After Pentecost | Wednesday 09 Oct 2024: Psalm 112; Jeremiah 3:6-14; Matthew 5:27-36 ~ On adultery and divorce.

After Pentecost | Wednesday 09 Oct 2024

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord,
your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection
it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works,
to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“I can guarantee that
whoever looks with lust at a woman
has already committed adultery in his heart.”
(Matthew 5:28)

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From Psalms: Psalm 112 // Happy is the Man (Ashrey Ish) Tehillim/ Psalm 112 / מיכאל אליהו בן-דוד Micha’el BenDavid

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OT Reading: Jeremiah 3:6-14 (GW)

The Lord Offers to Forgive the Ten Tribes of Israel despite Their Idolatry

3:6 When Josiah was king, the Lord asked me, “Did you see what unfaithful Israel did? She went up every high mountain and under every large tree, and she acted like a prostitute there. I thought that after she had done all this that she would come back to me. But she didn’t come back, and her treacherous sister Judah saw her. Judah saw that I sent unfaithful Israel away because of her adultery and that I gave Israel her divorce papers. But treacherous Judah, her sister, wasn’t afraid. She also acted like a prostitute. Because she wasn’t concerned about acting like a prostitute, she polluted the land and committed adultery with standing stones and wood pillars. Even after all this, Israel’s treacherous sister Judah didn’t wholeheartedly come back to me. She was deceitful,” declares the Lord.

Then the Lord said to me, “Unfaithful Israel was less guilty than treacherous Judah. Go and proclaim these things to the north:

“ ‘Come back, unfaithful Israel.
It is the Lord speaking.
I will no longer frown on you
because I’m merciful,’ declares the Lord.
‘I will no longer be angry with you.
Admit that you’ve done wrong!
You have rebelled against the Lord your God.
You have given yourself to strangers under every large tree.
You have not obeyed me,’ declares the Lord.

“Come back, you rebellious people,” declares the Lord. “I’m your husband. I will take you, one from every city and two from every family, and bring you to Zion.

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Come Back To Me (Hosea) | Catholic Song | Choir with Lyrics | Sunday 7pm Choir

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NT Reading: Matthew 5:27-36 (GW

About Sexual Sin

5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Never commit adultery.’ But I can guarantee that whoever looks with lust at a woman has already committed adultery in his heart.

“So if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it thrown into hell. And if your right hand leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it go into hell.

“It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice.’ But I can guarantee that any man who divorces his wife for any reason other than unfaithfulness makes her look as though she has committed adultery. Whoever marries a woman divorced in this way makes himself look as though he has committed adultery.

About Oaths

5:33 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Never break your oath, but give to the Lord what you swore in an oath to give him.’ But I tell you don’t swear an oath at all. Don’t swear an oath by heaven, which is God’s throne, or by the earth, which is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, which is the city of the great King. And don’t swear an oath by your head. After all, you cannot make one hair black or white.

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Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me // CityAlight

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send your blessing upon your married servants that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their homes may be havens of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thomas Aquinas
Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

+ Do what only you can do to make your faithful people the promised blessing to every family on earth.

+ Protect them from the assaults of the evil one, coming  from every direction and in every form.

+ Grant your heavenly wisdom to Israel’s leadership; give them the courage to do what’s right in your sight.

+ Comfort all those who mourn the loss of loved ones; deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls.

+ Destroy every stronghold and every expression of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.

+ Protect the Israel Defense Forces and every soldier engaged in their mission to root out this evil.

+ Strengthen the Messianic communities; use them to restore your faithful people to their proper place in your kingdom.

+ Unify your faithful people around your promise to Abraham – to bless every family on earth through them.

+ Intervene in the Middle East in ways that only you can; protect the innocent and punish the guilty, that all may live in peace.

+ We ask in Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Tuesday 08 Oct 2024: Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 24:1-5; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 ~ On the permanence of marriage.

After Pentecost | Tuesday 08 Oct 2024

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord,
your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection
it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works,
to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“A wife shouldn’t leave her husband….
Likewise, a husband should not divorce his wife.”
(1 Corinthians 7:10-11)

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From Psalms: Psalm 112 // Psalm 112 (4Him ) // Mission of Grace Church

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OT Reading: Deuteronomy 24:1-5 (GW)

Various Laws

24:1 This is what you must do if a husband writes out a certificate of divorce, gives it to his wife, and makes her leave his house. (He divorced her because he found out something indecent about her and she no longer pleased him.) She might marry another man after she leaves his house. If her second husband doesn’t love her and divorces her, or if he dies, her first husband is not allowed to marry her again. She has become unclean. This would be disgusting in the Lord’s presence. Don’t pollute with sin the land that the Lord your God is giving you as your property.

