The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer

We come before you, O God, confident in Christ’s victory over sickness and death. Heal us again from sin, which divides us, and from prejudice, which isolates us. Bring us to wholeness of life through the pardon you grant your people. 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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“Jesus, Only Jesus” – Praise And Harmony Singers

Who has the power to raise the dead? Who can save us from our sin? He is our hope, our righteousness – Jesus, only Jesus

Who can make the blind to see? Who holds the keys that set us free? He paid it all to bring us peace – Jesus, only Jesus

Holy, King almighty Lord | Saints and angels all adore | I join with them and bow before | Jesus, only Jesus

Who can command the highest praise? Who has the name above all names? You stand alone, I stand amazed – Jesus, only Jesus

Holy, King almighty Lord | Saints and angels all adore | I join with them and bow before | Jesus, only Jesus

You will command the highest praise | Yours is the name above all names | You stand alone, I stand amazed – Jesus, only Jesus
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Gospel Reading: Mark 1:40-45 (NLT)

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.

Prayers of Intercession:

Faithful God, your loving-kindness and compassion are unending: hear our prayers, and respond according to your good purpose –

+ For all who gather for worship today, that we may live for God’s glory this week….
+ For all who suffer in body, mind and spirit, that they may be healed….
+ For all who are doctors, nurses and caregivers, that they may show kindness and love….
+ For all who suffer from leprosy, that this terrible disease may be eliminated….
+ For all who are lonely and isolated, that they may be shown compassion….
+ For all who suffer because of addiction, that they may have courage and hope….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may share the joy of everlasting life….

Faithful God, we rejoice in the mercy you show your people: hear our prayers, that we may always give you glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Just As I Am – I Come Broken” – Praise and Harmony

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Blessing

May the God of all consolation bless you in every way;
May God grant you hope all the days of your life;
May God restore you to health and be merciful to you; and
May God fill your heart with peace and lead you to eternal life.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!