31st Ordinary Sunday, 30 October: Wis 11:22-12:2; Psa 145; 2 The 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10 ~ a worthy life

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life.

Opening Prayer:

Just and merciful God, true Lord of every house, sure delight of every heart, come into our midst today to speak your word and satisfy our hunger. Enable us to see you clearly, to welcome you with joy, and to give justice and mercy a place in our lives. 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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“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” – at Royal Albert Hall, London


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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 11:22-12:2 (NRSVCE)
[God loves all of creation and encourages those who sin to repent.]

The whole world before you is like a speck that tips the scales, and like a drop of morning dew that falls on the ground. But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook people’s sins, so that they may repent.

mercy-1

For you love all things that exist, and detest none of the things that you have made, for you would not have made anything if you had hated it. How would anything have endured if you had not willed it? Or how would anything not called forth by you have been preserved?

You spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord, you who love the living. For your immortal spirit is in all things.

Therefore you correct little by little those who trespass, and you remind and warn them of the things through which they sin, so that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 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. 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.
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The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
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“Psalm 145” – Travis Cottrel


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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 (NLT)
[Paul writes of his pleasure at the faith of the community. But he also wants to reassure those disturbed by a false claim that Christ is about to return.]

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
[Zacchaeus welcomes his savior into his house and decides to change his ways.]

zacchaeus-icon-1

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
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“I will never be the same again.” – Sapphire Singers


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Intercessory Prayer:

Merciful God: You raise those who are bowed down with grief or worry. Hear our prayers.

+ For those who follow Christ — that we, like Zacchaeus, may declare our sins and find peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have never known Your love — that Your mercy may surround them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the suffering people of Aleppo and Syria — that You may defend them and protect them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees of good will — that they may find safe havens and support while waiting to return home…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people on the edge of our communities — that they may discover You are close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those in need, the sick and the worried — that the care of friends may bring them peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the upcoming US presidential election – that truth, justice and wisdom may prevail, and that Your will be done…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ – that they may know Your compassion and dwell with You eternally…. Lord, hear us.

O God our King, You support Your people in all our needs: show us Your kindness, we pray, through Christ our Lord.
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“Faithful one” – Robin Mark


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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 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

30th Ordinary Sunday, 23 October: Sir 35:12-14 & 16-18; Ps 34:2-3 & 17-19 & 21-22; 2 Tm 4:6-8 & 16-18; Lk 18:9-14 ~ be merciful to me

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

God is merciful to all who humble themselves before him.

Opening Prayer:

O God, who alone can probe the depths of the heart, you hear the prayer of the humble and justify the repentant sinner. As we stand before you, grant us the gift of humility, that we may see our own sins clearly and refrain from judging our neighbor. 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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“How great is our God” – Chris Tomlin


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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 (USCCB)
[The Lord is not deferential to the powerful but takes the side of the powerless.]

The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.

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Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.

The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 21-22 (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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The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
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Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
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“The cry of the poor “

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)
[Paul speaks of his imminent death and reflects on his own deep faith.]

fight-the-good-fight

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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The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 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: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
[Jesus gives an example of humility before God – the Pharisee and the tax collector.]

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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“God of Mercy and Compassion”


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Intercessory Prayer:

God of justice and mercy, you know no favorites but are partial to the prayers of the powerless and broken-hearted. In humility, and total dependence, we come before you –

+ For all civil leaders, that their governance may reflect your justice and mercy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all religious leaders, that they may lead your people with humility…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers facing persecution, that their faith may be strengthened and their religious freedom respected…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who feel broken-hearted and powerless, that they may recognize your presence with them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our families and especially for people who are sick or troubled…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers whose life on earth is over, that the crown of righteousness may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.

Compassionate God, you rescue your people in all their distress, hear the prayers we offer in humility and truth, through Christ our Lord.
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“Ever Be” – Kalley Heiligenthal | Bethel Music


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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 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

29th Ordinary Sunday, 16 October: Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121:1-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8 ~ persistent prayer

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

God will listen and help, when you pray without ceasing.

Opening Prayer:

Lord, tireless guardian of your people, always ready to hear the cries of your chosen ones, teach us to rely, day and night, on your care. Support our prayer lest we grow weary. Impel us to seek your enduring justice and your ever-present help. 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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“The Lord Reigns” – Lindell Cooley Lyrics Living Waters Ministries


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A Reading from the Old Testament: Exodus 17:8-13 (NLT)
[Israel trusts God to prevail through Moses’ persistent prayer and Joshua’s willingness to fight.]

While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

 Victory of Joshua over the Amalekites Nicolas Poussin, 1625 Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia

Victory of Joshua over the Amalekites
Nicolas Poussin, 1625
Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia

So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 121 (NLT)

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
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“Psalm 121” (Shir Lamaalot / Song of OF Ascents} – James Block


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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)
[God’s Word gives us wisdom for salvation and guidance along the way in good times and bad.]

