+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Lord, we proclaim your love in the morning and your truth in the watches of the night.
Morning Reading: Romans 12:14-16 (NLT)
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father: you have adopted us as brothers and sisters of your only Son, and through the ages have stayed with us and kept us in your love. Lord, help us as we work – keeping in mind the needs of the world.
+ We pray for all who plan and build in our cities: give them respect for every human value.
Pour out your Spirit on artists, craftsmen, and musicians: may their work bring variety, joy, and inspiration to our lives.
Be with us as the cornerstone of all that we build: for we can do nothing well without your aid.
+ You have created us anew in the resurrection of your Son: give us the grace to bless those around us.
Bless our enemies and those who persecute us: that they may repent and turn to you.
Give us empathetic hearts: that we may enter into others joys and sorrows.
And may we never get tired of doing good.
Lord, we praise you with voice and mind and deed; and since life itself is your gift, may all we have and all we are be yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Make Me a Blessing” – Luther Barnes
Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Praise God for His faithfulness and sustaining grace in the work we’re called to do.
Opening Prayer:
Boundless, O God, is your saving power; your harvest reaches to the ends of the earth. Fill our hearts with zeal for your kingdom and place on our lips the tidings of peace. Grant us perseverance as heralds of the gospel and joy as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Holy God we praise thy name”
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A Reading from the Old Testament:Isaiah 66:10-14 (NLT)
“Rejoice with Jerusalem! Be glad with her, all you who love her and all you who mourn for her. Drink deeply of her glory even as an infant drinks at its mother’s comforting breasts.”
This is what the Lord says: “I will give Jerusalem a river of peace and prosperity. The wealth of the nations will flow to her. Her children will be nursed at her breasts, carried in her arms, and held on her lap. I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.”
When you see these things, your heart will rejoice. You will flourish like the grass! Everyone will see the Lord’s hand of blessing on his servants—and his anger against his enemies.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 66:1-7, 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.
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! 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.
_____
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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“Psalm 66” [You Are Great) – Robbie Seay Band
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A Reading from the Letters: Galatians 6:14-18 (NLT)
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 (NLT)
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.
“Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
“If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’ I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day.
_____
When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”
“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
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Hymn: “You Raise me Up” – Selah
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Intercessory Prayer:
Great and mighty God: help your people as we continue our journey in Christ’s name.
+ That missionaries may have the courage to spread the good news…. Lord, hear us.
+ That violence and hatred may be defeated by love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people at war with each other may make peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That nations in turmoil may turn to you for deliverance from evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the sick and dying may experience your healing presence…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the downhearted may find peace in your perfect love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That our loved ones who have died may enter into the joy of eternal life…. Lord, hear us.
Glorious and mighty God, you are ever willing to come to our help, hear the prayers your faithful people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
Hymn: “Who Will Go For Me?”
Benediction:
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.” – Matthew 28:18-20
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
It is you whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning you hear me.
Morning Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (NLT)
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
Morning Prayer
As the new day begins, praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is the fullness of grace and the Spirit of God. Lord, give me your Spirit.
+ Praise you, Lord, I thank you for all your blessings.
Give me peace of mind and generosity of heart.
Grant me health and strength to do your will.
+ May your love be with me during the day; guide me in my work.
+ Be with all those who have asked for my prayers, and grant them all their needs.
Lord, be the beginning and end of all that I do and say. Prompt my actions with your grace, and complete them with your all-powerful help. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“Be My Everything” – Brian Doersken
Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today we are challenged to look carefully at our commitment to Christ, trusting God who gives us the grace we need.
Opening Prayer:
Sovereign God, ruler of our hearts, you call us to obedience and sustain us in freedom. Keep us true to the way of your Son, that we may leave behind all that hinders us and, with eyes fixed on him, walk surely in the path of the kingdom, where he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”
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A Reading from the Old Testament:1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21 (NLT)
Anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.
_____
So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 (NLT)
Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”
_____
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
_____
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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“Psalm 16” (The Path of Life) – Diocese of St. Benedict
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A Reading from the Letters: Galatians 5:1, 13-18 (NLT)
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
_____
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 9:51-62 (NLT)
As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village.
As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
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Hymn: “All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark
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Intercessory Prayer:
Sovereign God: you call us to obedience and sustain us in freedom. Hear the prayers of your pilgrim people.
+ That all church leaders may have the gift of courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who follow Christ may be committed to him…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may be spared from halfheartedness…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those on holidays may travel safely…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people who worry may have the support of good friends…. Lord, hear us.
+ That we may have your help in our times of need…. Lord, hear us.
+ That Christians may provide loving service to communities undergoing dramatic change…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all we have lost to death may find the fullness of joy in your presence…. Lord, hear us.
O God, our refuge and our strength: you are our ever-present help in times of trouble. Hear our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“I Have Decided” – Selah
Benediction:
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate me in the truth.
Morning Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Morning Reading: James 5:9-12 (NLT)
Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.
Morning Prayer
We have a high priest, able to sympathize with us in our weakness, one who, because of his likeness to us, has been tempted in every way, but did not sin. Lord, show us your mercy and compassion.
+ Lord, for the joy which lay in the future, you willingly went to the cross: make us share your death, that we may also share your joy.
+ Lord, you said ‘Let any man who thirsts come to me and drink’: give your Spirit now to all who thirst for you.
+ You sent your disciples to preach the gospel to every nation: bless those men and women who devote their lives to preaching the gospel today.
+ Help those in pain to know that the Father cares for them for he loves them as he loves his own Son.
Almighty Father, let your light so penetrate our minds that, walking in your commandments, we may always follow you, our leader and guide. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“Before The Throne Of God Above” – Selah
Blessing
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)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 