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

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues today through the ministry of His Word and Spirit. Pray for healing and strength, trusting that God will continue to show compassion to the whole world.
_____

God of power and compassion, in Christ You reveal Your will to heal and to save. Open our ears to Your redeeming word and move our hearts by the strength of Your love, so that our every word and work may proclaim as Messiah Jesus the Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________

Hymn: “Great Things”

__________

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

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

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
__________

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!
__________

“Praise the Lord My Soul”

__________

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

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

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

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 7:31-37 (NLT)
[Through Jesus’ healing ministry, the deaf hear and the dumb speak.]

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

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

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

“Before the Throne of God Above”

__________

Intercessions:

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

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

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

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

Hymn: “O Great God”

Benediction:

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

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

Sunday: 30 August – Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15:2-5; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 ~ what’s in your heart?

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Praise God: You sustain us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace.
_____

Father of light, giver of every good and perfect gift, bring to fruition the word of truth sown in our hearts by Your Son, that we may rightly understand Your commandments, live Your law of love, and so offer You worship that is pure and undefiled. 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.
__________

Hymn: Come Christians Join to Sing

Come, Christians, join to sing, Loud praise to Christ our King;
Let all, with heart and voice, Before His throne rejoice;
Alleluia! Amen! Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high, Let praises fill the sky;
He is our Guide and Friend; To us He’ll condescend;
Alleluia! Amen! Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again, Life shall not end the strain;
On heaven’s blissful shore, His goodness we’ll adore,
Alleluia! Amen! Alleluia! Amen!
__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 (NLT)
[Moses tells the people of Israel to keep faithful to God’s law.]

“And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.”
_____

brain beanie — Brain Beanie: Show them how smart you are.

“Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!’ For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?”
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 15:2-5 (NLT)

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.
__________

“Who may ascend to the Hill of the Lord”

__________

A Reading from the Letters: James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27 (NLT)
[Living by faith is explained in a simple, down-to-earth way.

Poetry of heaven: Nasa has released an image of the 'light echo' produced by the glare from a star that was, for one brief shining moment, the brightest in the night sky — Poetry of heaven: Nasa has released an image of the ‘light echo’ produced by the glare from a star that was, for one brief shining moment, the brightest in the night sky

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
_____

Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
_____

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (NLT)
[Jesus reminds the religious leaders that what’s on the inside of people is more important than externals.]

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to — such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)

So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”

Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”
_____

What's in your heart? — What’s in your heart?

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
_____

For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
__________

Father of Lights

__________

Intercessions:

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence. Lord, hear the deep longings of our hearts.

+ For those in leadership positions in the Church – that they may avoid the condemnations heaped by Jesus on the religious leaders of his day…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are part of the Christian family – that they may show their faith by coming to the aid of the poor…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who lack food, clothing and shelter, at home and abroad – that the help they receive may always respect their human dignity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our Christian communities, as parish activities resume after the summer break – that God’s Word and Spirit may guide us, as we make a new start together…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the faithful departed, especially those who died in Christ through violence and warfare – that the dead may live in the presence of the Lord…. Lord, hear us.

God our creator, Your love for Your people has no end: hear our prayers and give us Your supporting grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Be Thou My Vision

Benediction:

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)

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

Sunday: 23 August – Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:2, 21-32; John 6:60-69 ~ Lord, to whom would we go?

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord and walk in faith. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.
_____

In every age, O God, You give Your people freedom to walk in faith or to turn away. Grant us grace to remain faithful to Your Holy One, whose words are spirit and life, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________

Hymn: Jesus shall reign

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament:Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18 (NLT)
[Given a choice by Joshua, the people of Israel decide to serve the Lord, thus renewing the covenant.]

Then Joshua summoned all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, including their elders, leaders, judges, and officers. So they came and presented themselves to God.

Joshua said to the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Long ago your ancestors… lived beyond the Euphrates River, and they worshiped other gods.
_____

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

The people replied, “We would never abandon the Lord and serve other gods. For the Lord our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors from slavery in the land of Egypt. He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us. It was the Lord who drove out the Amorites and the other nations living here in the land. So we, too, will serve the Lord, for he alone is our God.”
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
_____

But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!

Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
__________

Let Us Exalt His Name Together

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 5:2, 21-32(NLT)
[St Paul uses images from the husband-wife relationship to represent Christ’s love for the Church.]

