Tag: Universalis

1st Sunday of Advent: 03 Dec – Mark 13:33-37 – En garde!

1st Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Rend the heavens and come down, O God of all the ages! Rouse us from sleep, deliver us from our heedless ways, and form us into a watchful people, that, at the advent of Your Son, He may find us doing what is right, mindful of all You command.  Grant this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Light of The World” – Lauren Daigle


__________

Reading: Mark 13:33-37 (NLT)

And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
__________

Intercessory Prayer

Lord God of heaven and earth: You sent your only Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to save us from our sins and to shine Your Light in our darkness. Prepare our hearts to commemorate His coming in humility at Christmas, and to welcome His return in glory at the end of the age.

+ Prepare Your Church – to reflect Your Light to the nations that darkness cannot overcome
+ Prepare Your people – to serve as Your faithful witnesses among friends and foes alike
+ Prepare Your families – to love and encourage one another, living daily with eternity in mind
+ Prepare the brokenhearted – to receive new hearts overflowing with Your peace and joy
+ Prepare the sick and disabled – to receive the freedom that comes with Your healing
+ Prepare the poor and neglected – to receive the inheritance that You hold in trust for them
+ Prepare the captives, imprisoned for their faith – to remain faithful until You deliver them
+ Prepare the nations of the earth – to receive with joy the Good News of  Your Son, Jesus Christ
+ Prepare the perpetrators of evil – to receive Your judgement commensurate with their deeds

Lord God of heaven and earth: in this season of advent, keep us alert and remove all encumbrances that would divert us from seeking You with all our heart, mind and strength as we await, with joy-filled expectation, the immanent return of Your Son, Jesus Christ – who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
__________

“Let Your Light Shine In The Darkness” – New Scottish Hymns


__________

Blessing – John 8:12 (NLT)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
__________

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

Christ the King: Sunday, 26 Nov – Matthew 25:31-46 – to the least of these

Christ the King Sunday

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you have conferred upon Christ Jesus sovereignty over every age and nation. Direct us, in the love of Christ, to care for the least of his brothers and sisters, that we may be subject to his dominion and receive the inheritance of your kingdom. 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. Amen.
__________

“Christ the King” – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir


__________

Reading: Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
__________

Intercessory Prayer

Loving God, good shepherd, hear the bleating of the flock under your gracious care –

+ For church leaders, that they may show the loving-kindness of the Good Shepherd…. Lord, hear us.
+ For missionaries, that they may proclaim the Good News in every tribe and nation…. Lord, hear us.
+ For leaders of governments and nations, that they may work for justice and truth…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the strangers among us, especially during the winter, that they may be welcomed and cared for…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those imprisoned for their faith, that we may care for them and their families…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those suffering from debilitating diseases, that they may experience the healing love of Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died in Christ, that they may dwell in the Lord’s house for ever…. Lord, hear us.

Loving God, caring shepherd, you look after your people at every moment of their lives: hear our prayers, offered in trust and faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Samaritan’s Purse Ministry Overview 2017”


__________

Blessing – Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT)

Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
__________

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

24th Sunday after Pentecost: 19 Nov – Matthew 25:14-30 – “Well done!”

24th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, from whose own abundance all gifts and abilities are lavishly bestowed, encourage us to use our resources as generously as You have allotted them, so that, being faithful to Your purpose, we may become sharers in Your glory. 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.
__________

“What the Lord Has Done in Me” – The Acappella Company

Let the weak say, “I am strong” Let the poor say, “I am rich” Let the blind say, “I can see”
It’s what the lord has done in me

Hosanna, hosanna to the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, hosanna Jesus died and rose again

Into the river I will wade, there my sins are washed away
From the heavens mercy streams of the Savior’s love for me

I will rise from waters deep into the saving arms of God
I will sing salvation songs, Jesus Christ has set me free
__________

Reading: Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)

Parable of the Three Servants

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

“The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

“The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

“Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.  To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
__________

Intercessory Prayer

Gracious God, You have given us gifts, abilities, and resources to advance Your Kingdom. Give us a spirit of wisdom and generosity as we attend to the needs of the least among us during this holiday season –

+ For the poor – that we may give as generously as we have received…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the hungry – that we may feed them, body and soul…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the suffering in war zones – that You may protect them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the homeless – that we may remember their vulnerability during the winter…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the needy around us – that we may willingly serve them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those mourning the death of loved ones in Christ – that we may be comforted by the certain hope of our resurrection in eternity…. Lord, hear us.

Gracious God, You bless those who trust You: hear our prayers and bless Your people, we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“”We Give You Thanks”” – All Sons & Daughters


__________

Blessing – Revelation 7:12 (NLT)

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
__________

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

23rd Sunday after Pentecost: 12 Nov – Matthew 25:1-13 ~ keep watch

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Brighten your Church, O God, with the promise of your kingdom and waken our hearts to its light. Bid us hasten with faith undimmed to greet the bridegroom’s return and to enter the wedding feast. 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.
__________

“You’re The One” – Praise and Worship


__________

Reading: Matthew 25:1-13 (NLT)

Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
__________

Intercessory Prayer

Gracious God: Your loving-kindness is better than life itself. Hear our prayers –

  • For all believers – that they may receive the gift of wisdom and live accordingly….
  • For believers preparing for marriage – that they may grow in love, kindness, and grace….
  • For believers imprisoned for their faith – that they may be sustained by Your Spirit….
  • For believers suffering persecution and oppression – that they may be protected by the Heavenly Host….
  • For believers who grieve the loss of a loved ones – that they may experience Your comfort….
  • For all our loved ones who have died in Christ – that their hope in God may be rewarded in eternity….

God of endless love, in the shadow of Your wings we find refuge: hear our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Psalm 62” – Aaron Keyes


__________

Blessing – Revelation 22:20-21 (NLT)

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
__________

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

22nd Sunday after Pentecost: 05 Nov – Matthew 23:1-12 ~ the greatest among you must be a servant

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Sovereign God, we have no father but you, no teacher but Christ. Conform our lives to the faith we profess, preserve us from arrogance and pride, and teach us in Christ the greatness of humility and service. We pray 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.
__________

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – Parkway Worship Ministry


__________

Reading: Matthew 23:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’

“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
__________

Intercessory Prayer

Merciful God God: You restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Hear our prayers as we come before Your throne of grace –

+ For ministers of the Word and Sacraments — that they may practice what they preach….
+ For leaders of church and state — that they may be true servants….
+ For peace in the world — and an end to violence and terror….
+ For all who teach Your word — that they may share their knowledge with humility….
+ For those who mourn the loss of loved ones — that they may be comforted….
+ For those who are sick, in mind or body or spirit — that they may be healed….
+ For those who have died in Christ – that they may receive their just reward in heaven….

God of all goodness, You grant the desires of the humble: hear our prayers and grant them in accordance with Your perfect will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Humble Thyself” – Acappella


__________

Blessing – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NLT)

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all,… so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
__________

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