Tag: Universalis

16th Sunday after Pentecost: 24 Sep – Matthew 20:1-16 ~ last now / first then

16th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others, even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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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“Sing to the King” – AGCChurch


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Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 (NLT)

Parable of the Vineyard Workers

“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.

“At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing.

“At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’

“They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’

“The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’

“That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’

“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’

“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”
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Intercessory Prayer

Sovereign Lord: You are close to all who call on you, to all who seek your mercy and grace. Hear us now, as we pray –

+ For every follower of Jesus, that we may appreciate your goodness and generosity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For every tribe and nation on earth, that our leaders may deal with each other peacefully…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our communities, that we may be as generous to others as you are with us…. Lord, hear us.
+ For workers and those who employ others, that the rights of all may be respected…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who cannot find work, that their needs may not be forgotten…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all of our family members, that we may deal with each other with patience and forbearance…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who gone before us in faith, that the Lord’s generosity may assure us of their place in the kingdom…. Lord, hear us.

God of kindness and compassion: You are close to all who call upon you; hear our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“May The Presence of the Lord Go With You” – Praise And Harmony Singers


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 107:1-2 (NLT)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

15th Sunday after Pentecost: 17 Sep – Matthew 18:21-35 ~ forgive one another

15th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Undaunted you seek the lost, O God, exultant you bring home the found. Touch our hearts with grateful wonder at the tenderness of your forbearing love. Grant us delight in the mercy that has found us and bring all to rejoice at the feast of forgiveness. 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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“Psalm 103 Reading” – Hillsong


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Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
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Intercessory Prayer

Heavenly Father: You are compassionate, full of loving-kindness; hear us as we approach Your throne of grace in prayer –

+ For forgiveness among believers, that we may treat each other as You treat us…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an end to vengeance and hatred, that all people may learn to live together in peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For men, women and children who have been dispossessed by war and violence, that they may find rest…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer because of natural disasters, that they receive help and hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who respond to the needy, that they may be filled with compassion and guided by Your Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who mourn the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose have died in Christ, that they may rest in His eternal redemption…. Lord, hear us.

God of mercy and compassion: You heal every one of our ills: help us, we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Crowder


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 106:4-5 (NLT)

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

14th Sunday after Pentecost: 10 Sep – Matthew 18:15-20 ~ I am there

14th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Confirm, O God, in unity and truth the church you gather in Christ. Encourage the fervent, enlighten the doubtful, and bring back the wayward. Bind us together in mutual love, that our prayer in Christ’s name may be pleasing to you. Grant 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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“Psalm 105” – Salvo Studios


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Reading: Matthew 18:15-20 (NLT)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
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Intercessory Prayer

 

God of grace and glory, receive our prayers in these troubled times –

+ That leaders of nations may seek the path of peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the world may be spared from the horrors of nuclear war…. Lord, hear us
+ That people suffering because of hurricanes and flooding may get the help they need…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all believers may courageously help each other to live what we believe…. Lord, hear us.
+ That prophets may never be afraid to speak the truth, kindly and in love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who live close to us may receive love and understanding from us…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who have gone before us in faith may be included among the saints in glory…. Lord, hear us.

O God our creator, you are the rock who saves us: hear the cries of your people and help us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Eye of the Storm” – Ryan Stevenson


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Concluding Prayer – Philippians 4:19 (CEV)

I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

13th Sunday after Pentecost: 03 Sep – Matthew 16:21-27 ~ give up, take up, and follow

13th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, whose word burns like a fire within us, grant us a bold and faithful spirit, that in your strength we may be unafraid to speak your word and follow where you lead. 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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“Let It Rise” – Praise & Harmony Singers


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Reading: Matthew 16:21-27 (NLT)

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.
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Intercessory Prayer

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we pray to our God, who has always been our help.

+ For Christians who suffer persecution for their faith — that they may hold firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who endure criticism for doing the right thing — that they may have the courage to persevere…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the grace to support our fellow pilgrims in their hardships — that we may become more aware of each other’s needs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people suffering because of severe flooding along the Gulf Coast — that your people may come to their aid…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who struggle with illness, of mind or body — that their way of the cross may bring them to glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For church leaders taking on new responsibilites this year — that you may sustain them when they feel lonely or downhearted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died in Christ – that they may also share his victory and resurrection to eternal life…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord our God, your love is better than life: come to our help, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Take Up Your Cross” – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 104:33-35 (NLT)

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the Lord.

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

12th Sunday after Pentecost: 27 Aug – Matthew 16:13-20 ~ I’m asking you…

12th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Living God, you sent your Son among us to reveal your wisdom and make known your ways. Increase our faith, that we may confess Jesus as your Son, take up his work on earth, and trust his promise to sustain his Church. 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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“King Of My Heart” – Kutless


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Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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Intercessory Prayer

God of Love, we come boldly before your throne of grace, to receive mercy and help, trusting in your loving-kindness. Lord, hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders around the world, that they may preach your word with wisdom and faith….
+ For all in positions of authority, in church and state, that they may serve with humility and gentleness….
+ For those who have suffered through the abuse of power, that healing and new strength may be theirs….
+ For people who are traveling, that they be safe and return home refreshed….
+ For all who return to school in the coming days, teachers and students alike, that you may be close to them….
+ For our own needs and for those who have asked for our prayers….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may join their godly predecessors in the Father’s house….

God of love, you never discard the work of your hands: hear our prayers we offer, trusting you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“In Christ Alone” – The Big Sing


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Concluding Prayer – Romans 8:38-39

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!