1st Sunday of Advent: 03 Dec – Mark 13:33-37 – En garde!

1st Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Rend the heavens and come down, O God of all the ages! Rouse us from sleep, deliver us from our heedless ways, and form us into a watchful people, that, at the advent of Your Son, He may find us doing what is right, mindful of all You command. Grant this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Light of The World” – Lauren Daigle

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Reading: Mark 13:33-37 (NLT)

And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
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Intercessory Prayer

Lord God of heaven and earth: You sent your only Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to save us from our sins and to shine Your Light in our darkness. Prepare our hearts to commemorate His coming in humility at Christmas, and to welcome His return in glory at the end of the age.

+ Prepare Your Church – to reflect Your Light to the nations that darkness cannot overcome
+ Prepare Your people – to serve as Your faithful witnesses among friends and foes alike
+ Prepare Your families – to love and encourage one another, living daily with eternity in mind
+ Prepare the brokenhearted – to receive new hearts overflowing with Your peace and joy
+ Prepare the sick and disabled – to receive the freedom that comes with Your healing
+ Prepare the poor and neglected – to receive the inheritance that You hold in trust for them
+ Prepare the captives, imprisoned for their faith – to remain faithful until You deliver them
+ Prepare the nations of the earth – to receive with joy the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ
+ Prepare the perpetrators of evil – to receive Your judgement commensurate with their deeds

Lord God of heaven and earth: in this season of advent, keep us alert and remove all encumbrances that would divert us from seeking You with all our heart, mind and strength as we await, with joy-filled expectation, the immanent return of Your Son, Jesus Christ – who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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“Let Your Light Shine In The Darkness” – New Scottish Hymns

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Blessing – John 8:12 (NLT)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 25 Apr – 1 Peter 5:5-14; Mark 16:15-20 ~ humble yourself; stay alert; stand firm

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Strengthen your people in faith and love.
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Almighty God, You chose apostles and ennobled them with grace to preach the gospel. Let their teaching so improve our lives that we may walk faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Peter 5:5-14 (NLT)

All of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
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We proclaim Christ crucified; he is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 16:15-20 (NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, 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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

1st Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 ~ blameless at Christ’s return

1st Sunday in Advent

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

Opening prayer:

AdventWreath

Advent begins today. During the first part of the season, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7 (NLT)

Surely you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, Lord, you would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past. Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path? Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you? Return and help us, for we are your servants, the tribes that are your special possession.
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Sometimes it seems as though we never belonged to you, as though we had never been known as your people.
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As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!

When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! You welcome those who gladly do good, who follow godly ways.

But you have been very angry with us, for we are not godly. We are constant sinners; how can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (NLT)

Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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Take care of this grapevine that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself. For we are chopped up and burned by our enemies.
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Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (NLT)

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way — with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:33-37 (NLT)

And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return — in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
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Intercessions:

O God, our ever-present help, come to us now in this our time of trouble. Lord, hear our prayers:

+ For believers everywhere who wait for the Lord’s coming – that this Advent may help us prepare…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the people who look forward to the celebration of Christmas – that Christ’s heart and mind may find a place to dwell in our lives…. Lord, hear us
+ For the nations where there is no peace, especially Israel, Palentine and the Middle East – that war may soon become a distant memory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people suffering because of sickness and disease – that they may experience healing and support from the people of God…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are infirmed in mind or body – that they may know Christ’s healing power…. Lord, hear us
+ For people trying to rebuild their lives after any betrayal of trust – that they may feel the tender love of Christ, on whom they can rely…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ – that God’s light may shine on them and on all who grieve their loss…. Lord, hear us.

God of hosts, Your hand protects Your chosen people: listen to our prayers, we ask You, through Christ our Lord. Amen
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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Pro 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psa 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; 1 Thes 5:1-6; Mat 25:14-15, 19-21 ~ a faithful servant’s reward

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

Bountiful God, from whose own abundance all gifts and skills are lavishly bestowed, encourage us to use our talents as generously as You have allotted them, so that, being faithful to Your purpose, we may become sharers in Your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell. Come ye before him and rejoice.

O enter then his gates with praise; approach with joy his courts unto; praise, laud, and bless his name always, for it is seemly so to do.

Because the Lord our God is good; his mercy is forever sure; his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (NLT)

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Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
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Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (NLT)

How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
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Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
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That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NLT)

Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 25:14-15, 19-21 (NLT)

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
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“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
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Intercessions:

Brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord, who blesses those who trust in Him:

+ For every member of a Christian community — that we may use our talents well, putting them at the service of all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an increase in volunteer servants — that good works offered in Your name may not lack for help…. Lord, hear us.
+ For wives and husbands — that they may value each other’s gifts, and be generous to the needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families, and those who love and care for them – that their hard work and virtue may be rewarded…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners and their families, particularly those who have been incarcerated because of their faith — that they may trust in God, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us
+ For victims of crime and violence — that they may see justice done and find healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who are sick, in mind, body or spirit — that our prayers and practical concern may support them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have recently died, particularly those who have died tragically – that those who grieve may be consoled…. Lord, hear us.

Eternal God, You bless those who trust in You: hear our prayers we offer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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

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