The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer

Your sovereign rule, O God, draws near to us in the person of Jesus your Son. Your word summons us to faith, your power transforms our lives. Free us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, so that neither human loyalty nor earthly attachment may hold us back from answering your call. 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. Amen.
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“Behold Our God” – Sovereign Grace

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Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (NLT)

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

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.

A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.

Prayers of Intercession:

Sovereign God: We come before you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Attend to the needs of your people –

+ That all who follow Christ may have the enthusiasm of the early disciples…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who bring the Good News of the Kingdom of God may be welcomed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who hear the Good News of the Kingdom of God may repent and believe…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are suffering persecution for following Christ may be protected…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are suffering dislocation for following Christ may be cared for…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are sick in body, mind, and spirit may be healed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died in Christ may enter into his eternal presence…. Lord, hear us.

Merciful God: Remember the love you have shown from of old. Hear our prayers, and grant them according to your perfect will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Kingdom Come” – by Covenant Worship

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Blessing –

“How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news.” (Romans 10:14-15)

“And they left their nets at once and followed him.” (Mark 1:18)

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