+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament you have given us the memorial of your passion: grant us so to reverence the sacred mysteries of your body and blood that we may know within ourselves and show forth in our lives the fruits of your redemption; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
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I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked.
So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”
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“Feast of Corpus Christi” – Holy Land Franciscans (Jun 5, 2012)
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Corpus Christi Sunday Intercessory Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ: Thank you for your real presence with us in Word and Sacrament; bless us today that we may be a blessing to others. Lord, hear our prayers –
+ That our faith in your real presence with us may grow stronger through our worship and prayer.
+ That we may regularly receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation in remembrance of your sacrificial love.
+ That those who rarely attend worship may be drawn into the community of faith and experience life to the full.
+ That all who are hungry and destitute may be provided for physically and fed spiritually with the Bread of Life.
+ That all who suffer persecution for their faith and dislocation from war and violence may find comfort, safety and support.
+ That fathers, and all who play a father’s role, may reflect your loving-kindness and be rewarded with godly children.
+ That those who have gone before us in faith, especially our fathers, may be raised up at the last day.
God of infinite generosity, you sent your Son to share our burdens and our hopes, to be our life and strength: hear the prayers we offer in his name, who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen.
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“Behold the Lamb” (Communion Hymn) – Stuart Townend
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Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ: Make us one in you by sharing together your most sacred body and blood, that we may also be eternally united with you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit – one God – for ever and ever. Amen.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentences
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
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Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness and mercy –
+ in my life and in the life of my family – my wife, my children and their families
+ in the life of my church, its leadership, and every member
+ in answered prayer during this Lenten season
Lord Jesus, increase in me the desire to pray and seek your face –
+ show me how to be still in your presence – quiet my heart and mind
+ give me a hunger and passion, an emptiness, that can only be filled by you
+ give me a burden to pray for the things on your heart, and for revival in this land
Holy Spirit, increase in me an awareness of your presence –
+ in the unfolding of springtime and the natural emergence of new life
+ in my home and neighborhood and all the comings and goings around me
+ in the hearts and lives of people I encounter throughout the day
Gracious God, sustain me with your presence in every circumstance, through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Christ Be All Around Me” – All Sons & Daughters
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Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
E100:14.a – The Cross of Christ
The Last Supper – Luke 22:1-46 (ESV)
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Luke 22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
Judas to Betray Jesus
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
The Passover with the Disciples
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
The Last Supper Simon Ushakov, 1685 The Sergiev Posad State History and Art Museum-Preserve, Moscow
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
Who Is the Greatest?
Jesus washes feet Russian Icon
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus
35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
Prayer on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39) Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11 Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, Siena
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
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“Rise, My Soul to Watch and Pray” – Lori Sealy
“Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray” by Johann B. Freystein, 1671-1718
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray, From thy sleep awaken; Be not by the evil day, Unawares o’ertaken. For the Foe, Well we know, Oft his harvest reapeth, While the Christian sleepeth.
Watch against the devil’s snares, Lest asleep he find thee; For indeed no pains he spares, To deceive and blind thee. Satan’s prey, Oft are they, Who secure are sleeping, And no watch are keeping.
Watch and pray. Sin is crouching at the door. Watch and pray, then pray some more.
Rise, My Soul to watch and pray, from thy sleep awaken; be not by the evil day, unawares o’ertaken, for the foe, well we know, oft his harvest reapeth, while the Christian sleepeth.
Watch and pray. Sin is crouching at the door. Watch and pray, then pray some more.
Watch against the devil’s snares, lest asleep he finds thee; for indeed no pain he spares, to deceive and blind thee. Satan’s prey oft are they, who secure are sleeping, and no watch are keeping.
Watch and pray. Sin is crouching at the door. Watch and pray, then pray some more.
Watch! Let not the wicked world, with its power defeat thee. Watch lest with her pomp unfurled, she betray and cheat thee. Watch and see lest there be, faithless friends to charm thee, who but seek to harm thee.
