+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentences
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT)
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
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Reading:1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
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Prayer:
Heavenly Father: thank you for building a bridge to sinful me through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Keep my life anchored in him, and my eyes focused on heaven.
+ Lord, move me out of my comfort zone that I may seek opportunities to make new friends.
+ Lord, make me a willing servant and friend, especially in their times of crisis and change.
+ Lord, give me the words to say, and prepare their hearts, to share Good News with them.
Heavenly Father: help me become a bridge builder that I might bring people to Christ – that they be reconciled with you and receive your gracious inheritance of eternal life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Anne Murray
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Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. (Matthew 8:17)
+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
Out of Your power and compassion, O God, You sent Your Son into our afflicted world to proclaim the day of salvation. Heal the brokenhearted, bind up our wounds. Bring us health of body and spirit and raise us to new life in Your service. 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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A Reading from the Old testament: Job 7:1-4, 6-7 (NLT)
“Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand, like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid. I, too, have been assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery. Lying in bed, I think, ‘When will it be morning?’ But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
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“My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope. O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 147:1-6;(NLT)
Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 (NLT)
Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!
If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
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When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 1:29-39(NLT)
Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife John Bridges, 1839 Birmingham Museum of Art, AL
After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
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Intercessions:
Great and mighty God – hear our prayers:
+ For those spread the Gospel – that Your Spirit may support them when they feel weary…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, especially the young – that they may be able to rebuild their lives with dignity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For brokenhearted people – that the mender of souls may bring them healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the sick — at home, in hospitals or in nursing homes — that we may visit them often and pray for them always…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer from depression – that in moments of despair they may know Your love and support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law – that family relationships may always be marked by sensitivity and tolerance…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who passed beyond this life – that Your caring love, O God, may abide with them in eternity…. Lord, hear us.
Almighty God, we praise You, for You heal the brokenhearted: graciously hear our prayers and grant us the grace we need to abide in You, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 