Saturday Morning: 27 Apr 2019 – Mark 3:13-35 ~ Jesus’ New Family

Saturday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 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 – Mark 3:13-35 (NLT)

Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons. These are the twelve he chose:

Simon (whom he named Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Jesus and the Prince of Demons

One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”

Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.”

The True Family of Jesus

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ New Family

If we look at these three stories together, a common theme emerges – Jesus is beginning to surround himself with a new family of faith. A few things are noteworthy –

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and
called out the ones he wanted to go with him.
And they came to him. – Mark 3:13

+ Jesus chose “the twelve” he wanted to go with him, and they responded in faith by following him. Jesus’ new family of faith is beginning to take shape.
+ Jesus gives them special authority for ministry – beginning their training to carry on his ministry of preaching, teaching , and healing.

When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away.
“He’s out of his mind,” they said. – Mark 3:21

+ Jesus’ natural family doesn’t understand who Jesus is, and what the Holy Spirit has empowered him to do. They are becoming a hindrance to him.
+ Jesus remarks that “a family splintered by feuding will fall apart,” in response to the religious leaders’ questioning his authority.
+ Jesus’ new family is shaped by faith and unified by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
Then he looked at those around him and said,
“Look, these are my mother and brothers.
Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
– Mark 3:33-35

+ Jesus’ new family of faith takes priority over his natural family.
+ Jesus’ new family of faith is open to anyone who does God’s will, i.e. who believes in Jesus and follows as he leads.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that you chose Jesus, or that Jesus chose you? Is there a difference? Please explain.
Do you believe that Jesus’ authority has been given to you, or only to a special few chosen for leadership? Please explain.
Have you ever been involved in a family of faith that was torn apart by feuding? What was your role? How did it turn out? Please explain.
Have you ever had to chose between your natural family and your spiritual family? Did you suffer for it? How did it turn out? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for the practical needs of persecuted believers:

Heavenly Father, our provider and sustainer: Attend to the needs of your family suffering great hardship and persecution, especially –

+ That they would have access to a Bible…
+ That they would have the courage to remain in their homeland…
+ That those rejected by their family and friends would be welcomed into your family where they are loved and supported emotionally and physically…
+ That socially vulnerable women and those who have lost custody of their children would be protected and their children returned…
+ That those who are destitute would find jobs and safe places to live…

Heavenly Father, you know each one of your children by name: Have mercy on them and attend to their needs. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: It’s my heart’s desire to do your will by believing in your Son Jesus Christ and following him as he leads. Thank you for including me in your family of faith. Please forgive my insubordination – either witting, or unwitting – and help me to trust you in all things. Grant me the authority that I need to carry on the ministry that you have given me. And open my eyes to new opportunities to be a bearer of the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Who You Say I Am” – Hillsong Worship

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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: 26 Apr 2019 – Mark 3:1-12 ~ vast numbers of people came to see him

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 most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, 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 – Mark 3:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.

Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.

He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.

Crowds Follow Jesus

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.

Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, “You are the Son of God!” But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
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Morning Reflection:

“The news about his miracles had spread far and wide,
and vast numbers of people came to see him.” – Mark3:8b

The contrast between the two responses to Jesus’ healing ministry is striking. In the first, the religious leaders respond by plotting to kill him. In the second, huge crowds of sick people flock to him for healing.

+ The Religious Leaders: They opposed Jesus because he posed a threat to their power and authority. They could have just ignored him; instead, they plotted to kill him.
+ The Huge Crowds: Sick people flocked to him to receive the physical benefits of his healing ministry. But they don’t seem to have much interest in worshiping him as “Son of God”, or “Son of Man.”

He had healed many people that day,
so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.
– Mark 3:10

Questions for consideration:

When you think of religious leaders, who comes to mind? Do you think that Jesus would be a threat to their authority? Please explain.
What power and authority do you have in your own life? Do you feel threatened by Jesus? Please explain.
In reading the Gospels, we frequently run into people who flock to Jesus because of what he can do for them, but have no interest in following him, especially when it becomes costly. Can you identify with them in any way? Please explain.
Jesus was amazingly gracious to all who came to him for healing. Have you ever received God’s mercy and grace in your life, in spite of being driven by need rather than devotion? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

Sovereign Lord: All authority vested in governance comes from you and is accountable to you. Stir the hearts of every world leader to carry out their responsibilities justly and peacefully with special attention to Christians who are defenseless, in need of protection. Give them the wisdom to enact the necessary policies and procedures to make a lasting, global difference. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Search my heart and forgive my selfish motives in coming to you. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me, that I might relinquish my control and willingly follow your leading, whether I understand it or not. On the other hand, give me wisdom and sound judgement that I might use the resources you have given me to advance your Kingdom purpose – to be a light to the nations and a source of help, healing, and hope. In your name I ask it. Amen.
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“Wonderful Merciful Savior” – Selah

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Closing:

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

Thursday Morning: 25 Apr 2019 – Mark 2:18-28 ~ Lord over faith and practice

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 2:18-28 (NLT)

A Discussion about Fasting

Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”

A Discussion about the Sabbath

One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.”

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is Lord over faith and practice.

In today’s reading, two points of contention arise between Jesus and the religious leaders – the practice of fasting. and legalism surrounding the keeping of Sabbath. And Jesus declares that he is Lord over both of them.

