Tag: USCCB Daily Readings

Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 12 Jun 2020 – 2 Timothy 3:1-17, Psalm 112 ~ Remain faithful to the things you know are true!

Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 12 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: 2 Timothy 3:1-17 (NLT)

The Dangers of the Last Days

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
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Morning Prayer:

Almighty God: we offer you our worship and praise. Thank you for sending us your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver us from sin and death. In these difficult times pour out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. We pray especially –

+ that you would protect us from those who are lawless and abusive, hateful and hostile to you and your people….

+ that you would protect the gullible among us from liars and deceivers, sinful, greedy people who oppose the truth….

+ that you would protect the godly among us from evil people attempting to gain advantage from the chaos….

+ that your Spirit would remind us of the truths of your Word we have learned and believed since childhood….

+ that you would raise up wise people of faith and goodwill to call our nation to repentance and revival….

+ that we would trust the truths of Scripture to show us what’s wrong, correct our faults, and teach us how to live….

Almighty God: we offer you our worship and praise. Empower us to live for you during these difficult times Pour out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth, we pray in Jesus’ name – who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Psalm 112 (TLB)

Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.

His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful— and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.

Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor.

Evil-minded men will be infuriated when they see all this; they will gnash their teeth in anger and slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.
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Psalm 111-112 – MIQEDEM

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Closing

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.

Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 11 Jun 2020 – 2 Timothy 1-2, Psalm 111 ~ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval.

Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 11 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—
a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: 2 Timothy 1-2 (NLT)

Greetings from Paul

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

Encouragement to Be Faithful

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

An Approved Worker

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
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Morning Prayer:

Praise to you, Lord God – for you have done wonderful things, more than anyone could ask for.

We pray especially today for those you have called to tell people about the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.

+ that they may remember the truths that they learned from godly family members and friends….

+ that they may grow in faith, understanding and the gifts God has given them….

+ that the Holy Spirit may overcome fear with faith, power. love, and self-control….

+ that they may be confident of Jesus’ protection and care, until the Day of his return…..

+ that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they may model Christ’s teaching with faith and love….

+ that they may teach others who are trustworthy the same truths they have received….

+ that they may endure hardship and trouble to help others receive the salvation that is in Christ….

+ that they will work hard to live faithfully and apply Christ’s teaching in the right way….

Praise to you, Lord God- everything you do is good and fair; all your commands can be trusted.

You have rescued us from sin and death, we praise you with our whole heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Psalm 111 (TLB)

Hallelujah! I want to express publicly before his people my heartfelt thanks to God for his mighty miracles.
All who are thankful should ponder them with me.

  • For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness.
  • Who can forget the wonders he performs—deeds of mercy and of grace?
  • He gives food to those who trust him; he never forgets his promises.
  • He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the land of Israel, though it was the home of many nations living there.
  • All he does is just and good, and all his laws are right, for they are formed from truth and goodness and stand firm forever.
  • He has paid a full ransom for his people; now they are always free to come to Jehovah (what a holy, awe-inspiring name that is).
  • How can men be wise? The only way to begin is by reverence for God.
  • For growth in wisdom comes from obeying his laws.

Praise his name forever.
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Psalm 111 – Nathan Clark George

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Closing:2 Timothy 2:11-13

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

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

Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 10 Jun 2020 – Titus 3:1-15, Psalm 109 ~ devote yourself to doing good

Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 10 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us,
not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins,
giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: Titus 3:1-15 (NLT)

Do What Is Good

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

Paul’s Final Remarks and Greetings

I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us.

May God’s grace be with you all.
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Morning Prayer:

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, for he promised to be with his Church until the end of time.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

In all things we are victorious through your love; take us into your care today.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Let the love of your Holy Spirit be in our hearts: so that we may consecrate this day to you.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Help all Christians to answer your call: may they be salt to the earth and light to the world.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

We pray for all those in industry: may they work in harmony for justice and for the good of the whole community.
– Stay with us, Lord Jesus.

