Tag: Mark 4:26-34

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – 17 Jun – Mark 4:26-34 ~ the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, at whose bidding seeds sprout and shoots grow toward full stature, hear the prayers of your people. Make us trust in your hidden ways, that we may pray confidently and wait patiently for your kingdom now growing in our midst. 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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“Boldly I Approach” – Rend Collective


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Gospel Reading: Mark 4:26-34 (NLT)

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of love and kindness: Hear our prayers and help us, as we approach your throne of grace in this our time of need –

+ That all your people may grow in faith, trust, and practical expression of your loving-kindness….
+ That believers who are suffering and persecuted for their faith may be delivered from evil….
+ That believers who are displaced and dispossessed may find respite, and the help they need….
+ That believers who work the land may produce rich harvests and replenish your creation….
+ That believers who are young may be guided by your Word and Spirit in their life decisions….
+ That believers who are sick in body, mind, and spirit may receive comfort and healing….
+ That believing fathers may be blessed with faith-filled children and grandchildren….
+ That believers who have died may live forever in the joy and wonder of heaven….

God of love and kindness: Thank you for your continued provision and care. Give us what we need to advance your Kingdom where you have placed us, we ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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“Build Your Kingdom Here” – Rend Collective


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Blessing – Psalm 92:12f

May you flourish and grow like trees transplanted in the courts of our God. Even in old age they still produce fruit and remain green and vital. And may you declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 29 January – Mark 4:26-34 ~ a work in progress

Friday of Third Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Morning Reading: Mark 4:26-34 (NLT)

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”

Trinity Church, Wall St
Trinity Church, Wall St

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Morning Prayer

Sovereign God: by your grace, you have sown your Kingdom seeds in my life – may they produce a bountiful harvest in me.

+ Renew my mind – that I may be transformed into the image of Christ.
+ Live in me – that I may display your good and perfect will for me.
+ Watch over me – that your Word and Spirit may finish what you have begun in me.
+ Humble me – that I may be content with small victories until you come again in glory.

Almighty Father, let your light so penetrate my mind that, living by your Word and Spirit, I may always follow you, my leader and guide. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

“Take Heart My Friend” – Fernando Ortega

Blessing

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within us, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

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