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
_____

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:60-69 (NLT)
[After hearing Jesus describe himself as the bread of life, some of the disciples stopped following him. But Peter spoke for the loyalty of those who remained.]

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
__________

All I Have Is Christ

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ / Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

I once was lost in darkest night / Yet thought I knew the way / The sin that promised joy and life / Had led me to the grave / I had no hope that You would own / A rebel to Your will / And if You had not loved me first / I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race / Indifferent to the cost / You looked upon my helpless state / And led me to the cross / And I beheld God’s love displayed / You suffered in my place / You bore the wrath reserved for me / Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ / Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone / And live so all might see / The strength to follow Your commands / Could never come from me / Oh Father, use my ransomed life / In any way You choose / And let my song forever be / My only boast is You
__________

Intercessions:

Sisters and brothers, the Lord is close to the broken-hearted, so let us pray for His assistance in our time of need.

+ For the gift of faith – that we may accept and apply what Christ has taught us…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of perseverance – that those who have difficulty believing may discover truth in Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of true love – that all married people may be as close to each other as Christ is to the Church…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of wisdom – that students and teachers returning to school at this time of year may have the strength they need to glorify God in all things…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of eternal life for those who have died in Christ – that the message of eternal life may be fulfilled for them…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, You save those whose spirits are crushed: hear our prayers and give us the gifts we need to persevere in faith, hope and love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Be Thou My Vision

Benediction:

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)

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

Sunday: 16 August – Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-7; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 ~ all are welcome

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks His blood will live for ever. We rejoice in Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have His life in them.
_____

Wise and gracious God, You spread a table before us and nourish Your people with the word of life and the bread from heaven. In our sharing of these holy gifts, show us our unity in You and give us a taste of the life to come. 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.
__________

Hymn: All are welcome

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Proverbs 9:1-6 (NLT)
[Wisdom is depicted in female form, inviting the foolish to be fed from her table and thus become wise.]

Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.

She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-7 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
__________

Let Us Exalt His Name Together – CFC Doha Qatar

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 5:15-20 (NLT)
[Paul tells Christians to give good example and to bless God for everything.]

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:51-58 (NLT)
[Jesus is the Bread of Life: whoever eats this bread will live for ever.]

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”

Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked.

So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”
__________

__________

Intercessions:

Those who revere the Lord lack nothing, so we bring our prayers to God with confidence.

+ For all who gather around the Lord’s Table this weekend – that we may grow in appreciation of the Bread of Life we share…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who feel unworthy to receive Holy Communion – that they may never feel deprived of the support and friendship of God’s people…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people outside the Christian family – that the good lives of believers may bring them to Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who sing the glory of God on earth: congregations, cantors and choirs – that we may one day join in the beautiful music of heaven…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our brothers and sisters who have died – that having eaten the Bread of Life, they may live forever…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, those who seek You lack no blessing: hear these prayers we offer in faith, and continue to help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Go Into the World

Benediction:

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5b-6)

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

Sunday: 09 August – 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51 ~ I will raise you up

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

We gather together as friends, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.
_____

God, our Father and provider, whose Son has given His flesh for the life of the world, sustain Your pilgrim people on our journey with the word of life and the bread of heaven. Draw us nearer to Him in whose name we gather, that, following His way of sacrificial love, we may come to the banquet of eternal life. 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.
__________

Hymn

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (NLT)
[Elijah was at the point of despair when God sent him food and drink to nourish him on his journey.]

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-9 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 4:30-5:2 (NLT)
[Paul challenges Christians to imitate Christ in the way they treat each other.]

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:41-51 (NLT)
[Jesus is the true bread come down from heaven, promising the fullness of life.]

Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said. For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
__________

__________

Intercessions:

Merciful God: we bring our needs to Your throne of grace – knowing that when we call, You answer us.

+ For all who gather at the Lord’s Table this weekend – that sharing the bread from heaven, we may have fullness of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who are sick or infirmed – that the bread from heaven may nourish them, bringing health and wholeness…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those children and teachers who are preparing to return to school at this time of year – that they may find joy in their studies and work, sustained by a solid faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who experience despair, to the point of giving up – that You may send an angel to sustain them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our brothers and sisters who have died in Christ – that having eaten the Bread of Life, they may live forever…. Lord, hear us.

We bless You, O Lord, at all times: from all our terrors You set us free. Hear our prayers and continue to sustain and support us, we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn:

Benediction:

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: