Tag: New Living Translation

Wednesday Morning: 21 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:33-48 Jesus’ teaching on Vows, Revenge, and Love for Enemies.

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:33-48 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about Vows

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Teaching about Revenge

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Love for Enemies.

I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:44-45 –

Living by Kingdom standards involves a dramatic transformation of our thinking, our feelings, and our actions. Nowhere is this more evident than in Jesus’ teaching on loving our enemies. It’s not just a matter of going through the motions; God looks at our hearts and examines our motives as well.

Heartfelt love of enemies involves doing them good and praying for them. And that takes a work of God within us – an extreme makeover by God’s Word and Spirit – to move us from self-preservation to self-sacrifice, from meanness to generosity, from coldness to warmth, from distance to proximity – if not physically, at least emotionally.

Kingdom living is truly upside-down from the way the world lives and responds to enemies – with anger, hatred and retaliation. And prayer for the good of our enemies is one means of grace that facilitates that change in us as well as them.

Questions for consideration:

  • When you think of your enemies, who comes to mind? Why do you consider them your enemies? Please explain.
  • How have they harmed you? How have they hurt you? Please explain.
  • How have your enemies affected your thinking, your feelings, and your behavior? Please explain.
  • Has God changed the way way you think, feel, or behave towards them? Please explain.
  • What would it take for you to pray for them? How would you pray for their good? Please explain.
  • What would it take for you to be reconciled with them? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – For Our Enemies

God of Grace and Glory: Have mercy on us all, and especially forgive our enemies – those who have slandered and persecuted us, those who seek to destroy us, those who defame Your Holy Name. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may love them as Jesus commanded us. Lead us all from falsehood to truth: deliver us all from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time turn all our hearts to You, and enable us all to stand reconciled before you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Love Your Enemies”” – Tom Blakely

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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

Tuesday Morning: 20 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:17-32 ~ Jesus’ teaching on the Law, Anger, Adultery, and Divorce

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about the Law

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Teaching about Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Teaching about Adultery

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Teaching about Divorce

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told,
‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’
But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”
– Matthew 5:21-22 –

Jesus began his teaching on righteousness in the Kingdom of God by describing the character and conduct that God blesses. This should not have surprised his listeners since his description conformed to the revelation of God’s will in the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus declares that he came to accomplish its purpose.

But while the Law primarily addressed behavior, Jesus addressed the thoughts and feelings that drive the behavior – in other words, Jesus addressed what’s going on in our hearts. His teaching on anger is a good example.

When God gave the sixth commandment, He did not just want people to refrain from murdering one another. He wanted them to refrain from the hatred that leads to murder. Murder is only the external manifestation of the internal problem. The scribes and Pharisees dealt only with the external act. Jesus showed that God’s concern ran much deeper. (John Stott)

Questions for consideration:

  • What makes you angry? People with full shopping carts in the express checkout line? Slow drivers in the fast lane? Something else? Please explain.
  • On a deeper level, what makes you angry? Betrayal of trust through adultery? Rejection through divorce? Some other betrayal or abuse of trust? Please explain.
  • How have you dealt with feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness? Have you held on to them? Or have you released them to God? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer to release Anger, Resentment and Bitterness

Gracious God, hear me and answer me. You know I am troubled by thoughts and feelings of anger, resentment and bitterness. You also know why. And You know how deep the hurt goes and how long I have lived with it. But I don’t want to live with it any longer. I don’t want to be an angry, resentful and bitter person. With Your help, I release my anger into Your hands. I surrender my resentment. I let go of my bitterness. Help me to keep letting go and release these toxic emotions as often as they try to return. I ask this in Jesus’ name through the power of his Spirit at work in me. Amen.

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“Heal My Broken Heart” – Patty Felker

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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

Monday Morning: 19 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:1-16 ~ Jesus’ Teaching: on blessing and visibility

Monday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

  • “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
  • God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  • God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
  • God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
  • God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  • God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
  • God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
  • God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Teaching about Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ Teaching: on blessing and visibility

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
– Matthew 5:3 –

In Chapter 4, Matthew recorded the launch of Jesus’ ministry – from overcoming temptation to announcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Jesus preaching, accompanied by miraculous healings, attracted a large following. So Jesus decided to sit them all down and explain what it means to turn away from sin and turn to God – what it means to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Matthew presents Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7) beginning with the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes describe the character of those who will receive God’s blessing in God’s Kingdom – they are an attitude check for every believer – toward ourselves, toward our sins, toward God, and toward the world.

+ the poor in spirit – are those who recognize their personal unworthiness to stand in God’s presence and who depend utterly on Him for His mercy and grace. Recognition of our own spiritual bankruptcy is the prerequisite for receiving Kingdom joy.

+ those who mourn – do so because they sense their spiritual bankruptcy. It’s an expression of genuine sorrow and humiliation over our sin that leads to repentance and the comfort of God’s forgiveness.

+ those who are humble – are gentle in their dealings with others, and unpretentious in their lifestyle. The humble are heirs of the God’s Kingdom – receiving a promissory portion of their inheritance in this world, and their full inheritance in the world to come.

+ those who hunger and thirst for justice – are those who seek holiness, or godliness, not only for themselves but also for the society in which they live. It involves working and praying for the revival and renewal of society’s sinfulness.

