Friday of The 7th Week of Easter, 29 May 2020 – John 21:15-19, Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103, John 14:26 ~ “Follow me”

Friday of The 7th Week of Easter, 29 May 2020

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

Opening:

Lord God, you opened for us the way to eternal life when Christ your Son was taken up to glory and your Holy Spirit came to enlighten your Church. Grant that, as we share in so great a gift, our faith may grow ever stronger, our service ever more loyal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

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“Psalm 103” By Zach Jones

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 21:15-19 (NLT)

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
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Responsorial Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 25:13-21 (NLT)

A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves.

“When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.”
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Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord – Statewide Youth Service (Slavic Center Tacoma)

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Closing: John 14:26 (NLT)

“When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

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

Saturday Morning: 09 Mar 2019 – John 21:15-25 ~ As for you, follow me.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 21:15-25 (NLT)

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

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?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 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?”

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.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
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Morning Reflection:

Trusting Jesus for our Future

When Jesus calls us to follow him, he is really asking us to trust him in everything, even when we don’t understand it all. Jesus called Peter to “feed my sheep,” and then follow him even unto death. John was called to follow Jesus into a mixed-message, unknown future. And so Jesus calls us to follow him into the future he has prepared for us. What might that entail?

+ Trusting Jesus to lead us into the future, including times of trial, and the time and manner of our death.

+ Trusting Jesus to show us how and where we are to serve Him, without concern for how he uses others.

+ Trusting Jesus to return in glory, to bring mercy and justice, even when we don’t understand the details.

+ Trusting the reliability of Jesus’ Word, and the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth sufficient for faith and practice.

Trusting Jesus for our future is not a small thing, it is everything – our lives past, present and future depend on it.

Questions for Consideration:

  • Have you decided to follow Jesus into the future he has prepared for you? Please explain. If not, please follow this link to PeaceWithGod.net
  • What trials or struggles are you currently experiencing? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
  • What are your thoughts concerning your death? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
  • How has Jesus called you to serve him? How does trusting him help you with this? Please explain.
  • How does Jesus’ return affect your sense of justice? How does trusting Jesus help you with this? Please explain.
  • What is your practice of reading and reflecting on God’s Word? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this? Why is this important for trusting Jesus for your future? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer for Trust in Jesus – St. Ignatius of Loyola

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“Oh My Soul” – Casting Crowns

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

13th Sunday after Pentecost: 03 Sep – Matthew 16:21-27 ~ give up, take up, and follow

13th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, whose word burns like a fire within us, grant us a bold and faithful spirit, that in your strength we may be unafraid to speak your word and follow where you lead. 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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“Let It Rise” – Praise & Harmony Singers


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Reading: Matthew 16:21-27 (NLT)

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.
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Intercessory Prayer

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we pray to our God, who has always been our help.

+ For Christians who suffer persecution for their faith — that they may hold firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who endure criticism for doing the right thing — that they may have the courage to persevere…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the grace to support our fellow pilgrims in their hardships — that we may become more aware of each other’s needs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people suffering because of severe flooding along the Gulf Coast — that your people may come to their aid…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who struggle with illness, of mind or body — that their way of the cross may bring them to glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For church leaders taking on new responsibilites this year — that you may sustain them when they feel lonely or downhearted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died in Christ – that they may also share his victory and resurrection to eternal life…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord our God, your love is better than life: come to our help, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Take Up Your Cross” – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 104:33-35 (NLT)

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the Lord.

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

Friday of 7th Week of Easter, 02 June – John 21:15-19 ~ follow me

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, you have appointed shepherds in your Church to speak your word to us and to build community in your name. We pray today: May they be shepherds like your Son who look for those who have lost the way, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. May they all be ministers of your tender love and service, as Jesus was, your Son and our Lord.

Reading: John 21:15-19 (NLT)

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
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Reflection & Prayer:

Heavenly Father: you have called us by name and have set us apart to love and serve you as faithful witnesses to our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merciful God: we confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Forgive us, for the sake of your Son; and fill us with his same loving passion and obedience even unto death.

Sovereign Lord: unfold your plan for each one of us; you have positioned us in time and place to advance the purposes of your Kingdom. Reveal to us our individual responsibilities, great and small, and empower us with the gifts of your Spirit to fulfill them.

Loving God: abide in us that our practice of love may become second nature to us. Let your loving-kindness prevail and lead us, even where we are not inclined to go, that you may be glorified in all that we do and say through 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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“Follow Me” – Casting Crowns


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Thu, 03 Nov – Psalm 26:1-2; Jeremiah 31:21; Mark 1:16-18 ~ test my motives

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

Opening Sentence

I call all heaven to witness today that I have put on Christ.
I choose no other Lord than the Maker of heaven and earth.
This day I walk with Him and He will walk with me.

Reading: Psalm 26:1-2 (NLT)

what-is-my-motive-heart-check-up

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.

Reading: Jeremiah 31:21 (NLT)

Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came. Come back again, my virgin Israel; return to your towns here.

Reading: Mark 1:16-18 (NLT)

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
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Prayer:

Confession: There is one God and one mediator between heaven and earth, the man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.

+ Create a clean heart within me, O God, so that I may become Your chosen shelter and the resting place of the Holy Spirit.

+ Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on me.

+ I make the cross of Christ upon my breast, and I ask the living God of the universe that the Light of lights banish my darkness so that I may live in the resurrection power of Your love.

+ Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on me.

Pardon: The journey from death to life is ours through Jesus Christ, by the strength, power, and mercy of God’s love. Wherever our path has taken us in the past, today is a new day in the eyes of the Lord. Let us live as children of light.
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“Restore My Soul “ – Vertical Church Band

Restore my soul, revive my heart | Renew my life in every part | Reveal to me what sin remains | Then lead me to the cross again

At at the cross I’ll find the way | To live the life Your hand has made | So find me there, Lord, and help me stay | In true surrender with You, my Savior

Relight the fire that burned so strong | Reminding me what You have done | My one request is to be changed | So lead me to the cross again

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!