Shed your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of your commandments we may never be deceived or misled.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Psalm 109:1-5, 26-31 (TLB)

  • O God of my praise, don’t stand silent and aloof while the wicked slander me and tell their lies. They have no reason to hate and fight me, yet they do!
  • I love them, but even while I am praying for them, they are trying to destroy me. They return evil for good, and hatred for love.
  • Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because you are loving and kind. Do it publicly, so all will see that you yourself have done it.
  • Then let them curse me if they like—I won’t mind that if you are blessing me! For then all their efforts to destroy me will fail, and I shall go right on rejoicing!
  • Make them fail in everything they do. Clothe them with disgrace.
  • But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the poor and hungry to save them from their enemies.

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You Make Me Brave – Bethel Music

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Closing:Titus 3:4

Jesus Christ gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

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

Tuesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 09 Jun 2020 – Titus 2:1-15, Psalm 108 ~ promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching

Tuesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 09 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

“Live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God”

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: Titus 2:1-15 (NLT)

Promote Right Teaching

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
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Morning Prayer:

Merciful and gracious Father: You have revealed your salvation to all people. May our lives bring you honor, and attract others to the truth of your Word.

Lord Jesus, by your rising to new life you have freed us from fear….

– Lord, lead us to the truth.

Lord Jesus, as this day begins we remember that you are risen, and therefore we look to the future with confidence….

– Lord, lead us to the truth.

We offer you our prayers this morning, take to yourself our cares, our hopes, and our needs….

– Lord, lead us to the truth.

Deepen in us our love for you today, so that in all things we may find our good, and the good of others….

– Lord, lead us to the truth.

Lord Jesus, we pray that through our own troubles, we may learn to feel the sufferings of others; help us to show them your compassion….

– Lord, lead us to the truth.

True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as you enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Psalm 108:1-6 (TLB)

O God, my heart is ready to praise you! I will sing and rejoice before you. Wake up, O harp and lyre! We will meet the dawn with song. I will praise you everywhere around the world, in every nation. For your loving-kindness is great beyond measure, high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches the skies. Your glory is far more vast than the heavens. It towers above the earth. Hear the cries of your beloved children — come with mighty power and rescue us.
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50 Countries Affected By COVID-19 Represented in One Song

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Closing:Titus 1:4

Jesus Christ gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

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

Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 08 Jun 2020 – Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 108 ~ managers of God’s household must live blameless lives

Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, 08 Jun 2020

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

Opening:

Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit. Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

…Teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life….”

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A Reading from the Pastoral Epistles: Titus 1:1-16 (NLT)

Greetings from Paul

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.

I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

Titus’s Work in Crete

I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.” This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
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Morning Prayer:

Jesus Christ has given us all a share in his priesthood.
We offer our prayers and ourselves in union with him.
– Lord, accept our love and service.

Jesus Christ, you are the eternal priest:
make this morning’s offering acceptable to the Father.
– Lord, accept our love and service.

Lord, you are love itself:
grant that we may love you.
– Lord, accept our love and service.

Give us today the fruits of the Holy Spirit:
make us patient, kind and gentle.
– Lord, accept our love and service.

Give us the discernment to know the needs of our neighbors,
and give us the courage to love them as brothers.
– Lord, accept our love and service.

Almighty Lord and God, protect us by your power throughout the course of this day, even as you have enabled us to begin it. Do not let us turn aside to any sin, but let our every thought, word and deed aim at doing what is pleasing in your sight. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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108 (Bless the Lord) – New Wine “Hunger for the Living God”

Omnipotent Father we have seen Your power through all the ages You stay the same

And those who know Your name know You never forsake

They put trust and put their faith in you I will trust and put my faith in You

Great is Your love Oh God and Your faithfulness reaches to the sky

Be exalted God over all the heavens let Your glory be over all the earth
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Closing:Titus 1:4

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

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