21st Ordinary Sunday, 21 August: Is 66:18-21; Ps 117:1-2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30 ~ come to the banquet of God

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Our God is a gracious God, who throws open the doors to the Kingdom to all of humanity.

Opening Prayer:

To the banquet of your kingdom, O God of the nations, you have invited people of every race and tongue. May all who are called to a place at your table come by the narrow way to the unending feast of life. 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.
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“All are welcome” – by Marty Haugen

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 66:18-21 (NLT)
[Isaiah dreams of the time when all the nations will accept God’s message and be gathered together.]

Chief Military Rabbi Shlomo Goren at the Western Wall in 1967 shortly after the liberation of Jerusalem. (Photo: Wiki Commons)

“I can see what they are doing, and I know what they are thinking. So I will gather all nations and peoples together, and they will see my glory. I will perform a sign among them. And I will send those who survive to be messengers to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (who are famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to all the lands beyond the sea that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. There they will declare my glory to the nations. They will bring the remnant of your people back from every nation. They will bring them to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord. They will ride on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the Lord. “And I will appoint some of them to be my priests and Levites. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 117:1-2 (NLT)

Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.

For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.

Praise the Lord!
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“Psalm 117” – Sons of Korah | All You Peoples All you Nations

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 (NLT)
[Suffering is interpreted as a way of being trained to do what is right.]

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 13:22-30 (NLT)
[Salvation is open to all people, but many now first will be last into the kingdom of God.]

Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.”
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“Come to the Banquet of God” – Christ the King Choir Qatar

Come to the banquet of God, our God who embraces all people, our God who gathers all of humanity and calls us with passion untold.

Come to the feast of our God, our God who delights in us all, our God in whose arms we’re safely enfolded who loves us with passion untold!

In the love of the Lord we belong. In the heart of God we dwell. In the banquet of God we herald and sing the wonder of oneness, the triumph of love, compassion, salvation for all!

Come to the banquet of God. Feast of all friends, meal of love. Par-take in the goodness, share in the majesty. God’s justice is mercy untold!
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Intercessory Prayer:

God of love and faithfulness, hear our prayers:

+ That missionaries who are struggling may not give up…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who preach the gospel may do so with courage and clarity…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the peoples of the earth may learn to live in friendship and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all believers may live the Gospel, in faith, honesty and love of neighbor…. Lord, hear us.
+ That teachers and students returning to school may look forward to making a new start…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people in need may have the support of their friends and neighbors…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all who have preceded us in death may take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God…. Lord, hear us.

Faithful God, strong is your love for all people: hear our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“You Are Mine” – David Haas

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Benediction:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

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

Morning Prayer: Sat, 20 Aug – Proverbs 4:25; 2 Peter 3:13-15 ~ keep looking forward

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

Opening Sentence

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

Morning Reading: Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT)

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Morning Reading: 2 Peter 3:13-15 (NLT)

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

Prayer

God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love, and self-control. With complete confidence we pray: Father, send us your Spirit.

+ Send us your Spirit – that Christ may be born again today in the hearts of all mankind.
+ Send us your Spirit – that we may open the eyes of the blind and proclaim the Good News of light and life.
+ Send us your Spirit – that we may live peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in your sight.
+ Send us your Spirit – that our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed.

Lord God: Keep our eyes focused on the new world filled with your righteousness that you have promised us, and may we live expectantly as children of the light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Hallelujah” – Newsboys | Adoration Album w/ lyrics

Blessing

Christ with me, Christ in me.

Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left; Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down; Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me; Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

Christ with me, Christ in me.

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

Morning Prayer: Wed, 17 Aug – Proverbs 2:2-8; Deuteronomy 4:39-40 ~ common sense for a long life

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

Opening Sentence

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

Morning Reading: Proverbs 2:2-8 (NLT)

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Phil Robertson Dumbfounded You Idiots Are Mistaking His ‘Common Sense’ For ‘Bigotry.' — Phil Robertson Dumbfounded – Mistaking His ‘Common Sense’ For ‘Bigotry.’

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Morning Reading: Deuteronomy 4:39-40 (NLT)

“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”

Prayer

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, he gave us new birth into a living hope by his Son’s resurrection from the dead. To him we pray: Father, give us your strength.

+ Turn our eyes to Jesus Christ your Son; may he lead us in our faith and bring it to perfection.
+ Give us a spirit of cheerfulness and a generous heart; may we bring joy to our homes, to our work, and to all whom we meet.
+ We pray for all who are working today; be with us at home and in the city, in the factory and in the fields.
+ We pray for those who have no work; we pray for the disabled and the sick, for those who cannot find work, and for those who are retired.

Father, give us your strength. Remember your solemn covenant, renewed and consecrated by the blood of the Lamb, so that your people may obtain forgiveness for their sins and a continued growth in grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Word Of God Speak” – Mercy Me

Blessing

Christ with me, Christ in me.

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

Morning Prayer: Mon, 15 Aug – Proverbs 1:1-3; Isaiah 61:10 ~ clothed in righteousness

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

Opening Sentence

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

Morning Reading: Proverbs 1:1-3 (NLT)

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

Morning Reading: Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.

Prayer

Almighty, ever-living God, keep our hearts set on heaven so that we may share in your glory. Clothe us in your righteousness that we may live disciplined and successful lives by doing what is right, just, and fair. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“In Christ Alone” – Kristian Stanfill

Blessing

Christ with me, Christ in me.

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

20th Ordinary Sunday, 14 August: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 17; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53 ~ keeping our eyes on Jesus

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week.

Opening Prayer:

To set the earth ablaze, O God, your Son submitted to a baptism unto death, and from his cup of suffering you call the Church to drink. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and give us strength in time of trial to run the race that lies before us. 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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“Our God” – Chris Tomlin

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 (NLT)
[Jeremiah, whose preaching disturbed his king, had to suffer for it. This illustrates Jesus’ words in the Gospel.]

Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1630 Rijksmuseum Amsterdam — Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem
Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1630
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!”

King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. “Do as you like. I can’t stop you.”

So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
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So Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him. “My lord the king,” he said, “these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone.”

So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 40:2-4, 17 (NLT)

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.
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As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
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“Psalm 40 – A Hymn of Praise” – U2’s “40”

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)
[We are encouraged us to keep struggling on.]

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 12:49-53 (NLT)
[Those who follow Christ need not expect a trouble-free life.]

“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.

‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’”

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“Jesus” – Chris Tomlin

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Intercessory Prayer:

Gracious God: you are our helper, our Savior, our God; and we are poor and needy. Hear us now, Lord, as we pray –

+ That missionaries may have assurance of your help…. Lord, hear us.
+ That believers who face persecution may not give up…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people of good will may fight injustice and prejudice…. Lord, hear us.
+ That believers who are tempted to give up their faith may be encouraged…. Lord, hear us
+ That sick people may experience your healing presence in times of darkness…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people on vacation may come home renewed and refreshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the faithful who have died in Christ may receive a place near God’s throne of grace…. Lord, hear us.

Loving God, you are always thinking of your people: stoop down to us and hear our cry for your help, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Blessed Be Your Name” – Matt Redman

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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 (NLT)

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

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