17th Ordinary Sunday: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-17; Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-46 ~ give us understanding hearts

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

+ 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 Your 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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A Reading from the Old testament: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-17 (NLT)

That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
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“Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies — I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have. And I will also give you what you did not ask for — riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.

Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. “Please, my lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house….”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 (NLT)

Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!
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Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
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Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.
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Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
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Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
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Psalm 119:57-60 (1650 Scottish Metrical Psalter, Belmont)

Thou my sure portion art alone, which I did choose, O Lord:
I have resolved, and said, that I would keep thy holy word.

With my whole heart I did entreat thy face and favor free:
According to thy gracious word be merciful to me.

I thought upon my former ways, and did my life well try;
And to thy testimonies pure my feet then turned I.

I did not stay, nor linger long, as those that slothful are;
But hastily thy laws to keep myself I did prepare.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:28-30 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
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Parable of the Hidden Treasure Rembrandt (c. 1630) — Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Rembrandt (c. 1630)

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT)

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”
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Intercessions:

God of wisdom and love – hear our prayers:

+ That all believers may be inspired to continue along Your Kingdom’s narrow path leading to the treasure that awaits them in eternity….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all those who govern nations may may seek God’s wisdom and administer justice as true servants of their people….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who search for answers to their questions may receive the gift of true wisdom and understanding as revealed in the person of Christ….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those on pilgrimage to far off places may know the Lord’s presence and peace on their journey….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who are visiting family and friends during this holiday season may experience love, joy, and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those whose life on earth is over may realize the indescribable joy of heaven….
Lord, hear us.

+ That we may receive Your help in our times of trouble and difficulty, particularly for the needs that are on our hearts right now….
Lord, hear us.

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

16th Ordinary Sunday: Exodus 34:5-7; Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-30 ~ help in our weakness

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Holy Spirit: Call us to worship and teach us to pray – that we might glorify the name of the Lord.

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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A Reading from the Old testament: Exodus 34:5-7 (NLT)

Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 (NLT)

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
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All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
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But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:24-30 (NLT)

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.’”
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Intercessions:

Holy Spirit guide us as we bring our needs to the Father:

+ For all who try to live as Christians – that they may receive the grace and power required to rise above the evil around them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have never known faith – that the Good News of Your saving mercy may transform their lives….
Lord, hear us.

+ For people who are finding life difficult at the moment – that the kindness of believing friends may reassure them of God’s care….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the young, as they search for truth – that the seeds of faith sown in them may bear abundant fruit….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those whose earthly journey is over – that our forgiving God may welcome them to their eternal home….
Lord, hear us.

God of love and compassion, You do marvellous deeds: hear the cries of our hearts today, especially for those we love, and hasten to fulfill Your perfect will in all our lives – we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

15th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65:10,11,12-13; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-9 ~ on fruitfulness

15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:
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We gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep us steadfast until we reach our eternal home.

God of the heavens, God of the earth, all creation awaits Your gift of new life. Prepare our hearts to receive the word of Your Son, that His gospel may grow within us and yield a harvest that is a hundredfold. 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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Harvest Scene Paul Gauguin — Harvest Scene
Paul Gauguin

A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 65:10,11,12-13 (NLT)

You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops.
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You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
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The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:18-23 (NLT)

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

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Ultra-Orthodox Jews follow an ancient Biblical command and harvest wheat with a hand sickle in a field near the central Israeli town of Modi'in. — Ultra-Orthodox Jews follow an ancient Biblical command and harvest wheat with a hand sickle in a field near the central Israeli town of Modi’in.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:1-9 (NLT)

Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

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Intercessions:

Gracious God – Crown our lives with Your goodness and produce in us the good fruit of Your word:

+ For Your people – that our hearts may hear Your word and understand it….
Lord, hear us.

+ For new believers in Christ – that Your Word may be firmly rooted in their lives….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all whose faith is weak – that Your love may transform them into all that they are called to be….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who bring the Good News to the ends of the earth – that the Holy Spirit may support the work of those who proclaim the Gospel in the poorest countries….
Lord, hear us.

+ For farmers and all who depend on the soil for their livelihood – that this year’s crop may satisfy their needs….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who are far from home, for work or on holidays – that they may experience kindness, and travel in safety….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who have died in service to their country – that they may share the glory awaiting all believers…
Lord, hear us.

God our creator, You provide for the earth and for all who live in it, hear our prayers we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

14th Ordinary Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 ~ rest for our souls

14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by whose gracious will the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed to the childlike, make us learn from Your Son humility of heart, that in shouldering His yoke we may find refreshment and rest. 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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A Reading from the Old testament: Zechariah 9:9-10 (NLT)

Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey — riding on a donkey’s colt.

I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 (NLT)

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
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The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
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All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
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For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:9, 11-13 (NLT)

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
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The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 11:25-30 (NLT)

The Flower Carrier Diego Rivera, 1935. — The Flower Carrier
Diego Rivera, 1935.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
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Intercessions:

The Lord is kind and full of compassion. Gracious God – hear our prayers:

+ For Christian people everywhere – that they may learn to trust in God’s gentle support….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the leaders of all the nations – that their words and actions may lead to peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who live in parts of the world where there is war and division, especially the Middle East – that reconciliation may follow conflict….
Lord, hear us.

+ For reconciliation and healing in the north of Ireland – that this year’s marching season may pass off peacefully….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who labour and are overburdened – that they may experience the rest promised by Jesus….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those enjoying holidays and family gatherings at this time of year – that relationships may grow and strengthen….
Lord, hear us

+ For our brothers and sisters whose life on earth is over – that they may be raised to eternal life with Christ….
Lord, hear us.

God of compassion and faithfulness, You raise up all who are bowed down – hear these prayers we offer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Founders Sunday: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 ~ faith of our fathers

FOUNDERS SUNDAY

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

Opening prayer:

Living, loving God, You crowned the faith of Peter and the tireless preaching of Paul with a share in Christ’s triumphant death. Renew our faith by the example of their lives and rekindle our zeal for proclaiming the gospel. 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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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 12:1-11 (NLT)

"The Apostles Peter and Paul" El Greco, 1587-92 Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia — “The Apostles Peter and Paul”
El Greco, 1587-92
Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
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In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
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Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 (NLT)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
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But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-19 (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.”
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Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: You set us free from all our fears. Hear our prayers:

+ For church leaders throughout the world — that their lives may be marked by loving service and that they may always point people to Your Son Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, the author and finisher of our faith….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who feel unworthy of the name of Christian — that, remembering the failings of Peter and Paul, they may trust in God’s grace and mercy….
Lord, hear us.

+ For men and women who, like Paul, work as missionaries — that they may have his enthusiasm and persistence in spreading the Gospel….
Lord, hear us.

+ For fisherman and all those who, like Peter, work on the sea – that they may be preserved from every danger…..
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who, like Paul, find Christ late in their lives – that the enthusiasm of their conversion may last as long as they live….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who are named Peter and Paul — that the inspiration of the saints may encourage them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all our friends whose lives on earth are over – that having fought the good fight, they may receive the crown of righteousness….
Lord, hear us.

Almighty God, you called Peter and Paul to be our leaders in faith: hear the prayers we make on this their day of remembrance through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joy, Whene’er we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark, Were still in heart and conscience free; And blest would be their children’s fate, If they, like them should die for thee: Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will love, Both friend and foe in all our strife, And preach thee, too, as love knows how, By kindly words and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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