Tag: Universalis

The 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 28 Jan – Mark 1:21-28 ~ the Kingdom authority of Jesus

The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer

Faithful God, your Holy One, Jesus of Nazareth, spoke the truth with authority, and you confirmed his teaching by wondrous deeds. Through his healing presence, drive far from us all that is unholy, so that by word and deed we may proclaim him Messiah and Lord and bear witness to your power to heal and save. 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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“Majesty” – Covenant Christian High School (Grand Rapids, MI)

Majesty | Worship His majesty | Unto Jesus be all glory | Honor and praise
Majesty | Kingdom authority | Flow from His throne | Unto His own | His anthem raise

So exalt, lift up on high | The name of Jesus | Magnify, come glorify | Christ Jesus the King | Majesty | Worship His majesty | Jesus who died, now glorified | King of all kings
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Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28 (NLT)

Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.

Prayers of Intercession:

Abba Father: You have adopted us into your family of faith and made us heirs of your eternal Kingdom. Speak Kingdom words of hope, help, and healing into the lives of your children around the world, especially –

+ For all who lead in Christ’s name, that their words and actions may demonstrate your Kingdom presence….
+ For all who prophesy in Christ’s name, that they may proclaim your Kingdom message of grace and truth….
+ For all who teach in Christ’s name, that they may help us discover your Kingdom presence here among us….
+ For all who teach children in Christ’s name, that they may teach your Kingdom truths with love and grace….
+ For all who suffer persecution for their faith in Christ, that they may be filled with your Kingdom power….
+ For all believers in Christ who are sick in body, mind, or spirit, that they may experience your Kingdom healing….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may live in your Kingdom in heaven forever….

Abba Father: You gently lead your children by your hand; hear our prayers and graciously answer them, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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“In Christ Alone” – Covenant Christian High School (Grand Rapids, MI)

In Christ alone my hope is found | He is my light, my strength, my song | This Cornerstone, this solid ground | Firm through the fiercest drought and storm | What heights of love, what depths of peace | When fears are stilled, when strivings cease | My Comforter, my All in All | Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh | Fullness of God in helpless babe | This gift of love and righteousness | Scorned by the ones He came to save | ‘Til on that cross as Jesus died | The wrath of God was satisfied | For every sin on Him was laid | Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay | Light of the world by darkness slain | Then bursting forth in glorious Day | Up from the grave He rose again | And as He stands in victory | Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me | For I am His and He is mine | Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death | This is the power of Christ in me | From life’s first cry to final breath | Jesus commands my destiny | No power of hell, no scheme of man | Can ever pluck me from His hand | Till He returns or calls me home | Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
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Blessing – Jude 24-25

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 21 Jan – Mark 1:14-20 ~ Good News! Repent and believe!

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer

Your sovereign rule, O God, draws near to us in the person of Jesus your Son. Your word summons us to faith, your power transforms our lives. Free us to follow in Christ’s footsteps, so that neither human loyalty nor earthly attachment may hold us back from answering your call. 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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“Behold Our God” – Sovereign Grace


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Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (NLT)

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.

Prayers of Intercession:

Sovereign God: We come before you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Attend to the needs of your people –

+ That all who follow Christ may have the enthusiasm of the early disciples…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who bring the Good News of the Kingdom of God may be welcomed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who hear the Good News of the Kingdom of God may repent and believe…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are suffering persecution for following Christ may be protected…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are suffering dislocation for following Christ may be cared for…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who are sick in body, mind, and spirit may be healed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have died in Christ may enter into his eternal presence…. Lord, hear us.

Merciful God: Remember the love you have shown from of old. Hear our prayers, and grant them according to your perfect will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Kingdom Come” – by Covenant Worship


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Blessing –

“How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news.” (Romans 10:14-15)

“And they left their nets at once and followed him.” (Mark 1:18)

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

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 14 Jan – John 1:35-42 ~ “Look! There is the Lamb of God!”

