8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

The Lord gathers me in to His loving embrace, the Lord who invites me not to worry about tomorrow. Setting my heart on His kingdom, I entrust all my tomorrows to Him and ask Him to help me live for this, His day.
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Lord God, Your care for me surpasses even a mother’s tender love. Renew my trust in Your provident care, that I may abandon all anxiety and seek first Your kingdom. I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 49:14-15 (NLT)

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 (NLT)

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man — all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NLT)

So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time — before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 6:24-34 (NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Intercessions:

Mighty God – my rock, my stronghold – hear the cries of my heart for the needs of Your people:

+ For all who believe, that we may experience Your tender love…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are anxious and fearful, that we may find rest and peace in Your gracious care…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christian leaders, that they may teach the world who You are – Father, Son and Spirit…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For mothers, that they may always be well supported in their task of raising the next generation…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For respect for women, that all cultures may respect women’s rights and dignity…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For fathers, that we may always provide godly love and support for our wives and families…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are suffering hardship, persecution and even death because of their Chrisitan faith…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who are embroiled in violence, wars and rumors of wars – especially in Syria, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine – that Your church may bring light and life, hope and help, to those living in the shadow of death…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who rejoice at the birth of children, and those who mourn at the death of loved one’s, that they may know that their lives are in Your gracious and merciful hands…. Lord, hear my prayer.

Mighty God, my fortress and my strength, hear my prayers on behalf of Your people and help us grow in trust of You. Through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “Holy God, we praise your name” – Ignace Franz

Holy God, we praise your name; Lord of all, we bow before you. Saints on earth your rule acclaim; all in heaven above adore you. Infinite your vast domain; everlasting is your reign.

Hark, the glad celestial hymn / angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord: “Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded: Keep us without sin today, Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

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