+ those who are merciful – forgive the guilty and have compassion on the needy and the suffering. Mercy involves receiving God’s loving-kindness when we don’t deserve it. Merciful people give to others what they themselves have received from God.

+ those whose hearts are pure – are those who are single-minded in their devotion to God; it includes freedom from hypocrisy. Those with clean hearts can look forward to seeing God in the person of Messiah when He reigns on the earth.

+ those who work for peace – replicate Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation bringing people together with God and one another. It is not simply the absence of war, or cessation of hostilities; it is a reconciliation rooted in the cross of Christ – the Prince of Peace.

+ those who are persecuted for doing right – replicate Jesus’ ministry of suffering. The world does not give up its hates and self-centered living easily. Those who live rightly in God’s eyes become targets of those living for money, sex, and power – those who have rejected God’s rule and reign in their lives.

Questions for consideration:

  • Jesus concludes this portion of the Sermon on the Mount with the instruction to display what we believe – you are light and salt. In light of his teaching on Kingdom blessings, what is God calling you to say or do? Where do you need an attitude check, a change in your thinking or lifestyle. Please explain.
  • Where do you need God’s help to live a blessed life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: On living the Beatitudes

Sovereign Lord:  Thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, who died that I might live – a full, satisfying life, now and forever. Empower me by your life-giving Word and Spirit to reflect his attitudes and, in so doing, receive your blessing.

+ Help me to recognize my spiritual poverty, apart from you I am, or can do, nothing…
+ Help me to mourn my sins, and be comforted by your unfailing love and forgiveness…
+ Help me to live humbly and find strength in weakness and power in vulnerability…
+ Help me to desire truth and justice, not simply for myself but for all people…
+ Help me to be a merciful friend to those who have failed you…
+ Help me to remain focused on Jesus, to be pure in heart, to view life from his perspective…
+ Help me to be a reconciler, to look for the best in others and bring them to Jesus…
+ Help me to be fearless, unafraid of what others think or say about me, that I might rejoice in the honor of standing for your restorative justice and rightness.

Sovereign Lord: Change my attitudes and give me the heart and mind of Christ, for apart from his love, mercy, and grace I can do nothing. I ask this in Jesus’ name who lives and reigns with you, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
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“The Beatitudes” – Hillsong

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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

Friday Morning: 16 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:1-11 ~ Jesus overcomes temptation.

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus overcomes temptation.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
– Matthew 4:1 –

Jesus’ genealogy and virgin birth prove His legal human qualification as Israel’s King. His baptism was the occasion of His divine approval. His temptation demonstrated His moral fitness to reign.

The substance of each temptation has to do with Jesus’ devotion, or obedience, to God. The intent of Satan in each test is to entice Jesus to break faith with God, his Father, and thus disavow his divine Sonship.

Jesus faced Satan as a man, not as God. He did not use His own divine powers to overcome the enemy, which is just what Satan tempted Him to do. Rather He used the spiritual resources that are available to all people, including us, namely, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that He is an example for us of one who successfully endured temptation, and it is this victory that qualified Him to become both our King and our Great High Priest.

Questions for consideration:

  • What forms of temptation have you personally experienced? Please explain.
  • What forms of temptation have you resisted? Please explain.
  • To what forms of temptation have you succumbed? Have you asked for and received God’s forgiveness? Please explain.
  • Where do you need God’s help to overcome the temptations you are currently facing? What does God’s Word say about your temptations? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For Overcoming Temptations

Heavenly Father, I can no longer make it alone in this world. Lord, I need you each and every second, every minute, every hour of my life.

+ Holy Spirit, come alongside me and mold me in my journey to become more like Christ Jesus. Guide my thoughts, my words, my deeds. Empower me to resist temptation.

+ Lord Jesus, the battle against temptations is so strong, I struggle at times to fight it. Give me strength, Oh Lord, to walk away from the evil that tries to lure me in.

+ Father, cleanse my mind, body and soul of anything that is not pleasing to You. Help me to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus and remain pure and holy, for my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

+ Lead me to the cross, Oh gentle Savior. Rid me of myself because I belong to You. In Your presence is where I want to be.

Heavenly Father, lead me to victory as I overcome the battle of sin and become a mighty, righteous warrior for You. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!
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“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of that 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

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
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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

Wednesday Morning: 14 Aug 2019 – Matthew 2:16-23 ~ The Slaughter of the Innocents.

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 2:16-23 (NLT)

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”

The Return to Nazareth

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
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Morning Reflection:

The Slaughter of the Innocents

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him.
He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem
who were two years old and under,
based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
– Matthew 2:16 –

What prompts a person to do such a thing, even a despot like Herod? What prompts anyone to commit such an evil act – to kill children? Spiritual blindness? Fear? Paranoia? Deceit? Cruelty? Anger? Anxiety All of these were certainly true of Herod, but what of those who kill children today?

“We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of war, of hatred.
If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other?”
– Mother Teresa

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Morning Prayer

Almighty God, out of the mouths of children you manifest your truth, and by the death of the Holy Innocents at the hands of evil tyrants you show your strength in our weakness: We ask you to mortify all that is evil within us, and so strengthen us by your grace, that we may glorify your holy Name by the innocence of our lives and the constancy of our faith even unto death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who died for us and now lives with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

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Heilarion Alfeyev. Christmas Oratorio 24: Rachel’s lament – Sung by Khibla Gerzvama.

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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