Corpus Christi Sunday: Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14-16; Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58 ~ bread from heaven

CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY

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

Opening prayer:

The bread you give, O God, is Christ’s flesh for the life of the world; the cup of His blood is Your covenant for our salvation. Grant that we who worship Christ in this holy mystery may reverence Him in the needy of this world by lives poured out for the sake of that Kingdom where He 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: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 (NLT)

“Bread and Wine” by Norwegian painter Kjersti Timenes, 2003.

“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
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Do not… forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors….”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (NLT)

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For he has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children within your walls.
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He sends peace across your nation and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat. He sends his orders to the world — how swiftly his word flies!
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He has revealed his words to Jacob, his decrees and regulations to Israel. He has not done this for any other nation; they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord!
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NLT)

When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:51-58 (NLT)

Eucharistic images ... I am the Bread of Life (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2010) — Eucharistic images … I am the Bread of Life (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2010)

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”

Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked.

So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”
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Intercessions:

Our Father in Heaven: hear the prayers of Your sons and daughters –

+ For all who come to the Lord’s Table— that the presence of Christ may be a palpable reality….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who rarely join Your people in worship – that Your loving embrace may draw them back….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who are hungry in a world of plenty — that Your people may share with those in need….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our faith communities — that we who break bread together may also care for each other….
Lord, hear us.

+ For people who are lonely — that believing friends may be sent to them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who suffer — in mind, body or spirit — that Jesus may bring them comfort, healing and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who have gone before us in faith – that they may be raised up at the last day….
Lord, hear us.

God of infinite generosity, You sent Your Son to share our burdens and our hopes, to be our life and strength: hear the prayers we offer in His name, who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen.
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Bread of the Angels Is made bread for mankind; Gifted bread of Heaven Of all imaginings the end; Oh, thing miraculous! This body of God will nourish the poor, the servile, and the humble.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Trinity Sunday: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52-56; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18 ~ Holy, Holy, Holy

TRINITY SUNDAY

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

Opening sentence:

On this Trinity Sunday, we worship the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end.

Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 (NLT)

So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.

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….”

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Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession.”
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A Reading from the Book of Daniel: Daniel 3:52-56 (DRA)

Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever: and blessed is the holy name of thy glory: and worthy to be praised, and exalted above all in all ages.

Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory: and exceedingly to be praised, and exceeding glorious for ever.

Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom, and exceedingly to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet each other with Christian love. All of God’s people here send you their greetings.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 3:16-18 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son….”

Intercessions:

To You, Great God, be the glory – Trusting in Your grace and confident of Your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all believers – that we may know and experience Your love in whatever circumstance we find ourselves today….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For people who search for the truth – that You may embrace them with love and draw them into Your family….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who seek peace and justice – that we may inspire the peoples of the earth to work together toward that end….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For our faith communities around the world – that our Christian witness may be visible in the kind way we treat each other….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who are brokenhearted, confused, lost, sick, weak or poor – that the generosity of your people might offer help and hope….
Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For our loved ones who have died and those who mourn their loss – that we may live with the certain hope of resurrection, amd give glory and praise to God for ever more….
Lord, hear my prayer.

God of infinite mercy, hear the prayers of your people — who give praise for all the good things that come from you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn “To God Be the Glory”

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

Pentecost Sunday: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 ~ come Holy Spirit

PENTECOST SUNDAY

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Pentecost celebrates ‘the great beginning of the Church,’ the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. Praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in this, our day.
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Gracious God, send down upon Your people the flame of Your Holy Spirit, and fill Your Church with life and power. May your life-giving Spirit lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. Send us forth to the nations of the world to proclaim with boldness Your wondrous work of raising Christ to Your right hand. 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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Spiritual Song: “Waiting Here for You”

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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts ACTS 2:1-11 (NLT)

Pentecost by Jacqui — Pentecost
by Jacqui

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are — Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.
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O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
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But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
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May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
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May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (NLT)

So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
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The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-23 (NLT)

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Intercessions:

Come Holy Spirit we need you; renew the face of the earth:

+ Come with Power to fill the leaders of the Church and to breathe new life into all of God’s people…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Spirit of Life and breathe new life and enthusiasm into faith communities around the world…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Witness to those who have recently made professions of faith – that they may always know they are children of God…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Convicter of sin to all who have fallen short of God’s glory and have gone their own way – that we may repent and return home to the Father…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Indwelling Presence to every believer – that we may exhibit the good fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Comforter to all to all who are troubled or distressed – that we may find peace and rest for our souls…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Counselor to all who are confused and faced with difficult decisions – that we may find guidance and direction…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Intercessor to all who are at a loss how to pray – translate the groanings of our spirits into petitions before the throne of grace…. Lord, hear our prayers.

