Saturday of The 3rd Week of Easter, 02 May 2020 – John 6:60-69, Acts 9:31-42, Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 ~ You have the words that give eternal life.

Saturday of The 3rd Week of Easter, 02 May 2020

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

Opening:

Almighty God, you gave your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living: Give us grace to thankfully receive his inestimable benefits, and to daily follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:60-69 (NLT)

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

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.”

A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 9:31-42 (NLT)

The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Dorcas

Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. here he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”

So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.
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Psalm 116 (You Turned My Soul to Rest) – Robbie Seay Band

https://youtu.be/yN0vRr1hUQQ?rel=0

Psalm 116:12-13 (NLT)

What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.

Closing: John 6:63,68 (NLT)

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.
You have the words of everlasting life.

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

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 26 Aug – John 6:60-69 ~ you alone have the words of eternal life

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

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. Amen.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark


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Gospel Reading: John 6:60-69 (NLT)

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.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One of God: usher us into the presence of the Father, that we may present our needs and receive help in this our day of trouble. Lord, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders – that we may repent of our sins, past and present, and receive forgiveness… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who pray without ceasing – that you may hear their cries and respond to their needs… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who are suffering great pain and affliction at the hands of wicked people – that they may be delivered and healed… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who have turned away from you – that they may repent, return, and be restored by the communion of saints… Lord, have mercy.
+ For all who are searching for meaning – that they may hear your call and follow you… Lord, have mercy.
+ For those who are destitute and dislocated – that they may receive comfort and restoration… Lord, have mercy.
+ For all who have died in faith – that they may enjoy the wonders of life eternal in your presence… Lord, have mercy.

Lord our God, you heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind. Work your wonders among us that we might bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.
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“Taste and See” – Shane & Shane


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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

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

Saturday of 3rd Week of Easter, 06 May – John 6:60-69 ~ In Christ Alone

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

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

Opening Prayer

Faithful God of the covenant, in the daily choices we have to make give us the courage to opt always for your Son and his ways and to remain close to him. Bless the difficult road we have sometimes to take without seeing where it will lead us. Keep us from making half-hearted decisions when our faith is rather weak and make us accept all the consequences of our choice. Keep us always faithful through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Reading: John 6:60-69 (NLT)

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.”
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Reflection & Prayer:

+Lord Jesus Christ, Bread of Life: raise up on the last day all those who believe in you.

+ Son of God, Lord of Life; bless your people with your Spirit and make us holy.

+ Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God: take away our sins and turn our sorrow into joy.

+ Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World: help us to live as children of light, rejoicing in your victory.

Gracious God: increase the faith of your pilgrim people; and make us faithful, credible, witnesses to your life-changing power that we may share your peace and joy with others. Through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“In Christ Alone” – Keith & Kristyn Getty

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace; when fears are stilled, when strivings cease: my Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save. Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied; For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; for I am His and He is mine—bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—this is the pow’r of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; till He returns or calls me home—here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.
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Concluding Prayer

Truly I am your servant, Lord; …you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. – Psalm 116:16-17 (NLT)
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 16 April – John 6:60-69 ~ you alone…

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

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

Opening Sentence

The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Alleluia.

Morning Reading: John 6:60-69 (NLT)

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

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

Christ and the Apostles by Georges Rouault, 1937-38 Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Christ and the Apostles
by Georges Rouault, 1937-38
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 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.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus: you alone have spoken the words that are spirit and life. We believe that you are the Holy One of God – give us your peace and joy.

+ You are the risen Lord of life; lead us in the path of righteousness and make us more like you.
+ You are the peace and joy of all who believe in you; help us to live as children of light, rejoicing in your victory.
+ You underwent great sufferings to enter the Father’s glory; wipe away all our tears and turn our sorrows into joy.

God our Father, by your grace through faith you have given new life to those who believe in you. May your pilgrim Church grow in faith; strengthen us to bear witness before the world to your resurrection. Protect us and help us resist all false beliefs, and so keep intact the grace of your blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

In Christ Alone – Adrienne Liesching and Geoff Moore

Closing Sentence

Simon Peter said, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Alleluia.

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