A man who has recently been married will be free from military duty or any other public service. For one year he is free to stay at home and make his new wife happy.

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The Twelfth of Never Johnny Mathis // TheJennyiLove

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NT Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (GW

7:10 I pass this command along (not really I, but the Lord): A wife shouldn’t leave her husband. If she does, she should stay single or make up with her husband. Likewise, a husband should not divorce his wife.

I (not the Lord) say to the rest of you: If any Christian man is married to a woman who is an unbeliever, and she is willing to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any Christian woman is married to a man who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to live with her, she should not divorce her husband. Actually, the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and an unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, their children would be unacceptable ⌞to God⌟, but now they are acceptable to him. But if the unbelieving partners leave, let them go. Under these circumstances a Christian man or Christian woman is not bound ⌞by a marriage vow⌟. God has called you to live in peace. How do you as a wife know whether you will save your husband? How do you as a husband know whether you will save your wife?

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Yet Not I, But Through Christ In MeSelah // Integrity Music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send your blessing upon your married servants that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their homes may be havens of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

+ Do what only you can do to make your faithful people the blessing promised to every family on earth.

+ Protect them from the assaults of the evil one, coming  from every direction and in every form.

+ Grant your heavenly wisdom to Israel’s leadership; give them the courage to do what’s right in your sight.

+ Comfort all those who mourn the loss of loved ones; deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls.

+ Destroy every stronghold and every expression of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.

+ Protect the Israel Defense Forces and every soldier engaged in their mission to root out this evil.

+ Strengthen the Messianic communities; use them to restore your faithful people to their proper place in your kingdom.

+ Unify your faithful people around your promise to Abraham – to bless every family on earth through them.

+ Intervene in the Middle East in ways that only you can; protect the innocent and punish the guilty, that all may live in peace.

+ We ask in Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Monday 07 Oct 2024: Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 22:13-30; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 ~ On the benefits of marriage and celibacy.

After Pentecost | Monday 07 Oct 2024

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord,
your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection
it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works,
to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Each person has a special gift from God,
and these gifts vary from person to person.”
(1 Corinthians 7:7b)

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From Psalms: Psalm 112 // Poor Bishop Hooper

praise the lord
blessed is the man who fears him
and delights in his commandments
his children will be strong
praise the lord
an entire generation
of the upright will be blessed
wealth and riches are in his home

his righteousness endures forever
in the darkness a light shines

praise the lord
good will come to him
who generously lends
he won’t be overcome
praise the lord
he is not afraid
his heart is firmly placed
trusting in the lord

his righteousness endures forever
he is generous merciful and compassionate
his horn is exalted in honor lifted high
in the darkness a light shines

his righteousness endures forever
in the darkness a light shines

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OT Reading: Deuteronomy 22:13-30 (GW)

Laws about Sex and Marriage

22:13 A man might marry a woman, sleep with her, and decide he doesn’t like her. Then he might make up charges against her and ruin her reputation by saying, “I married this woman. But when I slept with her, I found out she wasn’t a virgin.” The girl’s father and mother must go to the city gate where the leaders of the city are and submit the evidence that their daughter was a virgin. The girl’s father will tell the leaders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he doesn’t like her. Now he has made up charges against her. He says he found out that my daughter wasn’t a virgin. But here’s the evidence!” Then the girl’s parents must spread out the cloth in front of the leaders of the city. The leaders of that city must take the man and punish him. They will fine him 2¼ pounds of silver and give it to the girl’s father. The husband ruined the reputation of an Israelite virgin. She will continue to be his wife, and he can never divorce her as long as he lives.

But if the charge is true, and no evidence that the girl was a virgin can be found, they must take the girl to the entrance of her father’s house. The men of her city must stone her to death because she has committed such a godless act in Israel: She had sex before marriage, while she was still living in her father’s house. You must get rid of this evil.

If a man is caught having sexual intercourse with a married woman, both that man and the woman must die. You must get rid of this evil in Israel.

This is what you must do when a man has sexual intercourse with a virgin who is engaged to another man. If this happens in a city, take them to the gate of the city and stone them to death. The girl must die because she was in a city and didn’t scream for help. The man must die because he had sex with another man’s wife. You must get rid of this evil.

But if a man rapes an engaged girl out in the country, then only the man must die. Don’t do anything to the girl. She has not committed a sin for which she deserves to die. This is like the case of someone who attacks and murders another person. The man found the girl out in the country. She may have screamed for help, but no one was there to rescue her.

This is what you must do when a man rapes a virgin who isn’t engaged. When the crime is discovered, the man who had sexual intercourse with her must give the girl’s father 1¼ pounds of silver, and she will become his wife. Since he raped her, he can never divorce her as long as he lives.

