+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Prayer
God of all power, your sovereign word comes to us in Christ. When your Church is in danger, make firm our trust; when your people falter, steady our faith. Show us in Jesus your power to save, that we may always acclaim him as Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Be still for the presence of the Lord” – The NBA
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Reading: Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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Intercessory Prayer
Lord God: You are our ever-present help in times of trouble; hear us now as we approach your throne of grace –
+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find strength in prayer…. Lord, hear us
+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other may resolve their differences peacefully…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who go to sea may be spared the violence of storms and conflict…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who staff the lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people on vacation may travel safely, by land, in the air or by sea and return home rested and refreshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the members of our worshiping communities may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House…. Lord, hear us.
O God, our help and our refuge, you guide your people according to your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life” – The NBA
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Concluding Prayer – Isaiah 56:1 (NLT)
This is what the Lord says: “Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Merciful God: Thank you the endurance and faithfulness of Christians who are suffering persecution and great hardship, especially in North Korea, Syria, and Iraq. Hear our payer on their behalf –
+ For those who are undergoing great physical and emotional pain through imprisonment, torture, sexual abuse, and dislocation – relieve their suffering…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families and communities that have been devastated by war and violence, for those paralyzed by grief and fear – have mercy on them and help them where they need it most…. Lord, hear us.
+ For courage and boldness in the Holy Spirit in the face of threats of violence and imprisonment – that they may speak the truth, and see great signs and wonders done in the name of Jesus…. Lord, hear us.
+ For cooperation, and unity of heart and mind, among believers – that they might share with those in need what meager resources they may have, and rebuild your Church together…. Lord, hear us.
+ For world leaders and rulers – that they might recognize the plight of your people and act wisely, justly, and swiftly to relieve their suffering…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the persecutors and oppressors, and all who are perpetrating evil, violence, and suffering on your people – that they may confess their sins and turn from their wicked ways…. Lord, hear us.
Merciful God: Uphold your Church with your powerful right hand. Pour out your Spirit upon them, that even in their suffering they may live in a way that honors you – through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“In the wake of ISIS” – The Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Sienna return to what’s left of their homes in Qaraqosh, Iraq.
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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
John 3:5-8 (NLT) –
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
John 3:16-21 (NLT) –
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
Jesus Messiah: you are the One sent from God to be the Savior of the world. Let your Kingdom come and your will be done in me; reproduce your life in me through the power of your Spirit. Thank you for your sacrificial love for me that overcomes my sins and shines light in my darkness. Teach me right from wrong, that I may live continually in your light.
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus
John 3:27-30 (NLT) –
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Jesus Messiah: You are the source of my life and my hope. Continue the good work you have begun in me; more of you, and less of me – that others may come and see that you are the Savior of the world.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
John 4:13-14 (NLT) –
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
John 4:23-30 (NLT) –
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
Jesus Messiah: you are the long-awaited One; you are the One who gives living water that becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within me, giving me eternal life. May this living water spring up within my soul today, that I may worship you in spirit and in truth.
Many Samaritans Believe
John 4:39-42 (NLT) –
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Jesus Messiah: give me the boldness to tell others what you have done for me; to invite them to come and see for themselves, and believe that truly you are – the Savior of the world.
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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”
Daniel’s Prayer for His People
Daniel 9:1-3 (NT) –
It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians. During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.
Daniel 8:15-19 (NLT) –
“O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.
“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.
“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.
“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”
Daniel’s Vision of a Messenger
Daniel 10:4-14 (NLT) –
On April 23, as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.
Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.
Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.
Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
Daniel 10:18-11:1 (NLT) –
Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
He replied, “Do you know why I have come? Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and after that the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece will come. Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince. I have been standing beside Michael[ad] to support and strengthen him since the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede.)
The Time of the End
Daniel 12:1, 13 (NLT) –
“At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued….”
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“As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”
Ephesians 6:12(NLT) – For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spiritswho prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise: I pray for my family and friends today; give me the wisdom to build a strong family that honors you, and friendships that last forever.
On Family
Proverbs 17:6 (NLT) – Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
+ Place within me a cheerful spirit that encourages others and keeps the peace
+ Make me a person who speaks life, love, and hope into my family
+ Show me how to provide discipline with love and the intent of restoration
+ Test the motives of my heart, when I speak and when I listen
+ Quiet me that I may be more interested in understanding others than expressing my own opinion
+ Teach me to treat everyone with respect as persons created in your image
Loving God, bless my family with your love. Guard us from all danger and harm; deliver us from anger that leads to division; empower us to forgive as we have been forgiven; and send us into the world to witness to your love and grace; in the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
On Friends
Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) – There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
+ Fill me with your loving-kindness and a ready willingness to seek the good of others
+ Place within me a cheerful heart that encourages others and forgives their faults
+ Give me the humility to accept a friend’s rebuke, and the ability to understand their point of view
+ Make me a peacemaker among friends, avoiding quarrels and speaking kindly
+ Make me a reliable, loyal, friend when my friends most need it
Heavenly Father, You are our Friend who sticks closer than a brother. You are our example of true friendship – One who laid down His life for His friends. Thank you for the gift of human friendship, which is a tangible representation of Your love and care for us. I pray that You would make me one who encourages my friends to press on in their journey of life, and to press in towards You. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) – The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
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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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 