1st Monday after Christmas Day: 27 Dec 2021: Psalm 148; Proverbs 8:32-36; John 21:19b-24 ~ Listen to me / and be joyful.

1st Monday After Christmas Day: 27 Dec 2021:

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

Opening:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among
us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the
race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to
whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now
and for ever. Amen.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
(Proverbs 8:32)

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Psalms: Psalm 148 (Highly Exalted)
Sixteen Cities

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OT Reading: Proverbs 8:32-36 (NLT)

8:32 “And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.
36 But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”

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Perfect Wisdom of Our God – Keith & Kristyn Getty

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NT Reading: John 21:19b-24 (NLT)

21:19 Then Jesus told [Peter], “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

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Follow Me – Casting Crowns

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Prayer:

Prayers For Joy And Laughter

Dear Lord Jesus, there are so many sad and troublesome things to face in the world today, which too often cause our hearts to become weighed down with difficulties and doubts, but I pray that Your joy would fill my heart and strengthen my soul, and that times of joyful laughter would replace those seasons of weeping and hardship.

I pray that in Christ, I may be clothed in strength and dignity, wisdom and grace and that I may be enabled to laugh in the storms and not to fear the future, knowing that my times are in Your hands. You have promised to draw near to each one of us, and be with us in every circumstance of life that may come our way.

I pray that Your joy and laughter may flow through me to others who are facing similar difficulties and hardships, and that together we may maintain an ever deepening trust in You, as we look for Your any day return to take us to be with Yourself. This I ask in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Closing: Proverbs 8:34

Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!

For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.

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

Christmas Day: Saturday 25 Dec 2021: Isa 62:6-12; Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20 ~ Astonishing! Think about it.

Christmas Day: Saturday 25 Dec 2021
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take
our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin:
Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children
by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the same
Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

After seeing [the baby, lying in the manger],
the shepherds told everyone what had happened
and what the angel had said to them about this child.
All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.
(Luke 2:17-18)

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O Come All Ye Faithful – Martina McBride
[worship4christ2012]

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OT Reading: Isaiah 62:6-12 (NLT)

62:6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night, continually.
Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord.
7 Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work,
until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.
8 The Lord has sworn to Jerusalem by his own strength:
“I will never again hand you over to your enemies.
Never again will foreign warriors come
and take away your grain and new wine.
9 You raised the grain, and you will eat it,
praising the Lord.
Within the courtyards of the Temple,
you yourselves will drink the wine you have pressed.”

10 Go out through the gates!
Prepare the highway for my people to return!
Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders;
raise a flag for all the nations to see.
11 The Lord has sent this message to every land:
“Tell the people of Israel,
‘Look, your Savior is coming.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’”
12 They will be called “The Holy People”
and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.”
And Jerusalem will be known as “The Desirable Place”
and “The City No Longer Forsaken.”

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Psalms: Psalm 97- “All The Ends of the Earth”
[Frederick Lau]

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NT Reading: Titus 3:4-7 (NLT)

3:4 When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

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“God Came Down To Us” | Jonathan and Emily Martin

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Gospel Reading: Luke 2:15-20 (NLT)

2:15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

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Angels We Have Heard On High – Third Day
Lance Tucker

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Prayer: (Universalis)

God our Father, this morning we eagerly greet the birth of Jesus, our brother and Saviour. He is the Daystar from on high, the light-bearer who brings the dawn to us, who wait patiently for his coming.
– Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

Father, bless on this holy day the Church all over the world. May she light afresh in men’s hearts the lamps of hope and peace.
– Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

Your Son has come to us in the fullness of time: let those who wait for him recognize his coming.
– Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

His birth bound heaven to earth in harmony and peace. Establish that same peace among nations and men of today.
– Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

With Mary and Joseph we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Christ as they did.
– Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

Almighty God, your incarnate Word fills us with the new light he brought to men. Let the light of faith in our hearts shine through all that we do and say.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

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Benediction:

The Lord bless us,
and keep us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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

Christmas Eve: Friday 24 Dec 2021: Isa 9:1-7; Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 ~ A son is given to us!

Christmas Eve: Friday 24 Dec 2021:
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly
in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and
reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem],
the time came for her baby to be born.
She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth
and laid him in a manger,
because there was no lodging available for them.
(Luke 2:6-7)

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Once in royal David’s city – The St Michael’s Singers, The Coventry Singers
[WMTV Music]

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OT Reading: Isa 9:1-7 (NLT)

Hope in the Messiah

9:1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
5 The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.

6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!

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For Unto Us a Child is Born from “Handel’s Messiah in Grace Cathedral”
American Bach Soloists

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Psalms: Psalm 96 – Vertical Worship

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NT Reading: Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)

2:11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

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Away in a Manger – Cedarmont Kids

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Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14 (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

2:1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Recorded LIVE for the Joy! An Irish Christmas broadcast featured on Public Television.

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Prayer:

Church Prayers and Intercessions for Christmas Eve

By Mr Ian Farthing (Thisischurch)

Let us pray

On this holy night in which God joins heaven and earth, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need.
Let us pray for the Church around the world as it celebrates the birth of Christ.

