Second Sunday of Lent: 12 March – Matthew 17:1-9 ~ a glimpse of glory

Second Sunday of Lent: 12 March 2017

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

Opening:

Holy God, from the dazzling cloud you revealed Jesus in glory as your beloved Son. During these forty days enlighten your people with the bright glory of your presence. Inspire us by your word and so transform us into the image of the risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
__________

Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
__________

Prayer:

Holy God – Father, Son and Spirit – reveal your glory to me today that I may be comforted by your touch and challenged by your word spoken to me.

+ Draw me close to you in worship – that I may be dazzled by your presence.
+ Open my eyes to the reality of your holiness – that I may be terrified by my unworthiness.
+ Touch my heart, my soul, my lips – that I may be purified and cleansed of my sin.
+ Renew my mind and transform my will – that I may trust you completely and obey you in all things.
+ Remake me and mold me in your image – that you may abide in me and I in you for ever.

Holy God – show me your glory that I may be shocked and awed by your presence. Then send me out with boldness and confidence to love and serve you in this upside down world. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________

“Show Me Your Glory” – Jesus Culture

__________

Closing:

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” – Isaiah 49:1-4

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

Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017

First Sunday of Lent: 05 March – Matthew 4:1-11 ~ a test of faith

First Sunday of Lent: 05 March 2017

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

Opening:

Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is right and of hastening to carry it out. And, since without you we cannot exist, may we be enabled to live according to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity if the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________

Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him,

“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said,

“If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say,

‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

“I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

Jesus told him, “Get out of here, Satan.” “For the Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
__________

Prayer:

Heavenly Father: you are not the author of temptation, but you allow us to be tempted even as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. His temptations are our temptations as well – food, fame and fortune.

Thank you for providing for our daily physical needs – food, clothing and shelter. And, even more importantly, thank you for providing for our spiritual needs through your Word written. Ground us in the Scriptures that we may escape the devil’s deceit.

You alone are worthy of receiving all glory, honor, power – and fame. In you, we live and move and have our being – our identity is in you. Fill us with faith, confidence and wonder at everything you do in us, or through us. Teach us humility, that Jesus may increase and we may decrease.

Discipline us in godliness during this Lenten season that we may store up treasures in heaven, even as we receive the wealth of true contentment with our lot here in this life. Keep us focused on your eternal Kingdom, as pilgrims living and working in the passing kingdoms of this world.

Heavenly Father: protect us from the wiles and deceit of the devil, and send us your angels to care for us – that we may love and serve you with undivided devotion. 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.

__________

“”Jesus I Believe”” – Big Daddy Weave

__________

Closing:

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.

“I am the Lord; that is my name! – Isaiah 42:6-8a

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

Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017

Ash Wednesday: 01 March – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ~ your Father sees everything

Ash Wednesday: 01 March 2017

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

Opening:

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this season of Christian service, so that, as we take up the battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. 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.
__________

Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (NLT)

Teaching about Privacy and Giving

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Teaching about Privacy and Prayer

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
_____

Teaching about Privacy and Fasting

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
__________

Prayer:

Father in heaven: you see it all – whether it’s done in public or private – nothing is hidden from you. Search my heart today as I begin this Lenten season –

+ that my giving may reflect your generosity to me
+ that my prayer may reveal the fault lines of my faith
+ that my fasting may restore proper balance in my life

Father in heaven: fill me with your Spirit and guide me through this Lenten season – that I may do what is right in your sight, and do so willingly and joyfully. Through Jesus Christ, your Son and my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
__________

“Once And For All” – Lauren Daigle

Closing:

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” – Isaiah 42:1-4

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

Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26 Feb: Is 49:14-15; Ps 62:2-3, 6-9; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Mt 6:24-34 ~ not to worry

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lord gathers us into his loving embrace, the Lord who invites us not to worry about tomorrow. Setting our hearts on his kingdom, we entrust all our tomorrows to him and ask him to help us live for this, his day.

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

Opening Prayer:

Lord God, your care for us surpasses even a mother’s tender love. Renew our trust in your faithfulness, that we may abandon all anxiety and seek first your kingdom. 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.
__________

“How Great Thou Art “ – Blue Rock Mennonite Youth

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 49:14-15 (NLT)

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 NLT)

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.
_____

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.
__________

“Psalm 62” – Aaron Keyes

__________

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NLT)

So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
__________

“It Is Well With My Soul” – A Capella Singing

__________

Intercessory Prayer:

Faithful God, our rock and our stronghold, hear the deep yearnings of our hearts and attend to our needs.

+ For all believers, that we may experience your tender love…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christian leaders, that they may teach by word and example…. Lord, hear us.
+ For parents everywhere, that they may be supported in their task of raising the next generation…. Lord, hear us.
+ For women everywhere, that all cultures may respect women’s rights and dignity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers everywhere, as we begin Lent this week, that we may learn humility and seek your Kingdom above all else…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ, that they may enjoy eternal rest and peace with you…. Lord, hear us.

Faithful God, our fortress and our strength, hear our prayers and help us grow in love for you and trust in your promises. We ask this through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen.
__________

“Great is thy faithfulness” – Songs of Praise

__________

Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessaalonians 5:23-24
__________

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

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 19 Feb: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48 ~ children of a holy God

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today Jesus teaches us that loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in Christ Jesus you challenge us to renounce violence and to forsake revenge. Teach us to recognize as your children even our enemies and persecutors and to love them without measure or discrimination. 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.
__________

“Love divine all loves excelling” – Keswick Praise

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Leviticus19:1-2, 17-18 (NLT)
[Love for the Lord is seen in love for all God’s people.]

The Lord also said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
_____

“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13 NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
_____

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
_____

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
_____

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
__________

“Psalm 103” – Jess Ray

__________

A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 (NLT)
[We belong to Christ and Christ is God’s, so we belong to God.]

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”

And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”

So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you — whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)
[Jesus explains how Christians should live.]

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
__________

“Heal Our Land” – Kari Jobe

__________

Intercessory Prayer:

God of love and compassion, slow to anger and rich in mercy – hear our payers:

+ For Church leaders around the world, especially those in war-torn lands….
+ For an end to war and violence, especially in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine….
+ For people who are at war with each other — that they may forgive and make peace….
+ For those who have hurt us — that You may help us to end our quarrels….
+ For people who are sick or troubled — that You may bring them healing….
+ For ourselves and those we love — that You may always be close to us….
+ For those who have died in Christ – that You may crown them with love and compassion….

God of love and compassion, have pity on Your people and grant us Your gracious help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

“Love divine all loves excelling” – Kingsway Music

__________

Benediction:

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 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. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
__________

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: