Tag: Morning Prayer

Saturday Morning, 17 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:12-25 ~ Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

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.
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Morning Reading: Matthew 4:12-25 (NLT)

The Ministry of Jesus Begins

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and 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 he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Crowds Follow Jesus

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee,
teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.
And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
– Matthew 4:23 –

As an itinerant preacher, Jesus engaged in three primary activities: teaching His disciples, preaching good news to the multitudes, and healing the sick.

His ministry began with the Jewish people of northern Galilee: teaching in synagogues, preaching about the messianic Kingdom, and healing diseased people. Jesus’ miracles dealt with “incurable” afflictions and attracted a large following. Jesus’ message of Good News was God’s pledge to end the grief and deal with the suffering of our fallen, sin-filled world.

Questions for consideration:

  • Jesus’ began his ministry with a call to repentance. Does that resonate with you? Is there sin in your life that you need to reject and turn instead to God for help and redirection? Please explain.
  • Jesus invited people to leave what they were doing and follow him; and they did. Have you heard Jesus’ call to follow him? What had to be left behind? How did you respond? Please explain.
  • Jesus healed the sick and suffering. Have you, or someone you know, been healed by Jesus? Do you need healing now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer for Thy Kingdom Come

God of our salvation, hope of all the ends of the earth, we pray: Your kingdom come.

  • That the world may know Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who are estranged and without hope may be brought near in the blood of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be one in serving and proclaiming the gospel, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be bold to speak Your word while You stretch out Your healing hand to save, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be generous in giving, faithful in serving, bold in proclaiming, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may welcome and support all whom You call to faith, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who serve the gospel may be kept in safety while Your word accomplishes its purpose, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who suffer for the gospel may know the comfort and glory of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That the day may come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, we pray: Your kingdom come.

Almighty God, by Your Holy Spirit You have made us one with Your saints in heaven and on earth: grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves surrounded by their witness to Your power and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Thy Kingdom Come” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Every path you walk, My feet have been there long before you
Every tear you cry, My eyes have already known
I’ve reached the highest hill, I see you struggling up the mountain
My voice can be your guide, will you trust Me with your life

Lord, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done I pray
Forgive me when I fall, forgive me when I fail
Lord I do believe, but help my unbelief
‘Til heaven and earth unite, It’s not my will but Thine

I know every way you can be tempted to stop trying
The world was offered Me, if I misused My power
I’ve reached a higher goal, I became Lord of all creation
You can live in paradise, if you’ll trust Me with your life

Lord, it gets so dark I just can’t see the right way
My word will be a lamp unto your feet

Lord, I get so tired I just can’t keep on traveling
My joy will be your strength, you can do all things
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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

9th Sunday after Pentecost, 11 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:32-40 ~ Ready and waiting!

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: 

O God, on whom our faith rests secure and whose kingdom we await, sustain us by word and sacrament and keep us alert for the coming of the Son of Man, that we may welcome him without delay. 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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“The Lion and The Lamb” – Big Daddy Weave

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:32-40 (NLT)

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
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“I Will Wait For You” (Psalm 130) – Shane & Shane

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Intercession:

Lord God: From your throne in heaven, you see all who live on the earth; you made our hearts and understand everything we do. In your loving-kindness, hear us now as we pray –

+ That all who proclaim your Word may do so with a sense of urgency….
+ That all who hear your Word may respond in faith, remembering that our lives are short….
+ That all who are on vacation may return home refreshed, proclaiming the wonders you have shown them….
+ That families may be bound together in love, mutual encouragement, and prayer….
+ That the sick and broken-hearted may receive your comfort and healing mercies….
+ That all who live hard lives may receive your grace and provision for their needs….

Lord God: your loving-kindness sustains us. Hear these prayers we offer, trusting that you will answer them according to your perfect will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Jesus Is Coming Soon” – Dailey & Vincent

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Closing: Psalm 33:20-22

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

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

Saturday Morning, 10 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 6:10-24 ~ Be strong and prepared.

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.
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Morning Reading: Ephesians 6:10-24 (NLT)

The Whole Armor of God

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Final Greetings

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Morning Reflection:

Be strong and prepared.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
– Ephesians 6:10-11 –

Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground. The enemy we face is not only within (the flesh) and without (the world), but the enemy also resides in the heavenlies (the devil) – we are engaged in a cosmic struggle, or confrontation, with evil. Truth be told, we are no match for the devil whose seeks to deceive and destroy us. The Good News is – God IS more powerful, and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

The purpose of accepting the equipment that God provides for waging spiritual warfare is to be strong and prepared for the devil’s attacks. How has God armed us?