Bless all those who are entrusted with Christian ministry that your Word might be proclaimed with truth and courage across our world.

Bestow your wisdom on all who govern, that in honoring the earth and its diverse races, cultures, and religions, we may celebrate the light of this holy night.

Grant reconciliation to those besought with conflict and violence, that they may live in the peace of this holy night.

Lord in your Mercy – Hear our prayers…

Let us pray for all who are cold, hungry, or alone this night.
Embrace with your tender care all who wander alone or have no place to lay their head, they may experience the hope of this holy night.

Let us pray for all who are anxious, depressed, or ill. Draw near to those who find this season a source of pain or grief, and to all who are suffering or sick, especially those we remember in our own hearts … that they may feel the comfort of this holy night.

Lord in your Mercy – Hear our prayers…

Let us pray for parents, families, and children. Strengthen families in the bonds of love and commitment, that our homes might be places of joy and peace. Let us pray for ourselves and for the blessings of Christmas. Open our hearts to your presence, that we may be transformed by the new birth of this holy night. Let us give thanks for all our loved ones from whom we are parted this Christmas. Give us grace to entrust those who have passed before us into tender loving care, that we might join with them in singing your praises this holy night. May God grant unto us whatever we need that we might serve him in showing his love and compassion to our world, allowing the light of God to illuminate the dark places with grace and truth.

Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen

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Benediction: Titus 2:11 (NLT)

The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

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

2nd Day Before Christmas: Thursday 23 Dec 2021: Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:6-8; 2 Peter 1:16-21 ~ “He is God’s beloved Son!”

2nd Day Before Christmas: Thursday 23 Dec 2021:
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes
when he received honor and glory from God the Father.
The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him,
“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
(2 Peter 1:16b-17)

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Psalms: Luke 1:46b-55 (NLT)

Magnificat – (Mary) Christy Nockels – Todd Agnew, Do You See What I See?

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OT Reading: Micah 4:6-8 (NLT)

Israel’s Return from Exile

4:6 “In that coming day,” says the Lord,
“I will gather together those who are lame,
those who have been exiles,
and those whom I have filled with grief.
7 Those who are weak will survive as a remnant;
those who were exiles will become a strong nation.
Then I, the Lord, will rule from Jerusalem
as their king forever.”
8 As for you, Jerusalem,
the citadel of God’s people,
your royal might and power
will come back to you again.
The kingship will be restored
to my precious Jerusalem.

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“Of The Father’s Love Begotten” from Out of Darkness

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NT Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21 (NLT)

1:16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

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This Is My Beloved Son – by Pepper Choplin – St Joseph the Worker Virtual Choir
[St Joseph the Worker, Pittsburgh]

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Prayer: [Universalis]

Though the Lord’s coming is at hand, we must have patience: for he will come in his own time, in his own way.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

We live in a world weighed down by unbelief: Lord, increase our faith.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Upon the richness and complexity of man’s thoughts, among the theories and philosophies of our world today, let your coming shed its own glorious light.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Give us the strong faith of the apostles, and their fervor in preaching your Word.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Almighty God,
now that the birthday of your Son as man is drawing near, we pray that your eternal Word, who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary and came to dwell among men, will show your unworthy people the greatness of his love and mercy. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, (one) God, for ever and ever.

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Benediction:

The Lord bless us,
and keep us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life.

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

3rd Day Before Christmas: Wednesday 22 Dec 2021: Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-22 ~ “He has brought us peace.”

3rd Day Before Christmas: Wednesday 22 Dec 2021:
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us.
He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when,
in his own body on the cross,
he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”
(Ephesians 2:14)

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Psalms: Luke 1:46b-55

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
[Kapambwe Chikontwe]

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OT Reading: Micah 4:1-5 (NLT)

The Lord’s Future Reign

4:1 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house
will be the highest of all—
the most important place on earth.
It will be raised above the other hills,
and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.
2 People from many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of Jacob’s God.
There he will teach us his ways,
and we will walk in his paths.”
For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion;
his word will go out from Jerusalem.
3 The Lord will mediate between peoples
and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.
They will hammer their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will no longer fight against nation,
nor train for war anymore.
4 Everyone will live in peace and prosperity,
enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees,
for there will be nothing to fear.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies
has made this promise!
5 Though the nations around us follow their idols,
we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.

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Prince of Peace – Children’s Christmas song #LighttheWorld
[Monica Scott Music]

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NT Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22 (NLT)

Oneness and Peace in Christ

2:11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

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He Is Our Peace – Maranatha Music

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Prayer:

Book of Common Prayer (2019)
Anglican Church in North America

For the Unity of All Christian People

+ O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

For the Peace of the World

+ Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Quiet Confidence

+ O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, into your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Benediction:

May the love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself,
May the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in his service,
May the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your soul,
May the blessing of God almighty the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
be with you and remain with you and those you love this day and evermore. Amen

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

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