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise God, with thanksgiving.

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

Opening Prayer

From our earliest days, O God, you call us by name. Make our ears attentive to your voice, our spirits eager to respond, that, having heard you in Jesus your anointed one, we may draw others to be his disciples. 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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“He Knows My Name” – Tommy Walker


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Gospel Reading: John 1:35-42 (NLT)

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.

They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).

Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).

Prayers of Intercession:

Gracious God: Attend to the cries of your people. Have mercy on us and hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders around the world, that their lives might reflect the loving-kindness of Christ….
+ For believers around the world, that we may answer the call to follow Christ every day….
+ For believing minorities in Asia, that they may be able to practice their faith in freedom….
+ For persecuted believers, that people of good will may stand up for them and protect them….
+ For the displaced and dispossessed, that they may receive compassion and support….
+ For our friends and neighbors who are sick or suffering, that they may receive healing….
+ For those who have died in Christ, that they may be raised to eternal life in Christ….

Sovereign God: Attend to the cries of your people, and answer our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Follow Me” – Casting Crowns


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Blessing –

We have found the Messiah, and he is full of unfailing love and faithfulness. We have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

The Epiphany of the Lord: 07 Jan – Matthew 2:1-12 ~ they bowed down and worshiped him

The Epiphany of the Lord

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

Opening Prayer

God of mystery, on this day You revealed Your only Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. We know You now by faith; lead us into that presence where we shall behold Your glory face to face. 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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“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” – Men’s Voice & Choral Society – Kuwait


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Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Prayers of Intercession:

God of Grace and Glory: Receive the worship of Your people from every tribe and nation. Attend to the needs of Your people who cry out for help in this evil and wicked age. We pray today –

+ For people of every tribe and nation, that they may believe the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers in the Middle East who are suffering persecution, that the light of Christ will lead them to safety…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Orthodox believers celebrating Christmas tomorrow, that they may rejoice in Emmanuel, God with us….. Lord, hear us.
+ For the Jewish people, that they may receive their promised salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people of all faiths and of none, that in this New Year they may grow in kindness, mercy, and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people among us who are sick or in sorrow, that our support may remind them of God’s care…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people among us who are cold and hungry, that we may provide warmth and sustenance…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and relatives who have died in Christ, that eternal salvation may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.

Sovereign God, You rule the earth with justice: help us according to our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“An Arabic Christmas Carol” – Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity

A voice from the unheard voices of the Christians of the Middle East who have been witnessing to faith in the Savior since His incarnation in their midst.
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Blessing

May God who called you from darkness into His marvelous light shower you with His blessings and strengthen you in faith, hope, and love.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

First Sunday of Christmas: 31 Dec – Luke 2:22-40 ~ “I have seen your salvation!”

First Sunday of Christmas

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

Opening Prayer

O God, You cradle us at the beginning of life and embrace us at our journey’s end, for You love us as Your own. Bind our families together and deepen our faith, that, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, we may grow in wisdom, obedient to Your word. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Joy to the world” – Soundiva Classical Choir


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Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Prayers of Intercession:

Lord God: You have loved us and chosen us to be members of Your extended family. Hear our prayers as we anticipate the beginning of a new year –

+ For all Your families around the world, that we may learn to say “please”, “thank you” and “I’m sorry” to each other…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all Your families in great difficulty, that we may receive the help and hope (the support) we need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all Your grandparents that, like Simeon and Anna in the Temple, our hope in You may be fulfilled…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the members of our families, that You may keep us safe, healthy, and strong in 2018…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the members of our families who have died, especially those who died in 2017, that they may see Your face…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God: You remember Your covenant forever. Hear the prayers of all those who seek Your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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“”Simeon’s Song”” – Tommy Walker


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Blessing

Live as children of God, blameless and innocent, in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation – that you may shine as lights in the world, always holding fast to the Word of Life.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!