  • with Truth – against lies and deceit
  • with Righteousness – against disrespect and abuse
  • with Peace – against hatred and division
  • with Faith – against fear and doubt
  • with Salvation – against condemnation and death
  • with God’s Word – against temptation, to resist the devil
  • with Prayer in the Spirit – against isolation from God and other believers

Questions for consideration:

  • All believers face spiritual warfare at one time or another. What has been your personal experience? Please explain.
  • What equipment has been most helpful to you against spiritual warfare in the past? Please explain.
  • What equipment do you need now for God’s protection against spiritual warfare? Please explain.
  • How can you prepare yourself today against the strategies and schemes of the devil? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – Prayer for Protection

Father, I come to You today, bowing in my heart, asking for protection from the evil one. Lord, I am assailed moment by moment with images on television, the internet, books and newspapers that leave me vulnerable to sin of every kind. Surround me with Your divine hedge of protection. Encompass me round about with Your strength and Your might.

Let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy. And may You shelter us – that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.

Thank you, in advance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Hymn Of St Patrick” – Dwight Beal

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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

8th Sunday after Pentecost, 04 Aug 2019 – Luke 12:13-21 ~ Live with eternity in mind.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer: (Psalm 90 adaptation)

Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom…. Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Robin Mark

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)

Parable of the Rich Fool

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
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“Psalm 90” – James Block

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Intercession:

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name. We pray especially –

+ That wrongs may be made right, and what’s lost may be found
+ That the foolishness of pleasures may be replaced with the wisdom of godliness
+ That the foolishness of loving money may be replaced with the wisdom of loving Jesus
+ That our sinful desires (sexual immorality, impurity, lust, greed, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language), may be replaced with godly desires (tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness)
+ That we may be clothed with the love of Christ, and ruled by the peace of Christ in our hearts

Gracious God, you hold our lives in your hands: hear our prayers and help us we ask in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
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“When its all been said and done” – Robin Mark

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Closing: Colossians 3:16-17

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning, 03 Aug 2019 – Ephesians 3:1-21 ~ You belong to Christ Jesus.

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.
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Morning Reading: Ephesians 3:1-21 (NLT)

God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed

When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
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Morning Reflection:

You belong to Christ Jesus.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News
share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body,
and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
– Ephesians 3:6 –

God’s mystery is revealed:

  1. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal heirs of God’s riches that He presently bestows in Christ Jesus.
  2. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal members of the body of Christ, the church universal.
  3. Both Jewish and Gentile believers are equal partakers of the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
  4. Both Jewish and Gentile believers belong to Christ Jesus.

God’s purpose in this was “to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

And now, God’s door is open to us – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Questions for consideration:

  • Paul views the church universal as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community – like a beautiful tapestry – and yet we all belong to Jesus. Can you think of times when you have experienced different cultural expressions in worship? Please explain.
  • To what extent is your faith community a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community? Please explain.
  • Differences inevitably produce disagreements, which is why we need God’s grace and wisdom to maintain harmony. How are differences reconciled in your faith community? Please explain.
  • What does belonging to Jesus Christ mean to you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – Ephesians 3:14-21

Heavenly Father, Creator of everything in heaven and on earth:

+ Empower us with inner strength through your Spirit.
+ Make our hearts Christ’s home as we trust in him.
+ Root us in the strong foundation of your love.
+ Empower us to understand your love – its width, its length, its height, its depth.
+ Grant us fullness of life and power as we experience the love of Christ.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
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“I Belong to Jesus” – The Acappella Company

Satan goes around like a roaring Lion | Seeking whom he may devour
But he has been defeated so I’m testifying | By the blood of Jesus he lost his power…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
Christ was lifted up with my sin upon Him | His life and blood came flowing down
So hear me I’m declaring Jesus Christ is Lord! | I’m taking back His holy ground

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him | I belong to Jesus, free from sin
I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him | I belong to Jesus, free from sin…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
All sin nailed to the cross and the Lamb’s blood flowing
Meant victory was sealed that day
When Satan saw the blood he knew that Christ had won it
And he knew that Sunday was on its way…

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
The ground began to quake and all of Heaven’s power
Came bursting from the tomb within
The stone was rolled away and hell was overpowered
By the King Who rose again

I belong to Jesus, I belong to Him
He was lifted up (He was lifted up)
He paid a costly price (He paid a costly price)
He bought me with the blood (He bought me with the blood)
Of His own life (of His Own life)

Christ the King now reigning (Christ the King now reigning)
He wears the Victor’s crown (He wears the Victor’s crown)
Satan was defeated (Satan was defeated)
When the blood flowed down (the blood flowed down)
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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