Tag: Morning Prayer

18th Sunday after Pentecost, 13 Oct 2019, Luke 17:11-19 ~ give glory to God!

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

O God, our life, our health, our salvation – look with mercy on your people. Stir up in us a saving faith, that believing, we may be healed, and being healed, we may worthily give you thanks. 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.

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Nathan and Christy Nockels

__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)

Ten Healed of Leprosy

Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
__________

“Goodness Of God” – Bethel Music

__________

Intercession:

Faithful God: Your goodness exceeds all our expectations. Hear our prayers on behalf of those who need your mercy and help. We pray especially –

+ For an end to the war in Syria, that you would move hearts to bring an end to the bloodshed in the Middle East… Lord, hear us.

+ For Christians caught in the crossfire, that you would protect them and restore their families and communities… Lord, hear us.

+ For missionaries working in every country, that you would enable them to bear the hardships which come with that task… Lord, hear us.

+ For all those seeking the truth, that every believer would be able to give a reason for the hope that is in us… Lord, hear us.

+ For rich and poor alike who suffer sickness and disease around the world, that they would be able to receive appropriate medical help and healing… Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who suffer isolation, as the lepers once did, that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians… Lord, hear us.

Faithful God: Your goodness exceeds all our expectations. Thank you for the assurance of eternal life that we have through faith in Jesus Christ; if we die with him, we will also live with him. Work your wonders and attend to the needs of your people; and bring your Salvation to the ends of the earth through Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

Press On – Selah

__________

Closing: Ephesians 3:20-21 ((NLT)

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 Morning, 12 Oct 2019 – Matthew 21:12-27 ~ Are you a House of Prayer?

Saturday Morning

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

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading: Matthew 21:12-27 (NLT)

Jesus Clears the Temple

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”

But the leaders were indignant. They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.

The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Are you a House of Prayer?

‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
…The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them.
– Matthew 21:13-14 –

Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem was specific to the circumstances that he found there at the time. The religious leaders had allowed the Temple of the Most High God to become a “den of thieves.” They had desecrated holy space that had been consecrated for worship and prayer, by turning it into a market place. But once cleansed, the Temple once again became a place of hope and healing under the authority of Jesus.

Sometimes believers forget who we are, or rather whose we are – we belong to God and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit through which we must honor God. (1 Cor 6:18-20) And we too, cleansed and forgiven, can become instruments of God’s hope and healing under the authority of Jesus.

Questions for consideration:

  • Step back for a moment and try to view yourself as Jesus might view you – body, mind and spirit. Would you be considered a temple of the Holy Spirit? Why/why not? Please explain.
  • If there is some cleansing/forgiving to do in your life that would make you more serviceable to God? What would it be? Please explain.
  • What would it take for you to become an instrument of God’s hope and healing under the authority of Jesus? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: For the Spirit of Prayer –

O Almighty God, you pour out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

“House of Prayer” – Eddie James

__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

17th Sunday after Pentecost, 06 Oct 2019, Luke 17:5-10 ~ on Faith and Duty

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

God, the rock of our salvation, whose gifts can never fail, deepen the faith you have already bestowed and let its power be seen in your servants. We pray 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

” Ye servants of God! your master proclaim” – CSI Christ church Nagercoil – 37th Church Day

You servants of God, your Master proclaim, and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name all-victorious of Jesus extol;his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.

God rules in the height, almighty to save; though hid from our sight, his presence we have;
the great congregation his triumph shall sing, ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.

“Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!” let all cry aloud, and honor the Son;
the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim, fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.

Then let us adore and give him his right: all glory and power, all wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing with angels above and thanks never ceasing for infinite love.
__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
__________

(Isla Vista Worship – 814 with lyrics) –

__________

Intercession:

O God, our Maker and our Rock: Sustain us with Your loving-kindness and hear our prayers –

+ For believers around the world, that we might live by faith, using our gifts  to serve you alone….
+ For all who proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, that they may be welcomed at home and abroad….
+ For our families, that our relationships may be filled with tenderness, forgiveness, and mutual respect….
+ For women, men and children who live in fear of violence in their homes, that they may find a place of safety….
+ For families in our society without a home, that they may soon have a place where they can live without stress….
+ For our country, that we may rediscover the values that support and nourish family life….

O God, our Maker and our Rock: You know all our needs, show us your mercy and grace, and help all those in need, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

He Will Hold Me Fast) – Keith & Kristyn Getty

__________

Closing: – 2 Timothy 1:13-14

“Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”
__________

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

Saturday Morning, 05 Oct 2019 – Matthew 18:7-20 ~ What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin.

Saturday Morning

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

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading: Matthew 18:7-20 (NLT)

Matthew 18:7-20 New Living Translation (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

Parable of the Lost Sheep

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

Correcting Another Believer

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
__________

Morning Reflection:

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin.”

Every believer runs into temptation at one time or another – It’s inevitable, as Jesus noted in today’s reading. That’s why Jesus taught his followers to pray -“Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:14) However, Jesus’ concern here is not so much the reality of temptation, but its source, i.e. the people in the world that the evil one uses to tempt others, especially when their efforts are directed against the little ones – those who are weakest and most vulnerable among us.

What sorrow awaits them, they will be thrown into the fires of hell.

Questions for consideration:

  • Think about the society in which you live. How has its values and mores changed over your lifetime? Please explain.
  • How have attitudes and values changed toward children in particular? Please explain.
  • Can you think of examples of evil people who are targeting children for their evil purposes? Please explain.
  • Can you think of examples of evil people who are targeting new believers for their evil purposes? Please explain.
  • How do you think you should respond to evil people who tempt others, especially when there’s nothing you can personally do to change it? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer: For the Care of Children –

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom so to train them, that they may love all that is true, and pure, and lovely, and of good report, following the example of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
__________

“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of the wicked one
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil for your name’s sake

Satan’s like a roaring lion
Seeking whom he may devour
Lord let your spirit be a hedge about us
Protect us with your supernatural power

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of the wicked one
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil for your name’s sake

We fight not with flesh and blood
But with spiritual wickedness
The great red dragon and his army’s making war
Clothe us with armor, we’ll come forth victorious

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of the wicked one
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil for your name’s sake…
__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

16th Sunday after Pentecost, 29 Sep 2019: Luke 16:19-31 ~ Use your money to do good.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

O God of justice, hear our cry and save us. Make us heed your word to the prophets; rouse us to the demand of the gospel and impel us to carry it out. 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.

Psalm 146:1-6 – Free Church of Scotland
Hamilton Scottish Metrical Psalter 1650

Praise God. The Lord praise, O my soul.
I’ll praise God while I live;
While I have being to my God
in songs I’ll praises give.

Trust not in princes, nor man’s son,
in whom there is no stay:
His breath departs, to’s earth he turns;
that day his thoughts decay.

O happy is that man and blest,
whom Jacob’s God doth aid;
Whose hope upon the Lord doth rest,
and on his God is stayed:

Who made the earth and heavens high,
who made the swelling deep,
And all that is within the same;
who truth doth ever keep:
__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

Luke 16:19-31 New Living Translation (NLT)

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

__________

“Poor Man Lazarus” – The Georgia Spiritual Ensemble ·

__________

Intercession:

Merciful and gracious God: You welcome our prayers and attend especially to the cries of the poor. Hear us now as we pray –

+ For world leaders and those in authority, that they may govern with wisdom and compassion as those who are accountable to You….

+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. that they may be delivered from injustice and be restored to their families and communities…..

+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness,or any other adversity, that Your people may gladly provide help. healing and hope in Your name….

+ For believers who are rich in this world, that we trust in You and use our money to do good….

+ For all believers that we be generous to those in need and always ready to share what we have….

God of grace and mercy, You are just to both rich and poor hear our prayers, we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

(We Will Feast  in the house of Zion) – Sandra McCracken –

We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more

We will not be burned by the fire
He is the LORD our God
We are not consumed, by the flame
Upheld, protected, gathered up

We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more

In the dark of night, before the dawn
My soul, be not afraid
For the promised morning, oh how long?
Oh God of Jacob, be my strength

We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more

Every vow we’ve broken and betrayed
You are the Faithful one
And from the garden to the grave
Bind us together, bring shalom

We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more

Closing: – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
__________

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