Tag: Universalis

11th Sunday after Pentecost: 20 Aug – Matthew 15:21-28 ~ healing faith

11th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of the nations, to your table all are invited and in your family no one is a stranger. Satisfy the hunger of those gathered in this house of prayer, and mercifully extend to all the peoples on earth the joy of salvation and faith. 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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“Behold Our God “ – Sovereign Grace Music


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Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 (NLT)

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

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Intercessory Prayer

God of grace and glory: you made us and understand us, and you welcome us into your presence through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Show us your mercy and help us in this our time of need. We pray –

+ That your Church may be a joyful house of prayer for all nations…. Lord, hear us.
+ That your Church may welcome people of all nations who worship, love and serve you…. Lord, hear us.
+ That we may show kindness to people from other countries who live in our midst…. Lord, hear us.
+ That we may work to defeat discrimination and prejudice by treating others as we would like to be treated…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people of every nation, race, color and religion may be united in doing what is right and good in your sight…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are returning to school, both students and teachers, may find joy in learning and faith to guide them…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who suffer, in mind, body or spirit, may experience Christ’s healing power…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died in Christ may come to God’s holy mountain, along with those whose faith is known to God alone…. Lord, hear us.

Gracious God, all the nations find their help in you: teach us to trust in your love as you grant our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“With All I Am” – Hillsong


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Concluding Prayer – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

10th Sunday after Pentecost: 13 Aug – Matthew 14:22-33 ~ Take courage. I am here!

10th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of all power, your sovereign word comes to us in Christ. When your Church is in danger, make firm our trust; when your people falter, steady our faith. Show us in Jesus your power to save, that we may always acclaim him as Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Be still for the presence of the Lord” – The NBA

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Reading: Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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Intercessory Prayer

Lord God: You are our ever-present help in times of trouble; hear us now as we approach your throne of grace –

+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find strength in prayer…. Lord, hear us
+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other may resolve their differences peacefully…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who go to sea may be spared the violence of storms and conflict…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who staff the lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people on vacation may travel safely, by land, in the air or by sea and return home rested and refreshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the members of our worshiping communities may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House…. Lord, hear us.

O God, our help and our refuge, you guide your people according to your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life” – The NBA


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Concluding Prayer – Isaiah 56:1 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says: “Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

9th Sunday after Pentecost: 06 Aug – Matthew 17:1-9 ~ Listen to him.

9th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of glory, it is good for us to be here. Reveal your Son to us now in the message of the prophets and the witness of the apostles, that we may heed his voice and receive him in faith. 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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“You Are Holy “ – Christ For Nations Worship


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Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

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Intercessory Prayer

God of glory: You revealed yourself to us through your Son Jesus, full of grace and truth. It’s in his name we come before you; hear our prayers –

+ For the Church, that it may continue to reveal Jesus Christ to the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who suffer persecution, that the promise of glory may sustain them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in the world, that nuclear war may never again bring death and disaster…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who work for peace, that they may continue despite the difficulties they meet…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer in mind or body, that the healing power of Jesus may bring them comfort…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people on holidays, that they may travel safely and return home refreshed to love and serve you…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who have died as the result of war, that they may enter into the glory of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God, our king, all peoples see your glory: hear our prayers and ground us in your love, mercy, and grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Glory to You” – Aaron Keyes


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Concluding Prayer – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

8th Sunday after Pentecost: 30 July – Matthew 13:44-52 ~ the treasure hunt

8th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of eternal wisdom, you alone impart the gift of right judgement. Grant us an understanding heart, that we may value wisely the treasure of your kingdom and gladly forgo all lesser gifts to possess that kingdom’s incomparable joy. 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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“Be Unto Your Name” – Robin Mark


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Reading: Matthew 13:44-52 (NLT)

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
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Intercessory Prayer

God of wisdom and love: hear us as we pray.

+ That all believers may be inspired to keep going by the treasure that awaits them….
+ That those who have strayed away may re-discover the mercy of God….
+ That young people may answer the call to serve you in ministry and missions….
+ That those who govern nations may be as wise as the great leader Solomon….
+ That all who search for answers to their questions may receive the gift of true wisdom….
+ That those whose life on earth is over may enjoy the unparalleled treasure of their eternal home in heaven….

God of wisdom and love, your will is wonderful indeed: hear our prayers and help us live by your precepts, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“King Of My Heart” – Kutless


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Concluding Prayer – Romans 11:33, 36 (NLT)

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

7th Sunday after Pentecost: 23 July – Matthew 13: 24-43 ~ God will sort it all out

7th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, patient and forbearing, you alone know fully the goodness of what you have made. Strengthen our spirit when we are slow and temper our zeal when we are rash, that in your own good time you may produce in us a rich harvest from the seed you have sown and tended. 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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“Indescribable” – Chris Tomlin


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Reading: Matthew 13: 24-43 (NLT)

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’

“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.

“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Parable of the Yeast

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet:

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.

“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
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Intercessory Prayer

Heavenly Father: Fill us with your Spirit, that we might know how to pray –

+ For all believers who try to live faithfully, that they may have the grace to rise above the evil around them…. Lord, hear us.

+ For an end to war and all forms of conflict, that believers everywhere might live peaceful, quiet lives with dignity…. Lord, hear us.

+ For believers who suffer under oppression and persecution, that they may see justice done, in your time…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those among us who are finding life difficult, that the goodness of believing friends may bring them through…. Lord, hear us.

+ For all who lack the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter, that you may send help their way, through the efforts of believers…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those whose earthly journey is over, especially those who have lost children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters due to famine, violence and war…. Lord, hear us.

God of love and compassion, you do marvelous deeds: attend to our prayers and have mercy on us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Before the throne of God above” – Kingsway Music


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Concluding Prayer – Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!