A man must never marry his father’s wife because this would disgrace his father.

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I Will Stand With You // Rick Muchow

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NT Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (GW

Advice about Marriage

7:1 Now, concerning the things that you wrote about: It’s good for men not to get married. But in order to avoid sexual sins, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.

Husbands and wives should satisfy each other’s ⌞sexual⌟ needs. A wife doesn’t have authority over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband doesn’t have authority over his own body, but his wife does.

Don’t withhold yourselves from each other unless you agree to do so for a set time to devote yourselves to prayer. Then you should get back together so that Satan doesn’t use your lack of self-control to tempt you. What I have just said is not meant as a command but as a suggestion. I would like everyone to be like me. However, each person has a special gift from God, and these gifts vary from person to person.

I say to those who are not married, especially to widows: It is good for you to stay single like me. However, if you cannot control your desires, you should get married. It is better for you to marry than to burn ⌞with sexual desire⌟.

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Goodness of God / CeCe Winans

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send your blessing upon your married servants that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their homes may be havens of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

+ Do what only you can do to make your faithful people the blessing promised to every family on earth.

+ Protect them from the assaults of the evil one, coming  from every direction and in every form.

+ Grant your heavenly wisdom to Israel’s leadership; give them the courage to do what’s right in your sight.

+ Comfort all those who mourn the loss of loved ones; deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls.

+ Destroy every stronghold and every expression of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.

+ Protect the Israel Defense Forces and every soldier engaged in their mission to root out this evil.

+ Strengthen the Messianic communities; use them to restore your faithful people to their proper place in your kingdom.

+ Unify your faithful people around your promise to Abraham – to bless every family on earth through them.

+ Intervene in the Middle East in ways that only you can; protect the innocent and punish the guilty, that all may live in peace.

+ We ask in Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Sunday 06 Oct 2024: Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16 ~ 1 man + 1 woman = 1 flesh

After Pentecost | Sunday 06 Oct 2024

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

Opening prayer:

Keep, O Lord,
your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection
it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works,
to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“God made them male and female
in the beginning, at creation.”
(Mark 10:6)

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I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Grace Community Church) / Martijn de Groot

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OT Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 (GW)

2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is right for him.”

The Lord God had formed all the wild animals and all the birds out of the ground. Then he brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called each creature became its name. So the man named all the domestic animals, all the birds, and all the wild animals.

But the man found no helper who was right for him. So the Lord God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. While the man was sleeping, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. Then the Lord God formed a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man. He brought her to the man.

The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
She will be named woman
because she was taken from man.”

That is why a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 8 / Majestic (Psalm 8) [Aaron Shust]

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NT Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 (GW)

God Has Spoken to Us Through His Son

1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many different times and in many different ways through the prophets. In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe. His Son is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of God’s being. He holds everything together through his powerful words. After he had cleansed people from their sins, he now holds the honored position—the one next to the majestic God [the Father] on the heavenly throne.

God’s Son Is Superior to the Angels

1:4 The Son has become greater than the angels since he has been given a name that is superior to theirs….

2:5 He didn’t put the world that will come (about which we are talking) under the angels’ control. Instead, someone has declared this somewhere in Scripture:

“What is a mortal that you should remember him,
or the Son of Man  that you take care of him?
You made him a little lower than the angels.
You crowned him with glory and honor.
You put everything under his control.”

When God put everything under his Son’s control, nothing was left out.

However, at the present time we still don’t see everything under his Son’s control. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, but we see him crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death. Through God’s kindness he died on behalf of everyone. God is the one for whom and through whom everything exists. Therefore, while God was bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was the right time to bring Jesus, the source of their salvation, to the end of his work through suffering.

Jesus Became One of Us to Help Us

2:11 Jesus, who makes people holy, and all those who are made holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus isn’t ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says,

“I will tell my people about your name.
I will praise you within the congregation.”

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SovereignChris Tomlin / Ed Neidhardt

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Gospel Reading: Mark 10:2-16 (GW)

10:2 Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, “Can a husband divorce his wife?”

Jesus answered them, “What command did Moses give you?”

They said, “Moses allowed a man to give his wife a written notice to divorce her.”

Jesus said to them, “He wrote this command for you because you’re heartless. But God made them male and female in the beginning, at creation. That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one. So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don’t let anyone separate what God has joined together.”

When they were in a house, the disciples asked him about this. He answered them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman is committing adultery. If a wife divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”

Jesus Blesses Children

10:13 Some people brought little children to Jesus to have him hold them. But the disciples told the people not to do that.

When Jesus saw this, he became irritated. He told them, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me. Children like these are part of God’s kingdom. I can guarantee this truth: Whoever doesn’t receive God’s kingdom as a little child receives it will never enter it.”

Jesus put his arms around the children and blessed them by placing his hands on them.

