Tag: Sunday Reading

Pentecost Sunday, 31 May 2020: Acts 2:1-11, Psalm 104, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, John 20:19-23 ~ Lord, send forth your Spirit!

Pentecost Sunday, 31 May 2020 –

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

Opening:

Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

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“Veni Sancte Spiritus” – Przybądź Duchu Święty !

Come holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth
with your glorious light

You are our only comforter, Peace of the soul.
In the heat you shade us; in our labor you
refresh us, and in trouble you are our strength.

Kindle in our hearts the flame of your love
that in the darkness of the world it my glow and
reach to all forever.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 2:1-11 (NLT)

The Holy Spirit Comes

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
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Psalm 104 – Psalm Project Africa

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NLT)

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-23 (NLT)

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
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Come, Spirit of God · Daniel Kopp · Sarah Liberman

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Prayers of Intercession:

On this day of Pentecost, the Church is filled with joy. Strengthened with measureless hope, we pray to Christ, who is calling his Church together in the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, raised on the cross, you poured out the water of rebirth for the life of the world. Quicken the life of all men with the gift of the Spirit.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

Raised up to God’s right hand, you bestowed on the apostles the Father’s Gift; your Church now waits for the same Gift, the same hope.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

You breathed your Spirit upon the apostles, and gave them the power of forgiveness: set all men free today from the prison of sin.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

You promised to send us the Spirit of truth, that we might become your heralds throughout the world. Through his presence in the Church may we bear faithful witness to you.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

Lord God, you sanctify your Church in every race and nation by the mystery we celebrate on this day. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit on all mankind, and fulfill now in the hearts of your faithful what you accomplished when the Gospel was first preached on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Hymn Of The Holy Spirit – Pat Barrett

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Closing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Sunday after Ascension, 24 May 2020 – John 17:1-11, Psalm 27, 1 Peter 4:13-16 ~ protect and unite us by the power of your name.

The Sunday after Ascension, 24 May 2020, 24 May 2020 

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

Opening:

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

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“Jesus Shall Reign” – Tarkwa Crusaders Choral -Ghana.

1 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 To him shall endless prayer be made, and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise with every morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim their early blessings on his name.

4 Blessings abound where’er he reigns: the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest, and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let every creature rise and bring the highest honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 17:1-11 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.
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Psalm 27 (One Thing) – Shane & Shane

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Prayers of Intercession:

Lord God: My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Hear us as we pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer us!

+ You are our light and our salvation, guide us through the dark valleys of these days….
+ You are our light and our salvation, teach us how to live under the shadow of death….
+ You are our light and our salvation, show us how to lift our heads high and sing your praises….

+ You are our fortress, keep us on a high rock out of danger’s reach and deliver us from fear….
+ You are our fortress, fill us with faith and confidence even though we are surrounded by enemies….
+ You are our fortress, defend us, cause our enemies to stumble and fall when they attack us….

+ You are our sanctuary, hold us close to you, that we may delight in you….
+ You are our sanctuary, hold us close to you, that we may live with you forever….
+ You are our sanctuary, hold us close to you, that we may stay focused on you….

+ You are our helper, don’t leave us or reject us in these times of trouble….
+ You are our helper, heal the sick and those dying from this world-wide plague…
+ You are our helper, be ever-present with those who are isolated and alone….

Lord God: I am confident I will see your goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
Hear us as we pray, O Lord. Give us strength, courage, and patience as we wait for you.
Through Jesus Christ, your Son our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 4:13-16 (NLT)

Be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

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Rooftops – Jesus Culture

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Closing: John 14:1 (NLT)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, 17 May 2020 – John 14:15-21, Psalm 66, 1 Peter 3:15-18 ~ The Holy Spirit will never leave you.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, 17 May 2020 

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

Opening:

Faithful God, who loves us in Christ Jesus, send your Spirit of truth to dwell within us, that we may always reject what is false, live by the commands of Christ, and be true to the love you have shown us. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

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Love divine all loves excelling – Keswick Praise

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:15-21 (NLT)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
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Come Holy Spirit, Come (Bo, Ruach Elohim) – Beth Sar Shalom Worship Band

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Prayers of Intercession:

Our Father in heaven: How awesome are your works! Hear the prayers of all who cry out to you for help. We pray especially –

+ for church leaders around the world, that they may be guided by your Spirit of truth through these difficult times….
+ for governmental leaders around the world, that they may reflect your wisdom and loving-kindness in their decision-making….
+ for believers around the world, that we may face our fears with faith and confidence, knowing that you are the true ruler of the nations….
+ for the sick and elderly  in hospitals and nursing homes, that they may receive hope, help, and healing through your ever-present Spirit….
+ for those who attend the sick and support the afflicted, that they may be protected and strengthened in their ministries of mercy….
+ for those who lost jobs and are suffering great financial hardship, that their places of business may be opened safely and soon….
+ for those who are troubled and despairing, that you may lead them through “fire and flood” to a place of restoration and peace….

