Tag: Anglican Church in North America

Fourth Sunday of Advent – 23 Dec – Luke 1:39-56 ~ Blessed because you believed.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your Word, and move us by your Spirit to bless your wonderful works. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Canticle of Magnificat” (Lk 1:46-55) – Song of Mary sung in Latin by the Daughters of Mary

[46] And Mary said: My soul * doth magnify the Lord: [47] and my spirit hath rejoiced * in God, my Savior.

[48] Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, [49] because He that is Mighty hath done great things to me; * and Holy is His Name. [50] And His Mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him. [51] He hath shewed might in His arm: * He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. [52] He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things: * and the rich He hath sent empty away. [54] He hath received Israel, His servant, * being mindful of His Mercy: [55] as He spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, * and will be forever. Amen.
__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56 (NLT)

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

_ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
_ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
_ He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
_ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
_ He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
_ He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
_ He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
_ He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
_ For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Pour out your Spirit on us and fill us with an abundance of faith that we might receive your blessing as well. We pray especially –

+ for all believers around the world, that their faith may be strengthened at the celebration of Christmas…
+  for all who faithfully labor in obscurity, that they may receive your blessing at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are burdened by sin and shame, that they may receive mercy and pardon at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for a miracle, that they may be encouraged by the wonder and mystery of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for justice, that they may be confident in the truth and righteousness of Christmas…
+ for all who are poor and needy, that they may receive the essentials of life through the generosity of Christmas…

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Fill us with wonder and joy at his Birth, and prepare us to welcome his Return with confidence and faith, through the power of our Word and Spirit at work within us – all to your glory. Amen.
__________

“Magnificat” – by Kim André Arnesen (Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway)

(Lk 1:46-55) [46] Et ait María: Magníficat * ánima mea Dóminum: [47] et exsultávit spíritus meus * in Deo, Salutári meo.

[48] Quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ Suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, [49] quia fecit mihi magna qui Potens est: * et Sanctum Nomen Eius. [50] Et Misericórdia Eius a progénie in progénies * timéntibus Eum. [51] Fecit poténtiam in bráchio Suo: * dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui. [52] Depósuit poténtes de sede, * et exaltávit húmiles. [53] Esuriéntes implévit bonis: * et dívites dimísit inánes. [54] Suscépit Ísraël, púerum Suum, * recordátus Misericórdiæ Suæ: [55] sicut locútus est ad patres nostros, * Ábraham et sémini eius in sǽcula.
__________

Blessing –

May God the almighty and merciful bless you by the light of Christ’s coming, and enrich your lives with every grace. May God make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life. And may God reward you with eternal life when our Redeemer comes again in glory.

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

Third Sunday of Advent – 16 Dec – Luke 3:7-18 ~ the Good News of repentance

Third Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good. Let the fire of your Spirit purge us of selfishness and hypocrisy, so that, purified, we may find our peace in you and you may delight in us. Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Gaudete” – Querela – historická lidová hudba – Prague, Czech Republic

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

The time of grace has come for which we have prayed
Let us devoutly sing songs of joy.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

God is made man, while nature wonders
The world is renewed by Christ the King.

Therefore, let our assembly sing praises now at this time of purification
Let it bless the Lord: greetings to our King.
__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18 (NLT)

When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

The crowds asked, “What should we do?”

John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

“What should we do?” asked some soldiers.

John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God, our strength and our salvation, hear our prayers –

+ For all who follow Christ Jesus – that we may be joyful…
+ For all who are poor and needy – that we may freely share what we have…
+ For all who are brokenhearted – that we may comfort and support them..
+ For all who are sick – that we may visit and pray for them…
+ For all who are alone – that we may love and assist them…
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may experience the joy of eternal life…

God our Savior, we rejoice in your loving-kindness and mighty deeds, help us we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Isaiah 12” (Sing to the Lord) – the Ambassadors

__________

Blessing – Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”

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

Second Sunday of Advent – 09 Dec – Luke 3:1-6 ~ Prepare the way!

