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.
Lord God: I am not a “man of God” like Elijah or Elisha, but I have been called to be a godly man – a new creation in Christ Jesus – who loves and serves you in this world as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Show me through today’s reading the scope and breadth of your authority and power – that every nation might acknowledge you as the one true God, and every person profess Jesus Christ as Lord – all for your glory.
Confrontation
2 Ki 1:3 – ‘Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king will recover?’
Sovereign God: America gives lip-service to being “One Nation under God;” but that phrase has lost any semblance of meaning in practice. Raise up a people who are called by your name – who will humble themselves, pray, seek your face,and turn from their sinful ways. And count me among them.
Responsibility
2 Ki 2:9 – “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”
Mighty God: At Pentecost you gave your Spirit to every believer and continually fill us with your Spirit as the need arises. Raise up a new generation of prophets, priests and shepherds who can faithfully lead your people into the future – guided by your Word and Spirit. Show me where I fit in to your plan for the future.
Signs and wonders
2 Ki 2:21-22 – “This is what the Lord says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility.” And the water has remained pure ever since, just as Elisha said.
Wonder-working God: You display your power and authority through your servants – purifying water, blessing and cursing, and arbitrating between factions – all to build faith and bring glory to your name.
You provide for the needs of widows and orphans; you heal the sick, feed the hungry, and respond to the prayers of those who plead with you – even raising the dead. And, you punish those who sin against you.
Show me when and where to use the power and authority you have given me through my Lord Jesus Christ – to build faith and bring glory to your name.
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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!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Sentence and Prayer:
Today we acclaim Jesus Christ as our King, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer Him praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of His Kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.
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Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, You have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away. Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and, as a royal and priestly people, serve You humbly in our brothers and sisters. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “O worship the King”
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 7:13-14 (NLT)
[Daniel’s prophetic vision shows Jesus (son of man) becoming king in heaven.]
The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré, ca. 1868 [Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.] The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002. Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.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.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 93:1-2, 5 (NLT)
The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.
Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past.
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Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.
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“Psalm 93: Lord is King, He is Robed in Majesty!” Bill Monaghan
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A Reading from the Letters: Revelation 1:5-8 (NLT)
[Jesus, ruler of the kings of the earth, will come in glory.]
He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.
All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him — even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
“I am the Alpha and the Omega — the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come — the Almighty One.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 18:33-37 (NLT)
[Jesus debates his kingship with Pilate, and commits his followers to stand on the side of truth.]
“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked him.
Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
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Hymn: “Jesus is King”
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Intercessions:
King Jesus: hear our prayers –
+ For all believers – that we may endeavor to make the justice, truth, love and peace of the Kingdom of God a reality…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who lead nations – that people in positions of power may seek truth and justice for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For citizens of all the countries on earth – that we may work together for justice and peace for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that our lives may show that You, King Jesus, rule our hearts…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and sorrowful – that in our friendship and love they may experience Your healing mercies…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those injured and bereaved in the Paris and Mali attacks – that You, King Jesus, may be close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, those whose lives were so cruelly taken in Paris and Mali, and all the dead whom we remember in our hearts – that they may share Your glory, King Jesus…. Lord, hear us.
O God, You rule Your people with love and compassion: hear our prayers and give us the help we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Thou, Oh Lord” – Parkway Worship Ministry
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Benediction:
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer:
Your creation, O God, runs its appointed course, as from the ends of the earth You gather a people You call Your own. Confirm us in the strength of Your abiding word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may without fear rejoice to behold His appearing. 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: “God You are my God” – Desperation Band
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3 (NLT)
[Daniel gives a prophecy of the end of time, when the virtuous will be rewarded.]
Andrei Rublev Archangel Michael early XV century, ie 1410 From the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.
“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. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 16:5, 8-11 (NLT)
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
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I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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“Psalm 16 – The Path of Life” – Diocese of St. Benedict
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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 (NLT)
[What many priests did in former times, Christ does now: he has achieved our perfection.]
Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
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And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:24-32 (NLT)
[Jesus repeats Daniel’s prophecy, adding that only the Father knows when the end will come.]
“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume, Chile’s Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber.
Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
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Hymn: “Jesus is Coming Again”
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Intercessions:
The Lord is at our side to support us, let us approach His throne of grace with confidence.
+ For all Christians – that we may be found ready, when the Savior comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear of death – that Your consoling Word may be their support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, and their families – that they may put their trust in You, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prison officers and all who maintain our jails – that they may show sensitivity and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer, in body, mind or spirit – that Your powerful presence may help them to stand firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the bereaved – that in this season of remembrance they find healing and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, and for all the victims of terrorism in Paris – that they and all our beloved dead may awake to everlasting life…. Lord, hear us.
O Lord, You are our portion and cup, You support us all our days: hear our prayers for all your people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark
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Benediction:
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Sentence and Prayer:
Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshiping hearts and voices.
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God, our provider, You are the orphan’s hope and the widow’s bread. Strengthen our faith, that with simplicity of heart we may come to trust in You alone and hold back nothing in serving You. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “We Come Rejoicing” – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
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A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Kings 17:10-16 (NLT)
[A poor widow’s hospitality to Elijah the prophet is rewarded.]
So [Elijah] went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”
But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”
So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.
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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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“What Joy (Psalm 146)” – Sarah Emerson
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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 9:24-28 (NLT)
[Christ offers his sacrifice once and for all. When he comes in glory, he will reward those who wait for him.]
For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 12:38-44 (NLT)
[Unlike the showy religious leaders, the poor widow gives with generosity of heart.]
Widows Mite james c christensen art
Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
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Hymn: “Even So” – Terry MacAlmon
Even so / Come Lord Jesus come / Even so / Take your bride away / How my soul / Longs to be with you my Lord / Even so / Even so / Come Lord Jesus come
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Intercessions:
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down, so let us come before Him with confidence. Lord, hear our prayers:
+ For all Christian leaders – that their faith may be genuine and sincere…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians everywhere – that we may be generous to the poor…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that we may be open to conversation with people whose convictions are different from ours…. Lord, hear us.
+ For church pastors – that they may help their congregations to have hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those with little to call their own – that their trust in You may bring many blessings…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in Syria, and for divine protection for the Syrian refugees who seek a temporary home in Europe…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, particularly those who have lost their lives through war or violence – that they, and all we have lost to death, may enjoy eternal salvation…. Lord, hear us.
Loving God, You support those in sorrow or pain: help us in all our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “He Reigns” Newsboys
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Benediction:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence and prayer:
Blessed be Jesus, our Saviour. Through His death He has opened up for us the path of salvation.
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Merciful God, You have given us new life through faith in Jesus Christ; may we ever grow in His likeness. May we bring joy this day to those who are in need; draw us nearer to You through the help we give others. Help us do what is right and good; may we seek You always with our whole heart. Forgive us for the times we have hurt other people, and failed to preserve the unity of Your family; Lord, have mercy on us. Direct Your people in the path of true life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:1-16 (NLT)
The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”
So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
Elisha refusing the gifts of Naaman Pieter Fransz de Grebber, 1637 Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem, Netherlands
But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 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, 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.
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I hope in the LORD, I trust in his word; with him there is kindness and plenteous redemption. (See Psalm 130:5, 7)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 4:24-30 (NLT)
But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.
“Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner — a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”
When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.
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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 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
![The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré, ca. 1868 [Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.] The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002. Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Triumph_Of_Christianity_Over_Paganism.Gustave_Dor%C3%A9.jpg)
The Peanut Gallery 