29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 121:1-8; Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 ~ hands up

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 121:1-8 (NLT)

I look up to the mountains — does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

A Reading from the Old Teastament: Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV)

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 (NLT)

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Intercessions:

With my hands and heart raised before You, O Lord – my saving help – hear my prayer:

That Christian leaders who labor on behalf of Your Church throughout the world are filled with the Holy Spirit so they may inspire and guide the faithful. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers always enjoy the freedom to pray in public and worship You according to Your command, especially those Christians being persecuted in the Middle East. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers realize we are not only receivers but also proclaimers of Your Word to every tribe and nation on earth. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers acknowledge our stewardship – all we have comes from You and is to be used to further Your Kingdom purposes – and therefore make wise use of our time, talent and treasure. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For all those serving our country around the world…and for the loved ones who await their safe return. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who are sick, hospitalized, or homebound, and for their caregivers. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who have recently died in You, and for all who mourn their loss. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who weigh heavily on my heart today. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.

God of truth, you know my weaknesses and my failings. Make me faithful to Your path. I ask you this through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Spirital Song: “Put Your Heart in Me” – Misty Edwards

When you cry, I want to cry with you / When you laugh, let me feel joy / When you move, I want to move with you / When you’re still, keep my feet on the ground

For without you I can do nothing / To be with you is my greatest dream / To be without you I would have nothing / So keep me near you now and always

Show me what you are doing / I want to be near you as your friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me

When you pray, I want to pray with you / When you heal, Lord use my hands / When moved with compassion, turn within me / When seasons change, let me in on your plan / For you Spirit lives within me / And your heartbeat He will unveil

Your very mind has been placed within me / So clear the gray and let me enter in / Show me what you’re doing / I want to be near you as a friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me

Show me what you’re doing / I want to be near you as your friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me / I want to know you, put your heart in me / I want to love you, put your heart in me / Let me hear your heartbeat, let me hear what you feel / Let me hear your heartbeat, let me hear what you feel

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

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19 ~ glory to God

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!

The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

A Reading from the Old Teastament: 2 Kings 5:14-17 (NLT)

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!

Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the LORD….”

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Intercessions:

Wonder-working God: With a grateful heart, I ask that You, once again, respond to the needs of Your people –

For peace with justice for all in Syria and the Middle East — and an end to war and violence (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For refugees and asylum-seekers — that their dignity may be respected and their rights upheld (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For the men and women chosen to spread the Good News — that they may bear the hardships which come with that task (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For all who suffer disease in our world, that full medical help may be available to rich and poor alike (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who suffer isolation today, as the lepers once did — that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For our emigrants and all who are away from home — that our support may remind them of God’s care for them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.

God of many wonders, you bring salvation to all the earth: Remember your people and grant my prayer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “Holy God We Praise Thy Name” – Translator: Clarence A. Walworth; Author (attributed to): Ignace Franz

Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee. All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heav’n above adore Thee. Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the glad celestial hymn / Angel choirs above are raising; Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord: “Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded: Keep us without sin today, Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 ~ faithful witness

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (NLT)

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

A Reading from the Prophet Habakuk: Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4 (NLT)

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.

Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God….”

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 (NLT)

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me — a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Intercessions:

Creator God, Maker of heaven and earth, hear the cries of my heart:

For those called to witness to Christ in today’s world, that the Spirit may fill them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the success of the Mission of the Church, that Christians may embrace the Gospel and spread its message of mercy, forgiveness and hope…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For all who received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, that the same Spirit may sustain them in difficult moments…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who want so much to believe, but find it hard, that a strong faith may grow in them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For respect for human life, from its beginnings to its last moments: that the life of every person may be valued and protected…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who feel so crushed by life that they wish to end it, that they may feel the love of God and know they are never alone…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the dead, those who died during the week and those whose anniversaries occur; and for all who have died in Christ and are part of God’s flock forever…. Lord, hear my prayer.

O God you are our rock, you made us and know all our needs, listen to our prayers and respond according to your Kingdom purposes, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Christ Is Enough for Me” – Hillsong United

Christ is my reward / And all of my devotion / Now there’s nothing in this world / That could ever satisfy / Through every trial / My soul will sing / No turning back / I’ve been set free

Christ is enough for me / Christ is enough for me / Everything I need is in You / Everything I need

Christ my all in all / The joy of my salvation / And this hope will never fail / Heaven is my home / Through every storm / My soul will sing / Jesus is here / To God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus / No turning back / No turning back / The cross before me / The world behind me / No turning back / No turning back

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

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 146:7-10; Amos 6:1A, 4-7; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31 ~ pursue godliness

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

Opening sentence: God of justice and mercy – as I approach Your throne of grace, I am reminded of my unworthiness and confess my sin before You…. Please forgive me.

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit… You bring pardon and peace to the sinner… You bring light to those in darkness… and You forgive all who cry out to You. Lord, have mercy.

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!

A Reading from the Prophet Amos: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (NLT)

What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem….

How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds and lounge on your couches, eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock and of choice calves fattened in the stall. You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David. You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions.

You care nothing about the ruin of your nation. Therefore, you will be the first to be led away as captives. Suddenly, all your parties will end.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (NLT)

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Intercessions:

Lord God – You provide for all who are oppressed… the hungry… the prisoner… the blind… the distressed… the foreigner… and the widow and orphan. Gracious and meciful God – hear my prayer:

For the godly, all who strive to be disciples of Christ, that they may be filled with faith and love…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For the oppressed and exploited of the earth, that they may receive their rightful justice…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For those who see me as rich, that I may not be blind to their needs…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For people in need in my community, that I may be a true friend…. + Lord, hear my prayer

For all who mourn the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For all who have died, that they may be raised up at the last day…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For my own needs and for those who have asked for my prayer…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

All of this I ask you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “There is a Hope” – Stuart Townend

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

Morning Prayer: Psalm 143:8; 1 Kings 18:43; Luke 14:10-11 ~ here i am

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

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

Morning readings

Psalm 143:8 ESV:

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

1 Kings 18:43 ESV:

And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times.

Luke 14:10-11 ESV:

But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection:

How many times a day do I say, ‘Why am I here? What here can stir my gifts to growth? What task of greatness awaits me that I have long neglected? Have I missed Your voice, O God? Here I am: send me! Please!’

‘I have prepared a place for you,’ says the Lord, ‘that is for you, and only you, to fill. First of all, come to My table, and ask that you might serve, looking even for the lowest tasks. When the work of service is done, then you may look for your own place at table. But do not seek the most important place in case it is reserved for someone else. The place I have appointed is where you will be happiest.’

Prayer:

Take me often from the tumult of things into Thy presence. There show me what I am, and what I am supposed to be. Then hide me from Thy tears.

O King and Saviour, what is Thy gift to me? And do I use it to Thy pleasing?

+ May the will of God be done in me, the law of God be kept by me, my evil will controlled by me, speedy repentance made by me, temptation sternly shunned by me, blessed death welcomed by me, angels’ music heard by me, God’s highest praises sung by me.

Christ, You are the Truth; You are the light. You are the Keeper of the treasure I seek so blindly.

+ My soul’s desire is to see the face of God and to rest in His house. My soul’s desire is to study the Scriptures and to learn the ways of God. My soul’s desire is to be freed from all fear and sadness, and to share Christ’s risen life. My soul’s desire is to imitate my King, and to sing His purposes always. My soul’s desire is to enter the gates of heaven and to gaze upon the light that shines forever.

Dear Lord, You alone know what my soul truly desires, and You alone can satisfy those desires. Shape my desires to fit your perfect will for me. Amen.

Song

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

_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com.

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

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