Creator God, Your Spirit breathes Life into us and sustains us. Fill us now to overflowing, and hear the cries of our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Spiritual Song “Fill Me Now”

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

The Ascension of the Lord: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 28:16-20 ~

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

In celebrating the Ascension of Jesus – we remember His sending out of the disciples, His promise to remain with us until the end of time, and His promise to send the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us.
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Almighty God, make our hearts dance with joy and thanksgiving; for in the ascension of Christ, Your Son, our human nature is raised above the heavens, and where Christ, the head, has gone before in glory we, his body, are called in hope. We make our prayer 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 1:1-11 (NLT)

Ascension Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337), Cappella Scrovegni a Padova — Ascension
Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337) Cappella Scrovegni a Padova

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet.
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Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm.
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God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.

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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT)

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you.

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else — not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him — but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Intercessions:

Christ ascended into heaven, not to abandon us but to be our hope and to prepare a place for us in eternity. Filled with this certain hope and confident of His love and mercy, we offer these prayers on behalf of His people:

+ For church leaders who have been entrusted with the Word of God – that they may proclaim it without hesitation or fear…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For Christian missionaries, particularly those living in regions of war and devastation — that God’s Spirit may give them fresh enthusiasm…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For Christ’s disciples living in a Culture of Death – that we may be effective witnesses to the Gospel of Life which has been entrusted to us…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For the sick and those who suffer in any way – that they may be consoled by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the love and presence of others…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all who are unemployed and seeking work — that they may receive support, and find the work they need to live in dignity…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all of us on our journey of faith — that Christ may sustain us and keep our minds and hearts fixed on heaven…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For family members who have strayed away from Christ – that our example of godliness may bring them back quickly…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all who have died – that they may have eternal rest, and that we may always thank the Lord for their lives…. Lord, hear our prayer.

God most high, King of all the earth, You care for all You have made: hear these prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Spiritual Song “Hear Us From Heaven”

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

6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 ~ paid in full

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Heavenly Father – You sent Your Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for my sins, once for all time. He paid the ultimate price for my freedom and even now He prays for me and prepares a place for me in eternity. Today, I worship and honor Him as Lord of my life.

And, on this Memorial day weekend, I also remember those who have followed in His footsteps – sacrificing their lives in the service of our country – so that I can have religious freedom to bear witness to You in all that I do.

Holy Spirit – Come and meet me in this quiet place of worship. Draw me body, mind and spirit into Your presence.

I ask this through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 (NLT)

Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
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When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 (NLT)

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power….”
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“Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.”

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!
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He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him. For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance.
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Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
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Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Peter 3:15-18 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:15-21 (NLT)

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Intercessions: Memorial Day Prayer – Mark D. Roberts

Gracious, Sovereign God, Lord of all nations,

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many.

Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land.

Thank you for those who have served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty.

Thank you for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others.

Thank you for a day set apart, not just for celebration, but also for solemn remembrance as we consider the sacrifices of so many in our military.

O Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings, more faithful in stewarding them well, more eager to share them with others.

We pray today for the families and friends of those who have given their lives in service to our nation. May they be comforted in their sadness. May they be reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones contributes to a worthy cause. May they be proud of those they have lost, entrusting their ultimate fate into your gracious hands.

Even as we remember those who have given their lives in the past, we also think of those whose lives are on the line today. We think especially of the men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in other places of conflict and violence. Protect them. Encourage them. Bring them home safely . . . and soon.

Give wisdom to the leaders of our armed services, that they might know how best to deploy the troops in the cause of freedom. May their efforts be successful, so that true peace with justice might be established in our world.

Guide those who lead our nation in international affairs. Help them to pursue diplomatic paths that prevent needless conflict. May they have your wisdom about when and how to use the military might you have entrusted to us.

God of peace, stir in the hearts of the leaders of all nations, and in all who would use violence to further their cause. Change their hearts and minds. Give them a passion for peace. Bring an end to the pain, suffering, injustice, and violence in our world.

We know, dear Lord, that ultimate peace will not come until your kingdom is here in all of its fullness. Nevertheless, we pray for a foretaste of the future. We ask for the growth of peace throughout our world today, so that fewer and fewer men and women will have to risk and even to sacrifice their lives. May your kingdom come, Lord, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!

All praise be to you, God of grace, God of mercy, God of justice, God of peace!

Amen
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Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

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

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