+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)
Morning Reading: 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)
Samaritan’s Purse Responding to Texas Tornadoes
So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Christ Jesus became man to make us sons and daughters of God and he intercedes for us before God our Father. Hear us as we pray, Lord, and open to us the treasures of your love.
+ Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your mercy: make us as willing to offer mercy, as we are to receive mercy.
+ You have washed us clean in the waters of baptism: we consecrate our day to you.
+ Fill us with praise of you today: may we joyfully take your word with us wherever we may go.
+ Teach us to respond willingly to your word: may your word bear good fruit in us.
+ Give us courage when things go wrong: strengthen us with faith in you, with hope in your promises, and with love of your will.
Let the splendor of the Resurrection light up our hearts and minds, Lord, scattering the shadow of death and bringing us to the radiance of eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Mercy” // Brave New World // Amanda Cook
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!
+ 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.
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.
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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
Our Father in Heaven | Hallowed be Your name | Your Kingdom come quickly | Your will be done the same
On Earth as it is in Heaven | Let Heaven come to | Earth as it is in Heaven | Let Heaven come
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
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you.
Morning Reading: 2 Peter 3:13-15 (NLT)
According to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him.
Prayer
God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love, and self-control. With complete confidence we pray: Father, send us your Spirit.
+ Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: in Christ you have given us every spiritual blessing.
+ By the power of the Holy Spirit, may Christ be born again today in our hearts.
+ May your Spirit lead us forward to open the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the Word of light, to reap together the harvest of life.
+ May our striving for your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear: may the universe be alive with the Spirit, and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed.
All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day: at this return of the morning hour, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of your coming. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Waiting Here For You” – Christy Nockels
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!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We worship the God who always has a welcome for us.
Opening Prayer:
Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. 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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Praises” – Josh Baldwin // Have It All
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 18:1-10 (NLT)
[Sarah is rewarded for her hospitality with the promise that she will soon have a child, a great blessing.]
The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.
“My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.”
“All right,” they said. “Do as you have said.”
So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, “Hurry! Get three large measures of your best flour, knead it into dough, and bake some bread.” Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it. When the food was ready, Abraham took some yogurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in the shade of the trees.
“Where is Sarah, your wife?” the visitors asked.
“She’s inside the tent,” Abraham replied.
Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!”
Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent.
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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.
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“Psalm 15” – Diocese of St. Benedict
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A Reading from the Letters: Colossians 1:24-28 (NLT)
[There is nothing lacking in Christ, who lives in you.]
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
[Jesus is welcomed at the home of Martha and Mary. He calls his hostess from busyness to simplicity.]
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary Johannes Vermeer, circa 1655 National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
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“Heaven Come” – Jenn Johnson // Have It All
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Intercessory Prayer:
God of truth and justice: hear our prayers and help us –
+ That Christians may welcome everyone in need of care…. Lord, hear us.
+ That hospitality may be a mark of believers…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all may find strength and comfort through prayer…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those on summer holidays may find rest and refreshment…. Lord, hear us.
+ That troubled people may have Christian friends to calm their fears…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the sick may be raised up by God’s power…. Lord, hear us.
+ That our loved ones who have died may dwell forever on God’s holy mountain…. Lord, hear us.
God of truth and justice, you cherish those who try to do what is right: hear our prayers and help us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Glory To Glory” – William Matthews // Have It All
Benediction:
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. – 2 Corinthians 3:18
+ 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
Praise the Lord, all nations; all peoples, praise him. For his mercy is strong over us and his faithfulness is for ever.
Morning Reading: Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Prayer
Lord God, source and origin of our salvation, make our lives here on earth so proclaim your glory that we may praise you without ceasing in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Enthroned – Jeremy Riddle // Have It All
Blessing
The truth of the Lord will stand firm for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 