Holy Trinity Sunday, 22 May: Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8:4-9; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 ~ one God forever and ever

Holy Trinity Sunday

On Trinity Sunday, we worship God who creates, redeems and sanctifies: three persons, one God.

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

Opening Prayer:

O God, your name is veiled in mystery, yet we dare to call you Father; your Son was begotten before all ages, yet is born among us in time; your Holy Spirit fills the whole creation, yet is poured forth now into our hearts. Because you have made us and loved us and called us by name, draw us more deeply into your divine life, that we may glorify you rightly through your Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Holy, Holy, Holy” – Audrey Assad

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Proverbs 8:22-31 (NLT)

“The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else.

I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born—before he had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.

I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth. I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations, I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.

And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 8:4-9 (NLT)

What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
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How Excellent Your Name (Psalm 8) – Rose Sirintip Hanpradit

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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 5:1-5 (NLT)

Faith Brings Joy

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:12-15 (NLT)

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
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Hymn: “Still” – Hillsong

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Intercessory Prayer:

Creator God:you honors humanity with love and respect, hear our prayers.

+ That missionaries may preach God’s love expressed in Christ with conviction…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those baptised in the name of the Trinity may grow in faith and trust…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those confirmed this year may be guided by the Holy Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians suffering for their faith may find courage and strength in your presence…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the lost and lonely may find direction in Christ and comfort in the Holy Sprit…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the sick and dying may experience your healing power and grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Father, Son and Spirit may welcome all who have died to life without end…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, creator of all that is, redeemer of the world, sanctifier of your people, listen to our prayers, and give us the grace we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Doxology” – Phil Wickham

Benediction:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

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

Pentecost Sunday, 15 May: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104; Romans 8: 8-17; John 14: 15-16, 23-26 ~ the Spirit gives you life

Pentecost Sunday

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

Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts to overflowing and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Opening Prayer:

Send down, O God, upon your people the flame of your Holy Spirit, and fill us with your presence and power. May your life-giving Spirit lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. Send us forth to the nations of the world to proclaim with boldness your wondrous work of raising Christ to your right hand. 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.
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“Holy Spirit” – Francesca Battistelli

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A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: Acts 2:1-11 (NLT)
[The events of the first Pentecost Day are described.]

The Holy Spirit Comes

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.
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O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
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But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
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May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
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May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
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Psalm 104 – Psalm Project Africa

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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8: 8-17 (NLT)
[God gives us life through the Spirit at work in us.]

Those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14: 15-16, 23-26 (NLT)
[The Holy Spirit reminds us of all Jesus has said.]

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
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Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
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Hymn: “Come Holy Spirit”

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Intercessory Prayer:

Conscious of the Spirit praying within us, we present our petitions at the throne of grace with confidence.

+ That the Holy Spirit may breathe new life into church leaders around the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may help those who were baptized and confirmed this year to grow in grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may be close to every Christian persecuted for his/her faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may bring healing to all who are sick and suffering…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may pour our gifts of prophecy on our sons and daughters…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may give young men visions and cause old men to dream dreams…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Holy Spirit may raise to life all those who have died in Christ and lead them home to heaven…. Lord, hear us.

God our creator, your Spirit brings us life and sustains us throughout our days: hear these prayers we are inspired to make, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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Hymn: “More And More Of You” – Richie Fike, Jonathan Lee, & Jennie Lee Riddle

Benediction:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT)

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

Morning Prayer: 14 May – John 15:9-17 ~ “Love each other.”

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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

Opening Sentence

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Morning Reading: John 15:9-17 (NLT)

rsz_jesus_on_the_cross_john_3-16_1

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.

“Love each other, one another” – Graham Kendrick

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may I be one with you in all that I say and do. Draw me close that I may glorify you and bear fruit for your kingdom. Inflame my heart with your love and remove from it anything that would make me ineffective or unfruitful in loving and serving you as my All. (Dan Schwager at dailyscripture.net)

Closing Sentence

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

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

The Ascension of the Lord – Sunday, 08 May: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17-23; Lk 24:46-53 ~ power promised / power displayed

Sunday – The Ascension of the Lord

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

Opening Prayer:

God of majesty, you led the Messiah through suffering into risen life and took him up to the glory of heaven. Clothe us with the power promised from on high, and send us forth to the ends of the earth as heralds of repentance and witnesses of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Holy Are You Lord” – Terry Macalmon

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A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: Acts 1:1-11 (NLT)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

gointoworld

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The Ascension of Jesus

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 (NLT)

For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet.
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Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm.
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God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.
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Most High (Psalm 47) – James Block

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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 1:17-23 (NLT)

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 24:46-53 (NLT)

The Ascension by Benjamin West, 1801 — The Ascension
by Benjamin West, 1801

And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

The Ascension

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
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Hymn: “Before The Throne Of God Above” – Selah

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Intercessory Prayer:

With confidence, we bring our petitions before God, the Most High.

+ That those baptised at Easter may always be strong in faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ That missionaries may be filled with Holy Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ That families and other groups may pray for peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That God may look after our family and friends far away from home…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Spirit may fill our hearts anew, as we prepare for Pentecost…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the Spirit may comfort the sick and dying…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all our loved ones who have died may follow where Christ the Saviour has gone…. Lord, hear us.

Lord Most High, great king over all the earth, you are ever ready to help your people in their distress; hear and grant our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Every Promise” – Stuart Townend

Benediction:

Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

Morning Prayer: 07 May – John 16:23-28 ~ ask in my name

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Opening Sentence

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (John 14:16)

Morning Reading: John 16:23-28 (NLT)

abundant joy

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”

“I Asked The Lord” – Indelible Grace

Prayer

To Christ be praise and glory! He promised the apostles that the power of the Holy Spirit would come upon them. Lord, send forth your light and your truth.

+ You are the Word of truth, the wisdom and splendour of the Father; let us be your witnesses today, in word and in deed.
+ May we recognize the things of the Spirit and set our hearts on them; where our hearts are, there will our treasure be.
+ Grant that the Holy Spirit may come to help us in our weakness and teach us how we ought to pray.
+ Fill us with all knowledge and love; enable us to counsel one another in truth and charity.

God and Father, your Son, at his ascension, promised the Holy Spirit to his apostles. They received abundant graces of wisdom from heaven: grant us, also, we pray, the gifts of your Spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Closing Sentence

The truth is that we neither live nor die as self-contained units. At every turn life links us to God, and when we die we come face to face with him. In life or death we are in the hands of God. Christ lived and died that he might be the Lord in both life and death. – Romans 14:7-9 (PHILLIPS)

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

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