Our Father in heaven: You are the God of love and compassion; our lives are in your hands. Show us your miracle-working power, that we may declare your glory and tell the whole world what you have done for us. Through Jesus Christ, your Son our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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Psalm 66 (You Are Great) – Robbie Seay Band

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 3:15-18 (NLT)

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
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And we shall rise! – Beth Sar Shalom

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Closing: John 14:23 (NLT)

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 10 May 2020 – John 14:1-12, Psalm 33, 1 Peter 2:4-9 ~ “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 10 May 2020 

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

Opening:

We have beheld your glory, O God, in the face of Christ Jesus, your Son.
Enliven our faith, that through Christ we may put our trust in you.
Deepen our faith, that in Christ we may serve you.
Complete our faith, that one day we may live with you
in that place which Christ prepares for us,
where he lives with you now and always
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen
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Come Ye Disconsolate – Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway

Come, ye disconsolate, wherever ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.”

I said, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus, the Way to the Father

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
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Psalm 33 (Rejoice In The LORD O You Righteous) – Karl Kohlhase

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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Our hope is in you, Lord, hear our prayers –

+ for those whose hearts are troubled, that they may find their comfort in you….
+ for believers everywhere, that we may grow in our trust and awareness of your presence with us….
+ for those suffering the effects of this pandemic, that they may experience your calming closeness….
+ for those who are caring for the sick, that they may be protected from danger….

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Our hope is in you, Lord, hear our prayers –

+ for joy-filled hearts that express your goodness and unfailing love….
+ for unwavering trust in the truth of your word, and your justice in all you do….
+ for awe at the wonder of your creation, spoken into being by your powerful word….
+ for confidence in your sovereignty, frustrating nations that reject you and blessing nations that revere you….

Heavenly Father: You watch over those who fear you, those who rely on your unfailing love. Help us to shine your light in the darkness, that all may see your goodness through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 2:4-9 (NLT)

Living Stones for God’s House

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. A s the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”

“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
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We Will Feast in the House of Zion – Sandra McCracken

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Closing: John 14:2-3 (NLT)

“I am going to prepare a place for you.
When everything is ready, I will come and get you,
so that you will always be with me where I am.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 03 May 2020 – John 10:1-10, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:20-25, ~ Jesus: the Guardian of our souls.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 03 May 2020 

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

Opening:

O God, you never cease to call even those far away,
for it is your will that all be drawn into one fold.

Attune our ears to the voice of the Good Shepherd,
who leads us always to you, that we may find under your tender protection
life in all its fullness.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever (and ever.
Amen.

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Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – (Nathan and Christy Nockels and band)

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:1-10 (NLT)

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
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Psalm 23 (Surely goodness surely mercy) – Shane & Shane

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Prayers of Intercession:

Good Shepherd, Guardian of our souls: you are our provider and protector.
Lord, walk ahead of us, and help us to recognize your voice above all others.
Speak to each one of us by name, that we may be assured of your presence with us –

+ and always feel safe under your watchful protection ….

+ and always feel satisfied with your continual provision….

+ and find true rest and refreshment, the restoration of our souls….

+  and recognize your daily blessing , goodness and peace….

+ and stay close to you, following in your footsteps as you go before us….

+ and live by faith over fear even in this uncertain time of suffering and disease….

+ and live with strength and courage even in the face of death and destruction….

+ and receive the anointing of your Spirit when we are besieged by our enemies….

Good Shepherd, Guardian of our souls: enable us to live out our days with your strength and blessing –
assured that we will live with you forever, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Peter 2:20-25 (NLT)

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

  • He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
  • He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
  • He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
  • He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
  • By his wounds you are healed.

Once you were like sheep who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
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Guardian Of My Soul – The Salvation Army Church in Oshawa, CA

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Closing: John 10:10 (NLT)

Jesus: “My purpose is to give [you] a rich and satisfying life.”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen