Morning Prayer: 29 September – Romans 16:3-16 ~ greetings

Reading through Romans

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

Opening sentence

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.
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A reading from Romans: Romans 16:3-16 (NLT)

aquila-and-priscilla 1 — Priscilla and Aquila

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.

Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
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Reflection: Romans 16:3-16 (John Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World)

Conclusion: The providence of God in the ministry of Paul (Romans 15:14–16:27)

Paul takes the Roman church into his confidence about the salient characteristics of his ministry… giving us insight into the outworking of God’s providence in his life and work.

His commendation and greetings (Romans 16:1–16)

‘I think’, wrote Chrysostom, ‘that many even of those who have the appearance of being extremely good men, hasten over this part of the epistle as superfluous …Yet’, he went on, ‘the gold founders’ people are careful even about the little fragments …it is possible even from bare names to find a great treasure.’

2. Many greetings (3-16)
Paul sends greetings to twenty -six individuals, twenty-four of whom he names, adding in most cases an appreciative personal reference…. Reflecting on the names and circumstances of the people Paul greets, one is particularly impressed by the unity and diversity of the church to which they belonged.

a. The diversity of the church

The most interesting and instructive aspect of church diversity in Rome is that of gender. Nine out of the twenty-six persons greeted are women…. Paul evidently thinks highly of them all.

The prominent place occupied by women in Paul’s entourage shows that he was not at all the male chauvinist of popular fantasy.

b. The unity of the church

Alongside the Roman church’s diversity in race, rank and sex, it experienced a profound unity which transcended its differences.

The toleration of ethnic division in the Roman house churches would be entirely incompatible with Paul’s sustained argument in chapters 14 –15, and with its climax…. Such an arrangement would contradict the church’s unity in diversity.

Heterogeneity is of the essence of the church, since it is the one and only community in the world in which Christ has broken down all dividing walls.
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Paul concludes his list of individual greetings with two universals.

The first is that, although only a few of them have been greeted by name, they must all greet one another with a holy kiss… a visible and tangible gesture, although what form the ‘kiss’ should take will vary according to culture…. Paul’s second universal follows: all the churches of Christ send greetings… writing representitavely.
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“One Bread, One Body”

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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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.

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

Sunday, 27 September: Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 ~ Spirit break out

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer:

Pour out your Spirit, O God, over all the world to inspire every heart with knowledge and love of You. Grant that we who confess Jesus as Lord may shun whatever is contrary to our faith and give witness to Your love that has saved us in Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “Breathe On Me, Breath Of God”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Numbers 11:25-29 (NLT)
[Moses is asked to prevent some followers from acting as prophets, but declines. God’s gifts are for all, not just a few.]

And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Then he gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again.

Moses chooses seventy elders (1739) Jacob de Wit City Archives, Amsterdam — Moses chooses seventy elders (1739)
Jacob de Wit
City Archives, Amsterdam

Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”

Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!”

But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-14 (NLT)

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
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They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
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How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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“Psalm 19”

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A Reading from the Letters: James 5:1-6 (NLT)
[James condemns the rich, those who perceive they have no need of God.]

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 (NLT)
[Jesus teaches his followers to recognize people who are helpful, and shows them how to deal with obstacles to faith.]

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands.
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“Spirit Break Out” – Kim Walker-Smith

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Intercessions:

Brothers and sisters, let us make our needs known to the Lord.

+ For Church leaders around the world – that their faithful witness to the Gospel may strengthen and encourage the believers under their care…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the men and women called to minister in the Church – that the Spirit may help them to become good servants…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the rich and wealthy — that they may remember their call to godly stewardship and generosity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the refugees seeking food and shelter — that they may receive the help they need to sustain them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For war-torn, corrupt countries and governments – that self-serving leaders may be replaced with godly servants of their people…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people in our communities who are sick — that the Lord may raise them up to health and wholeness…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died in the service of Christ, and all our family and friends who have gone before us in faith – that they may receive just reward of their labors…. Lord, hear us.

Eternal God, You provide for those who rely on You: send us grace and resources sufficient unto the day, we ask You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” – Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Holy Spirit, living Breath of God, Breathe new life into my willing soul. Bring the presence of the risen Lord To renew my heart and make me whole. Cause Your Word to come alive in me; Give me faith for what I cannot see; Give me passion for Your purity. Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.

Holy Spirit, come abide within; May Your joy be seen in all I do— Love enough to cover ev’ry sin In each thought and deed and attitude, Kindness to the greatest and the least, Gentleness that sows the path of peace. Turn my striving into works of grace. Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.

Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth, Giving life to all that God has made, Show Your power once again on earth; Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways. Let the fragrance of our prayers arise. Lead us on the road of sacrifice That in unity the face of Christ Will be clear for all the world to see.
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Benediction:

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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

Sunday, 20 September: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54:3-7; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 ~ on peacemaking

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Remember the passion and death of Jesus, and rejoice in His resurrection. Jesus calls us to move beyond rivalries and conflicts, and to follow Him.
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O God, protector of the poor and defender of the just, in Your kingdom the last become first, the gentle are strong, and the lowly exalted. Give us wisdom from above, that we may find in Jesus the pattern of true discipleship and the grace to persevere in following Him, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “I Sing The Mighty Power of God” – Fountainview Academy

I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
the moon shines full at his command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord that filled the earth with food;
he formed the creatures with his word and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eyes,
if I survey the ground I tread or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below but makes your glories known,
and clouds arise and tempests blow by order from your throne;
while all that borrows life from you is ever in your care,
and everywhere that I can be, you, God, are present there.
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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 (NRSVACE)
[Describes the trouble the good person can endure, the same anger that led to the death of Jesus.]

‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training.
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Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.’
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 54:3-7 (NLT)

For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God.

But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.
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“Psalm 54”

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A Reading from the Letters: James 3:16-4:3 (NLT)
[James challenges people to conquer the wrong desires in themselves, as a means of bringing peace.]

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong — you want only what will give you pleasure.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 9:30-37 (NLT)
[Jesus tells his followers about his death and resurrection, and teaches them how to be true disciples.]

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
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“My Peace I Give You” (Taizé Chant)

My peace I leave you, my peace I give you / Trouble not your hearts
My peace I leave you, my peace I give you / Be not afraid
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Intercessions:

God is our ever-present helper in times of need: hear us now merciful Father as we come before Your throne of grace.

+ For Church Leaders as they discharge their duties around the world — that they may travel safely…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all Christians — that we may learn to put other people before ourselves…. Lord, hear us.
+ For migrants seeking safety and support – that they may receive the help they need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peacemakers — that God may help them persevere, despite the obstacles they encounter…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the children in our communities — that they may grow in strength and wisdom…. Lord, hear us.
+ For children who have suffered from harm or abuse — that God may come to their aid and protect them from further danger…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, especially those who have died violently – that they rest in eternal peace…. Lord, hear us.

God of power and might, You uphold our lives and keep us in Your care: help us in our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Beautiful Things” – Gungor

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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

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

Sunday: 13 September – Isaiah 50:5-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35 ~ turn, take, and follow

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

In our journey through life, we walk the path Jesus walked: we cannot escape suffering, any more than He could.
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Make us one, O God, in acknowledging Jesus as Christ and Lord. As we proclaim Him by our words, let us follow Him in our works; give us strength to take up the cross and courage to lose our lives for His sake. 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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Hymn: “Majesty / All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 50:5-9 (NLT)
[Isaiah describes someone suffering nobly. Christians think of Jesus when they hear these words.]

The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear! See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me guilty?
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9 (NLT)

I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!”

How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.
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He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!
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“Psalm 116 – Sons of Korah”

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A Reading from the Letters: James 2:14-18 (NLT)
[James challenges all Christians to put their faith into action.]

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” — but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 8:27-35 (NLT)
[Jesus tells his followers about the kind of end he will have, and tells them they too may have to suffer.]

Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”

But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
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“Wonderful Merciful Savior” – Selah

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Intercessions:

The Sovereign Lord is our helper and protector: with confidence we approach His throne of mercy and grace.

+ For Christian families around the world – that our family life may be renewed in Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians being persecuted for their faith, in Syria and Iraq and throughout the Middle East — that they may know Christ’s presence as they carry the cross…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those seeking safety in Europe — that they receive the necessities of life that they need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the Christians of Europe — that their actions may match their faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those in need in our own country — that they may find shelter, food, clothing, and the medical help they need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all of us, as we begin a new week – that we may learn to live each day as followers of Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died – especially those who died on 9/11, and subsequently, through Islamist violence – that they may live forever in Your presence…. Lord, hear us.

God of all compassion, You protect Your people in every difficulty: hear our prayers and grant us Your grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Take Up Your Cross” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Benediction:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

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

Sunday: 06 September – Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146:7-10; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37 ~ He is coming to save you.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues today through the ministry of His Word and Spirit. Pray for healing and strength, trusting that God will continue to show compassion to the whole world.
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God of power and compassion, in Christ You reveal Your will to heal and to save. Open our ears to Your redeeming word and move our hearts by the strength of Your love, so that our every word and work may proclaim as Messiah Jesus the Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “Great Things”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 35:4-7 (NLT)
[Isaiah promises that when the Messiah comes, the deaf will hear and the dumb will speak.]

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10 (NLT)

He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.

The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!
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“Praise the Lord My Soul”

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A Reading from the Letters: James 2:1-5 (NLT)
[James complains of class distinction at religious services.]

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” — well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 7:31-37 (NLT)
[Through Jesus’ healing ministry, the deaf hear and the dumb speak.]

Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.

Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”
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“Before the Throne of God Above”

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Intercessions:

Christian migrants from Eritrea and Ethiopia attend the Sunday mass at the makeshift church in “The New Jungle” near Calais, France, August 2, 2015.

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; we come before His throne of grace with confidence.

+ For our church — that all may feel welcome, without distinction…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians — that we may work to end discrimination wherever You have placed us…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people with difficulties in speech — that patient friends may encourage them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who cannot hear well — that we may be sensitive to their needs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees around the world looking for a place of safety — that they may find the safe home they need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For war-torn countries with genocidal inclinations – that the armies of heaven may restore peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those we love and are concerned about, and for all our own needs – that we might experience Your healing and strength…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died – that the Lord may raise up all the faithful departed and especially those who have died this summer…. Lord, hear us.

Healing God, You pour out Your love on those who cry to You for help; raise us up by Your grace and support us in our needs, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “O Great God”

Benediction:

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)

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

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