Saturday Morning Prayer: 29 Aug 2020 – Psalm 136, Colossians 2:8-15 ~ God made you alive with Christ

Saturday Morning Prayer, 29 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.“
(Colossians 2:13)

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Scripture:

Psalm 136

Who has laid the waters and spread out the land?
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.
By His understanding, by His mighty hand.
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.

Who has made the sun to rule and reign the day?
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.
Who the moon and stars and skies above obey?
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.

His love endures forever, His love endures forever.
His love endures forever, give Him thanks!

Who has done great wonders, and the heavens raised?
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.
Yet, will not forget us in our low estate?
Give Him thanks, give Him thanks.

His love endures forever, His love endures forever.
His love endures forever, give Him thanks!

Who has conquered kingdoms, crushed the enemy?
Give Him thanks! Give Him thanks!
Who will fight our battles, give us victory?
Give Him thanks! Give Him thanks!

His love endures forever, His love endures forever.
His love endures forever, give Him thanks!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
Give thanks to the God of all gods!
Give thanks to the One whose mercy endures,
Give thanks to the King of heaven!
Give thanks!
Give Him thanks!

Psalm 136 (Give Him Thanks): – Slavic Chorale (in Russian)

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Scripture Reading

Colossians 2:8-15 (NLT)

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

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Reflection:

alive with Christ

“God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.”
(Colossians 1:27)

“It is true that He gave us life from the dead? He gave us pardon of sin; He gave us imputed righteousness. These are all precious things, but you see we are not content with them; we have received Christ himself. The Son of God has been poured out into us, and we have received him, and appropriated him.” (Spurgeon)

We can’t make ourselves alive, but God can make us alive together with Jesus.
We can never be made alive apart from Jesus.

sins forgiven

We are forgiven by grace.
The handwriting of requirements has in mind a list of our crimes or moral debt before God, a debt that no imperfect person can completely pay. But it can be taken out of the way, by payment from a perfect man, Jesus Christ.

“It might even be said that he took the document, ordinances and all, and nailed it to his cross as an act of triumphant defiance in the face of those blackmailing powers that were holding it over men and women in order to command their allegiance.” (Bruce)

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus: I’m in that place again On my knees Laying my life out before You
Thank you that on the cross you cried “It is finished”
You have done it Forgiveness is complete
I can live forever in Your grace Forever in Your love

So I ask now for Your forgiveness For the wrongs that I have done
And the things that I have neglected
I ask for Your forgiveness For the people I have hurt along the way
And those who I have failed to love as You love
I ask for Your forgiveness I receive Your forgiveness
And resolve in my heart That with Your strength I determine not to make these errors again

I receive Your forgiveness And by the power of Your Holy Spirit
I walk away from everything I know to be wrong
And embrace everything I know about You
For the kingdom, the power and the glory
Are always and forever Yours Amen
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“Up & Alive” – Luke & Anna Hellebronth

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Closing:

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:8-10)

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

Wednesday Morning: 06 Nov 2019 – Colossians 2:1-14 ~ You are alive with Christ.

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Colossians 2:1-14 (NLT)

I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Morning Reflection:

You are alive with Christ.

God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
– Colossians 2:13 –

How did we go from being dead in our sins to being alive with Christ? The answer is that Jesus took the damning indictment of our sins that hung over us and nailed it to His cross. On the cross – Christ reigned supreme – cancelling our sins and giving us victory over the forces of evil.

So what does it mean for you to be alive with Christ?

You have been made complete through your union with Christ
Your guilty sinful life has been buried with Christ
You share in Christ’s victory over spiritual rulers and authorities

How then shall we live?

Let your roots grow down into Christ.
Let your lives be built on Christ.

Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught,
and you will overflow with thankfulness.
– Colossians 2:7 –

Questions for consideration

Do you view yourself as being made complete through union with Christ? Please explain.
How does being rooted in Christ affect how you live? Please explain.
How can you deepen your roots in Christ and strengthen your faith in Him? Please explain.
Does guilt play a role in your life, even though Christ has nailed your sin to the cross? Please explain.
Do you struggle with spiritual powers or authorities, even though Christ has disarmed them on the cross? Please explain.
For what are you thankful? – make a list. Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For Union with Christ (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from thee. From the wicked foe defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Alive In You” – Jesus Culture

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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

17th Ordinary Sunday, 24 July: Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13 ~ shameless persistence

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

We can ask God for help whenever we need to, today or any day. God is always concerned for us.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, with the prayer your Son taught us always on our lips, we ask, we seek, we knock at your door. In our every need, grant us the first and best of all your gifts, the Spirit who makes us your children. 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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“This Kingdom” -Hillsong | Darlene Zschech

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 18:20-32 (NLT)
[God shows his justice as he heeds Abraham’s plea on behalf of the righteous minority.]

So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.”

The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sake? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”

And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.”

Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?”

And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.”

Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?”

And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.”

“Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?”

And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.”

Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?”

And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”

Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?”

And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8 (NLT)

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
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Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
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“Psalm 138” – The Psalm Project

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A Reading from the Letters: Colossians 2:12-14 (NLT)
[The Colossians were concerned about Jewish laws. Paul insists that Jesus has over-ridden all the old requirements.]

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 11:1-13 (NLT)
[If we pray persistently for God’s help, it will be given.]

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:

“Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
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“Come To Me” – Jenn Johnson // Bethel Music

I am the Lord your God, I go before you now. I stand beside you. I’m all around you. And though you feel I’m far away, I’m closer than your breath. I am with you. More than you know.

I am the Lord your peace, No evil will conquer you. Steady now your heart and mind, Come into my rest. And oh, let your faith arise, And lift up your weary head. I am with you, Wherever you go.

Come to me, I’m all you need. Come to me, I’m everything. Come to me, I’m all you need. Come to me, I’m your everything

I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves. And I am your steadfast, so don’t be afraid. Though your heart and flesh may fail you, I’m your faithful strength. And I am with you, Wherever you go.

Don’t look to the right or to the left, keep your eyes on me. You will not be shaken, you will not be moved.

I am the hand to hold, I am the truth, I am the way. Just come to me, come to me, Cause I’m all that you need.
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Intercessory Prayer:

Merciful God: you always listen to and answer our prayers. Hear us now as we approach your throne of grace –

+ That the young people from around the world may come to you in Krakow this week…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians everywhere may realize that you are our only hope and rely on your help…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may abound in generosity and share what we have with the the hungry and dispossessed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may recognize the image of God in everyone, especially in indigenous peoples around the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who are on our hearts and minds today may feel the presence of your Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the members of our families may experience your blessing and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have gone before us in faith may share in Christ’s power and be raised up to eternal life…. Lord, hear us.

God of glory and majesty, you answer the prayers of those who call out to you: be with your people in their every need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Our Father” – Jenn Johnson // Have It All

Let Heaven come, let Heaven come

Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the power | Yours is the glory forever, amen | Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the power | Yours is the glory forever amen

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

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