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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.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)
[Jesus uses a parable to show that persistent prayer works.]

praying-with-persistence

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”
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“Cry Out to Jesus” – Third Day


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Intercessory Prayer:

Our help is in the name of the Lord – Lord, hear our prayers:

+ That there may be peace in Syria, and that terrorism may be defeated…. Lord, hear us.
+ That missionaries who feel sad and discouraged may not give up…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians suffering under persecution may have courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who live with depression may have God’s help…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may pray persistently and have all their prayers answered…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who have died in Christ may experience the fullness of God’s love…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord, you are our guard and our shade, you protect your servants in their need: hear these prayers we offer, trusting you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Benediction  (May the Peace of God)” – Stuart Townend

May the peace of God our heavenly Father, And the grace of Christ the risen Son, And the fellowship of God the Spirit Keep our hearts and minds within His love.

And to Him be praise for His glorious reign, From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven. We declare the name of the Lamb once slain: Christ eternal, the King of kings!

May this peace which passes understanding, And this grace which makes us what we are, And this fellowship of His communion Make us one in spirit and in heart.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

28th Ordinary Sunday, 09 October: 2 Kgs 5:14-17; Ps 98:1-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19 ~ He remains faithful

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord God, who continues to do great things for all peoples.

Opening Prayer:

O God, our life, our health, our salvation, look with mercy on your people. Stir up in us a saving faith, that believing, we may be healed, and being healed, we may worthily give you thanks. 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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“Alleluia” – Bethel Live Worship


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A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:14-17 (NLT)
[The healing of the leper Naaman and his decision to commit himself to the God of Israel.]

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!

Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

Elisha refuses the gifts of Naaman Pieter de Grebber, 1637 Frans Hals Museum Haarlem, Netherlands
Elisha refuses the gifts of Naaman
Pieter de Grebber, 1637
Frans Hals Museum
Haarlem, Netherlands

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
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“Psalm 98 (Holy is He)” – David Dunn


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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)
[A short summary of the good news.]

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.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
[The story of the healing of ten lepers, and the return of just one to say ‘thanks’.]

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

jesushealsthelepers_thumb

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
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“Healer” – Bethel Music


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Intercessory Prayer:

Wonder-working God: Hear our prayers –

+ For a speedy end to the conflict in Syria, that God will move the hearts of the various factions to bring an end to the bloodshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people of Syria, especially those who have lost homes and loved ones: that they may find a place of safety…. Lord, hear us.
+ For journalists, that in carrying out their work, they may always be motivated by respect for truth…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the men and women chosen to spread the Good News, that they may bear the hardships which come with that task…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer from disease in our world, that full medical help may be available to rich and poor alike…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose homes and livelihood have been destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, that they may find the resources to re-build their lives…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer isolation today, as the lepers once did, that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may live with You forever…. Lord, hear us.

God of many wonders, you bring salvation to all the earth: remember your people and grant our prayer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Strength” – Jonathan & Melissa Helser


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Benediction:

(May) Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19

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

27th Ordinary Sunday, 02 October: Hab 1:2-3 & 2:2-4; Ps 95:1-2 & 6-9; 2 Tm 1:6-8 & 13-14; Lk 17:5-10 ~ sustaining faith

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

Opening Prayer:

God, the rock of our salvation, whose gifts can never fail, deepen the faith you have already bestowed and let its power be seen in your servants. 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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“The Rock Won’t Move” – Vertical Church Band

When the ground beneath my feet gives way | And I hear the sound of crashing waves | All my world is washing out to sea | I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves | Holding fast to the promise of the truth | That You are holding tighter still to me

The Rock won’t move and His word is strong | The Rock won’t move and His love can’t be undone | The Rock won’t move and His word is strong | The Rock won’t move and His love can’t be undone

The Rock of our Salvation

My hope is in the promise of Your blood | My support within the raging flood | Even in the tempest, I can sing | I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves | Holding fast to the promise of Your truth | That You are holding tighter still to me

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand | All other ground is sinking sand | The Rock won’t move, the Rock won’t move | When darkness seems to hide His face | I rest on His unchanging grace | The Rock won’t move, the Rock won’t move

Lead me to the Rock | The Rock that is higher | That is greater | The Rock of our Salvation | Lead me to the Rock | The Rock that is Stronger | That is Stronger | The Rock that is Jesus | The Rock that is Jesus | He will never move | He is faithful
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 (NLT)
[In difficult times, faithfulness sustains people.]

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen!

“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
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hab2-live-by-faith

Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

“Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (NLT)

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
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Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.

If only you would listen to his voice today!

The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did.
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Psalm 95: ‘Come let us’ – Half a Mile


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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 (NLT)
[The Spirit is powerfully present with us.]

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.

fear-is-a-liar

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.
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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.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)
[The importance of having faith.]

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Mulberry Tree by Vincent van Gogh
The Mulberry Tree
by Vincent van Gogh

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
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“Let Us Pray” – Tommy Walker


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Intercessory Prayer:

Gracious God, our Rock and our Redeemer, hear our prayers –

+ For believers everywhere, called to witness to Christ in today’s unsteady and confusing world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers everywhere, that they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit they have received…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people who want to believe but find it hard, that they may receive the gift of faith…. Lord, hear us.
+ For peace in Syria and the Middle East, that its migrants may be able to return to their homelands…. Lord, hear us.
+ For respect for all human life, from its beginnings to its last moments…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially through war and violence, that they may be part of God’s flock forever…. Lord, hear us.

O God you are our Rock, you made us and know all our needs, listen to our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“By Faith” – Keith & Kristyn Getty


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Benediction:

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. – 2 John 3

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