
+ for nomads and wanderers – that they may receive your protection….
+ for those who are hungry – that they may receive your sustenance….
+ for families at risk – that they may receive counsel and legal protection….
+ for those who have died in Christ – that they may enjoy eternal life….

O God, you have never failed to nourish your people in their needs: hear our cries and grant our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Panis Angelicus” – Andrea Bocelli


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Blessing – Ephesians 4:22-24

Live as children of light – “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

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