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Two Becoming One / This Pilgrim’s Journey

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

We speak the Name of Jesus:

+ Over the Church, fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it. Amen.

+ Over the world, kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love. Amen.

+ Over the Holy Land, have mercy on your faithful followers throughout the Middle East; especially those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, and bereavement. Amen.

+ Over Jerusalem, fill it with lasting peace; comfort your faithful followers; and use them to restore your people to their proper place in your Kingdom. Amen.

+ Over those who preach the Gospel, send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved. Amen.

+ Over our Marriages, that we may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that our homes may be havens of blessing and peace. Amen.

+ Over those we love, care for them and love them in this life and the life to come; for you can do far better things than anything we can ask or imagine for them. Amen.

For Answered Prayer:

+ Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of  the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

After Pentecost | Saturday 05 Oct 2024: Psalm 26; Job 7:1-21; Luke 16:14-18 ~ God knows what’s in your heart.

After Pentecost | Saturday 05 Oct 2024

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

Opening:

O merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

So Jesus said to them,
“You try to justify your actions in front of people.
But God knows what’s in your hearts.”
(Luke 16:15)

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From Psalms: Psalm 26 // Caryn Borland

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OT Reading: Job 7:1-21 (GW)

Job Speaks about the Futility of Human Existence

7:1 “Isn’t a mortal’s stay on earth difficult
like a hired hand’s daily ⌞work⌟?
Like a slave, he longs for shade.
Like a hired hand, he eagerly looks for his pay.
Likewise, I have been given months that are of no use,
and I have inherited nights filled with misery.
When I lie down, I ask,
‘When will I get up?’
But the evening is long,
and I’m exhausted from tossing about until dawn.
My body is covered with maggots and scabs.
My skin is crusted over with sores; then they ooze.
My days go swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.
They are spent without hope.
Remember, my life is only a breath,
and never again will my eyes see anything good.
The eye that watches over me will no longer see me.
Your eye will look for me, but I’ll be gone.
As a cloud fades away and disappears,
so a person goes into the grave and doesn’t come back again.
He doesn’t come back home again,
and his household doesn’t recognize him anymore.
So I won’t keep my mouth shut,
but I will speak from the distress that is in my spirit
and complain about the bitterness in my soul.

Job Says to God: Leave Me Alone

7:12 “Am I the sea or a sea monster
that you have set a guard over me?
When I say,
‘My couch may give me comfort.
My bed may help me bear my pain,’
then you frighten me with dreams
and terrify me with visions.
My throat would rather be choked.
My body  would prefer death ⌞to these dreams⌟.
I hate my life; I do not want to live forever.
Leave me alone because my days are so brief.

“What is a mortal that you should make so much of him,
that you should be concerned about him?
⌞What is he⌟ that you should inspect him every morning
and examine him every moment?
Why don’t you stop looking at me
long enough to let me swallow my spit?
If I sin, what can I ⌞possibly⌟ do to you
since you insist on spying on people?
Why do you make me your target?
I’ve become a burden even to myself.
Why don’t you forgive my disobedience
and take away my sin?
Soon I’ll lie down in the dust.
Then you will search for me, but I’ll be gone!”

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“Rescue Story” | Zach Williams

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NT Reading: Luke 16:14-18 (GW

16:14 The Pharisees, who love money, heard all this and were making sarcastic remarks about him. So Jesus said to them, “You try to justify your actions in front of people. But God knows what’s in your hearts. What is important to humans is disgusting to God.

“Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets were ⌞in force⌟ until the time of John. Since that time, people have been telling the Good News about God’s kingdom, and everyone is trying to force their way into it. It is easier for the earth and the heavens to disappear than to drop a comma from the Scriptures.

“Any man who divorces his wife to marry another woman is committing adultery. The man who marries a woman divorced in this way is committing adultery.

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Listen To Our HeartsCasting Crowns | Healing For The Soul

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thomas Aquinas
Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

Sovereign Lord: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

+ Do what only you can do to make your faithful people the blessing promised to every family on earth.

+ Protect them from the assaults of the evil one, coming in every form and from every direction.

+ Grant your heavenly wisdom to Israel’s leadership; give them the courage to do what’s right in your sight.

+ Comfort all those who mourn the loss of loved ones; deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls.

+ Destroy every stronghold and every expression of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East.

+ Protect the Israel Defense Forces and every soldier engaged in their mission to root out this evil.

+ Strengthen the Messianic communities; use them to restore your faithful people to their proper place in your kingdom.

+ Unify your faithful people around your promise to Abraham – to bless every family on earth through them.

+ Intervene in the Middle East in ways that only you can; protect the innocent and punish the guilty, that all may live in peace.

+ We ask in Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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