Second Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

God of our salvation, you straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin. Make our conduct blameless, keep our hearts watchful in holiness, and bring to perfection the good you have begun in us. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Prepare the Way of the Lord” – Jeremy Riddle

__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6 (NLT)

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”
__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty and merciful God: Our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed –

+ Prepare our hearts to receive the coming of your Son with hope and joy…
+ Renew our minds that we may be transformed by the truth of your Word…
+ Refresh us in faith and love as we enter into your presence in worship…
+ Make us one in faith and baptism, that we may pursue peace together…
+ Rescue those who are oppressed and persecuted by wicked people…
+ Sustain those who are living on the margins and give them hope…
+ Heal those who are sick, and comfort those who mourn…

Almighty and merciful God: Let neither our daily work nor the cares of this life prevent us from hastening to meet your Son. Enlighten us with your wisdom and lead us into his company. We ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Prepare the Way, O Zion/Come, Thou, Long Expected Jesus” – The Miserable Offenders

Prepare the way, O Zion! Your Christ is drawing near
Let every hill and valley, A level way appear;
Greet one who comes in glory, Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came, In God’s most holy name.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O, blest is Christ that came, in God’s most holy name.

Fling wide you gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace.
His tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before him, their voices will adore him.
O, blest is Christ that came, in God’s most holy name.
__________

Blessing – Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

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

First Sunday of Advent – 02 Dec – Luke 21:25-33 ~ The coming of the Son of Man

First Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

God our Savior, you utter a word of promise and hope and hasten the day of justice and freedom, yet we live in a world forgetful of your word, our watchfulness dulled by the cares of life.

Keep us alert. Make us attentive to your word, ready to look on your Son when he comes with power and great glory. Make us holy and blameless, ready to stand secure when the day of his coming shakes the world with terror.

We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” – Shane & Shane

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart

 

 

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a king
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring
By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine own sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne
__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-33 (NLT)

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Faithful God: In your mercy, receive our prayers, the cries of our hearts, and help us –

+ For believers, that we may be ready when Christ returns in glory…
+ For people of good will, that they may receive your mercy and grace through Christ…
+ For people who are lonely and sad, that we may comfort them as we have been comforted in Christ …
+ For people in need, that we may care for them as we await the return of Christ…
+ For people who suffer, that they may receive hope and healing through Christ…
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may enjoy peace and rest in eternity…

Faithful God: You are loving and kind to all who put their trust in you. Extend your grace to us now, in this our time of need, we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending” – Lichfield Cathedral Choir

Lo! He comes with clouds descending, Once for favored sinners slain;
Thousand thousand saints attending, Swell the triumph of His train:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God appears on earth to reign.

 

Every eye shall now behold Him, Robed in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at naught and sold Him, Pierced and nailed Him to the tree,
Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, Shall the true Messiah see.

The dear tokens of His passion, Still His dazzling body bears;
Cause of endless exultation To His ransomed worshipers;
With what rapture, with what rapture, Gaze we on those glorious scars!

Yea, amen; let all adore thee, High on thine eternal throne;
Savior, take the power and glory; Claim the kingdoms for thine own:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.
__________

Blessing –

May almighty God bless us by the light of Christ’s coming, and enrich our lives with every grace. May He make us steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of our lives. And may He grant us eternal life when our Redeemer comes again in glory.

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

Christ the King Sunday – 25 Nov – John 18:33-37 ~ All hail King Jesus!

Christ the King Sunday

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, you have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away.

Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and, as a royal and priestly people, serve you humbly in our brothers and sisters.

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.
__________

“How great is our God” – Chris Tomlin

__________

Gospel Reading: John 18:33-37 (NLT)

Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
__________

Prayers of Intercession:

Gracious God: Help us, according to your loving-kindness, we pray –

+ For all who follow Jesus Christ, that we may work together to advance his Kingdom….
+ For those who lead tribes and nations, that they may seek the truth, justice, and peace of Christ….
+ For all people everywhere, that we may work cooperatively in Christ for the common good….
+ For ourselves, that our lives may demonstrate the rule and reign of Christ…
+ For the sick and sorrowful, that they may experience the healing and comfort of Christ….
+ For those affected by natural disasters, that they may receive help from the followers of Christ….
+ For all those who have died in Christ, that they may share the glory of Christ forever….

Sovereign God, you rule your people with love and compassion: attend to our prayers and give us the help we need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“All Hail King Jesus” – Jeremy Riddle | Bethel Music

__________

Blessing – Revelation 1:5b-6 (NLT)

“All glory to Jesus Christ who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”

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