+ Fasting: Jesus uses parables to illustrate that 1. the timing was wrong (bridegroom), and 2. a new age had begun (new patches and new wine.) It wasn’t that Jesus was opposed to fasting per se; rather that traditional practices needed to be reexamined in light of the dawning of a new Messianic age.

+ Sabbath: Jesus reverses the legalistic view of Sabbath keeping, declaring that it’s purpose is to meet our human needs for rest and refreshment, not to meet the myriad of rules and regulations that had arisen around the Sabbath.

“So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” – Mark 2:28

Questions for consideration:

Can you think of instances when fasting would be appropriate? Please explain.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? How did it work out? Please explain.
What are some of your traditions for Sabbath keeping? Please explain.
Can you think of instances where responding to human needs would prompt you to set aside some of your traditions for Sabbath Keeping? Please explain.
Can you think of other areas of your traditional religious practices that need to be reexamined in light of the Lordship of Christ? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for churches to rise up:

Lord Jesus: Awaken your church to the critical needs of believers around the world who are suffering calamity and great persecution. Grant that we would be faithful in prayer, and generous in our giving for physical support. Rally your church around those who are suffering for your name’s sake. And empower us by your Spirit to engage our political leaders, especially here in America, in order to remind them that Christian persecution is a real issue that must be addressed in our time. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Remind me once again that you are Lord over all aspects of faith and practice. Keep me faithful to your Word in spirit as well as truth, putting the needs of others before my own. And give me the wisdom to understand that obedience to your commands leads to a full, satisfying life now and forever. I ask this in your name. Amen.
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“Build My Life” – Housefires

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Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 24 Apr 2019 – Mark 2:1-17 ~ the authority to forgive sins

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 – Mark 2:1-17 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”

Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)

Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.

Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
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Morning Reflection:

Friends bring friends to Jesus

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man,
“My child, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5

In today’s reading, the point of contention is Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, and his association with sinners in order to accomplish that very purpose. In both stories, friends bring friends to Jesus.

A few things stand out:

+ The Friends: They were genuinely concerned about their paralyzed comrade and took extraordinary steps to take him to Jesus. They acted boldly out of compassion and faith.

+ The Paralytic: He too acted in faith in response to Jesus’ command – “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.” He did all three and amazed everyone.

+ Jesus: He demonstrated his Kingdom authority as the “Son of Man” to forgive sin through an act of physical healing. Only God can heal and forgive sin. Jesus chose to do what his onlookers considered harder, in order to show that He could also do what they considered easier.

+ Matthew: He too wanted his friends – sinners who were considered social outcasts – to meet Jesus. And Jesus’ acceptance of the dinner invitation was an offer of peace, trust, friendship and forgiveness. Jesus was simply fulfilling his mission.

Jesus told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.
I have come to call not those who think they are righteous,
but those who know they are sinners.” – Mark 2:17

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever had a friend bring you to Jesus for healing or forgiveness? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
Do you have a friend who needs Jesus in his/her life? What would it take to connect him/her with Jesus? Please explain.
What is your relationship with people living in sin? Does your relationship tacitly approve or disapprove of their lifestyle? How can you help them recognize their need for a fresh start with Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: Thank you for staying with me through faith and unbelief, strength and weakness, sickness and health. In you I trust for healing and forgiveness. Give me the humility to readily admit my need, and the faith to live out your directions for my life. Give me your heart for the sick and broken people around me. And give me the courage to overcome all obstacles in bringing them to you. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Crowder

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Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 23 Apr 2019 – Mark 1:21-45 ~ Kingdom authority: show and tell

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 – Mark 1:21-45 (NLT)

Jesus Casts Out an Evil Spirit

Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many People

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
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Morning Reflection:

A typical day in the life of Jesus (Mark 1:21-34). Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, teaches with Kingdom authority, and demonstrates his authority –

over evil spirits – by casting out demons and commanding them to be quiet
over sickness – by healing Peter’s mother-in-law and many others with various diseases

The people in and around Galilee were astounded, they had never seen anything like it.

The man [healed of leprosy] went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. – Mark 1:45

The word about Jesus’ healing/delivering authority spread rapidly. The need is overwhelming and Jesus needs to take time out for prayer. (Mark 1:35)

Questions for consideration:

What is it that draws you to Jesus? Is it his person, i.e. who he is – “the Holy One of God?” Is it what he can do for you – heal you, deliver you from evil, something else? Please explain.
Have you ever experienced Jesus’ healing/delivering power in your own life? Please explain.
What do you need from Jesus today? What do you expect? Is there a difference? Please explain.
Jesus needed to spend time alone in prayer. Do you feel that need? With all the demands on your time, how do you work it out? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for those who are doing the persecuting:

Merciful God: Open the eyes and soften the hearts of the people who have brought unfathomable suffering and abuse upon Christians, especially those who have perpetrated the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Remind us again that you sent your Son to save the whole world, and that you don’t want anyone – even these people – to perish. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My prayer:

Merciful God: Open my eyes and soften my heart that I might see your Son Jesus as the “Holy One of God” sent to deliver us from evil, in spite of the pervasive, demonic influence of this present age. Give me a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair – that I might become a great oak of righteousness planted for your glory. I ask this through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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“Raise A Hallelujah” – Bethel Music | VICTORY