Watch and pray, sin is crouching at the door. Watch and pray, then pray some more. ‘Cause Satan longs to sift you, a sinful heart afflicts you, but Christ is interceding evermore!
Watch against thyself my soul, lest with grace you trifle; let not self thy thoughts control, nor God’s mercy stifle. Pride and sin lurk within, all thy hopes to shatter, heed not when they flatter.
Watch and pray! Watch and pray!
Rise, my soul to watch and pray, to the Lord unceasing. He will free thee, be thy stay, strength and faith increasing. O Lord, bless in distress, and let nothing swerve me, from the will to serve thee.
Watch and pray!
Closing Sentence
I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. – Philippians 1:6
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Since the beginning of time, God has always nourished his people. Today we remember God’s kindness in giving us the Body and Blood of Christ as our spiritual food.
Opening Prayer:
You have blessed all generations, O God most high, in Jesus, our compassionate Savior, for through him you invite us to your kingdom, welcome us to your table, and provide us with nourishment in abundance. Teach us to imitate your unfailing kindness and to build up Christ’s body, the Church, by generously handing on to others the gifts we have received from your bounty. 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. Amen.
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“In Christ, There Is No East Or West” – St Stephen (BBC)
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT)
[Melchizedek the priest praises the creator and blesses Abraham using bread and wine.]
Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God
And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 110:1-4 (NLT)
A psalm of David.
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”
The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies.
When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.
The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
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The Lord Said To My Lord (Psalm 110) – “Psalom”, St. Petersburg, Russia
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT)
[Paul tells the story of what happened at the Last Supper.]
For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 9:11-17 (NLT)
[Luke’s version of the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, where twelve baskets of food were left over from the meal of five loaves and two fish.]
[Jesus] welcomed the crowds and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.
Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”
But Jesus said, “You feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” For there were about 5,000 men there.
Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” So the people all sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!
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Hymn: “Table of Grace” – Phillips, Craig & Dean
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Intercessory Prayer:
Great and powerful God: help us in our time of need.
+ That all those who celebrate the Eucharist may be nourished in faith and practice by the real presence of Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those who are called to minister the Eucharist may show reverence for Christ and kindness to his people…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians all over the world may share willingly with those who are physically and spiritually hungry…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those who provide food and drink for us may be blessed for their good work…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those who are sick and sorrowful may experience God’s healing presence and power…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all those who have died in Christ and eaten the Bread of Life may receive a place at the eternal banquet…. Lord, hear us.
Great and powerful God, you care for your people with loving kindness, hear our prayers offered in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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We are one body – WYD 1993 song
We are one body, one body in Christ; and we do not stand alone. We are one body, one body in Christ; and he came that we might have life.
I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, I am the Final Sacrifice, I am the Way, the Truth, the Life; he who believes in me will have eternal life. I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, I am the Final Sacrifice, I am the Way, the Truth, the Life; he who believes in me will have eternal life.
At the name of Jesus ev’ry knee shall bend; Jesus is the Lord and he will come again. At the name of Jesus ev’ry knee shall bend; Jesus is the Lord and he will come again. When you eat my body and you drink my blood, I will live in you and you will live in my love. When you eat my body and you drink my blood, I will live in you and you will live in my love.
On the rock of Peter, see my Church I build. Come receive my spirit, with my gifts be filled. For you are my body, you’re my hands and feet. Speak my word of life to ev’ryone you meet. I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, I am the Final Sacrifice, I am the Way, the Truth, the Life; he who believes in me will have eternal life.
Benediction:
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. – Ephesians 4:3-6 (NLT)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence and prayer:
Love of You with my whole heart, Lord God, is holiness.
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Increase, then, Your gifts of divine grace in me, so that, as in Your Son’s death, You made me hope for what I believe, You may likewise, in His resurrection, make me come to You, my final end. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT)
For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself.
On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”
In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people — an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.”
For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
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I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you. (John13:34)
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 13:1-15 (NLT)
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
The Washing of the Feet Ghislaine Howard (2004) Oxford Brookes University.
When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
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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
The Peanut Gallery 