Sunday, 01 November: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Mathew 5:1-12 ~ a reward in heaven

All Saints Sunday

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Today, we remember the great company of saints (men and women of every time and place) who were saved by grace, lived by faith and were received into heaven by the mercy of God. May we, one day, be among them.
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All-holy God, You call Your people to holiness. As we remember Your saints, give us their meekness and poverty of spirit, a thirst for righteousness, and purity of heart. May we share with them the richness of Your kingdom and be clothed in the glory You bestow. 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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Hymn: “For All the Saints”

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A Reading from the Book of Revelation: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 (NLT)
[This was written to reassure Christians suffering during Nero’s persecution. Christians today are protected as they were.]

And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”

And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God — 144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel:
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After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.”

Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 24:1-6 (NLT)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
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“The earth is the Lord’s” by Rosalind Hershkovitz

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A Reading from the Letters: 1 John 3:1-3 (NLT)
[John assures us of God’s love and the hope for the future that comes with it.]

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mathew 5:1-12 (NLT)
[The Gospel lists the kinds of people to whom the kingdom of heaven already belongs.]

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

+ “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

+ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

+ God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

blessed are those who are persecuted Jean-Michel Basquiat Manhattan Graffiti, 1981 — blessed are those who are persecuted
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Manhattan Graffiti, 1981

+ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

+ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

+ God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

+ God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

+ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
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Hymn: “Good Father” – Kalley Heiligenthal, Bethel Church

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Intercessions:

Good Father God – You created us and love us – hear the cries of our hearts:

+ For all baptized believers in Christ – that we may enter the company of the saints…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians in every tribe and nation – that we may live in Your love and work to rid this world of injustice…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians suffering persecution today, in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East – that they may have courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose lives are plagued by doubt and despair – that Your grace may guide and illumine them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are sick – that they may receive Your healing grace and find peace in the blessed hope of eternal life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are lonely – that they may experience Your closeness as friend…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have gone before us in faith – that they may stand with the saints, rejoicing before the throne of the Lamb…. Lord, hear us.

God of heaven and earth, You reward those with clean hands and pure hearts: in our unworthiness we bring our prayers to You, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Holy Are You Lord” – Terry MacAlmon

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Benediction:

Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 7:12)

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

Sunday, 25 October: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52 ~ healing and strength for the journey

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

We come to God, who gives the blind new sight and strengths us to continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house.
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Have compassion on us, God our Savior. Grant us grace and courage to cast off our sins and turn to You for healing. Show us in Christ the sure path of eternal life and strengthen us to follow gladly in the way of the cross. 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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Hymn: “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” – Fiji Military Forces singing in Israel

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:7-9 (NLT)
[A vision of a time when all God’s people are gathered together, with everyone sharing the gift of new sight.]

Now this is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Israel. Shout for the greatest of nations! Shout out with praise and joy: ‘Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!’

Jewish immigrant from Iran hugging a relative in Israel. At the airport, ecstatic Israelis hugged family members they hadn't seen for years. — Jewish immigrant from Iran hugging a relative in Israel.
At the airport, ecstatic Israelis hugged family members they hadn’t seen for years.

For I will bring them from the north and from the distant corners of the earth. I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor. A great company will return!

Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my oldest child.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 126:1-6 (NLT)

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
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“Psalm 126” – Sojourn Music

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 5:1-6 (NLT)
[Christ is our high priest, but he also knows our weakness.]

Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs.

And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

And in another passage God said to him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)
[The blind beggar Bartimaeus is healed by Jesus.]

Christ Healing the Blind Man Andrey Mironov, 2009 — Christ Healing the Blind Man
Andrey Mironov, 2009
Ryazan, Russia

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
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Hymn: “Heal me O Lord” – Don Moen

Heal me Oh Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I will be saved. Heal me Oh Lord, and I will be healed. For You are the One I praise; You are the one I praise.
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Intercessions:

The Lord has worked marvels for us, so we can approach Him with confidence.

+ For the church throughout the world – that we may be united in Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the world – that every evil may be defeated, especially trafficking, the modern form of slavery…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer — mentally, physically or spiritually — that they may experience the healing power of Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have problems with their sight – that help and understanding may be given them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people who sit on our streets, begging – that they may experience kindness and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the victims of violence and war – especially those in the Middle East – that they may be delivered from evil and their souls restored…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died – especially those martyred for their Christian faith – that they may have eternal rest in You…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord, we rejoice in your marvelous kindness and bring You all our needs: we entrust them to You with faith and confidence, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Trust In You” – Lauren Daigle

Letting go of every single dream / I lay each one down at Your feet / Every moment of my wandering / Never changes what You see / I’ve tried to win this war I confess / My hands are weary I need Your rest / Mighty Warrior, King of the fight / No matter what I face, You’re by my side

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move / When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through / When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You / I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings / There’s not a day ahead You have not seen / So, in all things be my life and breath / I want what You want Lord and nothing less
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You are my strength and comfort / You are my steady hand / You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand / Your ways are always higher / Your plans are always good / There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood
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I will trust in You! I will trust in You! I will trust in You!
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Benediction:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

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

Sunday, 18 October: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:42-45 ~ a servant’s life

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
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O God, it is Your will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Look upon Your abundant harvest and send workers to preach the gospel to every creature, so that Your people, gathered by the Word of life and supported by the power of the Holy Spirit, may advance in the way of faithfulness and love. 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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Hymn: “Ye Servants of God” by Mount Ensemble Male Voice

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 53:10-11 (NLT)
[The suffering of the Lord can be seen beforehand in the words written by Isaiah.]

Crucifixion of Christ Paolo Veneziano (1340) National Museum in Krakow — Crucifixion of Christ
Paolo Veneziano (1340)
National Museum in Krakow

But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 (NLT)

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
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But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
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We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
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Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
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“Psalm 33” – Sung By The Monks Of Putna (600 Years Old Orthodox Christian Monastery in Romania)

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
[In Jesus we have a high priest who was tempted as we are. He will have mercy on us.]

A boy kneels to pray during the Christmas Eve mass at a Catholic church in Beijing on December 24, 2010.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:42-45 (NLT)
[The true follower of Jesus is like the Master: a humble servant.]

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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Hymn: “Heart of a servant” Hati Hamba-City Harvest Church

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Intercessions:

The Lord is our help and our shield: let us approach His throne of grace with confidence –

+ For Christian communities around the world who worship in Spirit and Truth today – that they may make Christ present to the world…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who are suffering – that we may be sensitive to people struggling with heavy burdens…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the spirit of service among Christians — that we may support each other…. Lord, hear us.
+ For missionaries and the people among whom they work – that we may not forget to pray for them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick, the lonely, the elderly and the bereaved — that they may be comforted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For blessing on our faith communities – that Your Spirit may help us fill the world with Your love…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died, especially those martyred because of their Christian faith – that they may experience the fullness of life eternally with You…. Lord, hear us.

God, the creator of all, You fill the earth with Your love: we rejoice in Your faithfulness as we present these prayers to You, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Where You go I go” – Jesus Culture

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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

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

Sunday, 11 October: Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30 ~ the wisdom to follow Jesus

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Remember God’s goodness and ask for God’s wisdom as we continue to our journey towards the Kingdom.
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God of wisdom, whose word probes the motives of our hearts, with You all things are possible. Let worldly possessions not keep us from Jesus, who looks on us with love. Free us to leave all things and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “Immortal Invisible God Only Wise; Great are You Lord”

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 7:7-11 (NRSVACE)
[A reflection on the gift of wisdom, presented as the greatest gift anyone could receive.]

I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.

All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 90:12-17 (NLT)

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
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“Psalm 90” – James Block (Selah Vol.1)

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
[God’s word is powerful, it cuts through us and exposes what is wrong]

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:17-30 (NLT)
[The rich young seeks a simple way of entering heaven, since money is no problem to him. Jesus tells him money itself is a problem, but then reassures that God can save all, whatever their wealth.]

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler 1888, Heinrich Hofmann BYU, Museum of Art — Christ and the Rich Young Ruler
1888, Heinrich Hofmann
BYU, Museum of Art

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property — along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
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“Word of God Speak” by Mercyme

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Intercessions:

The Lord is merciful to all who serve Him, therefore we can ask for help and guidance, and present our needs.

+ For church leaders who deliberate on behalf of God’s people – that the Holy Spirit may guide them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers – that they may have God’s gifts of wisdom and sound judgement…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have left everything to follow Christ – that their promised reward may keep them going in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have been blessed with wealth – that they may faithfully serve God through their cheerful and generous giving…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees and migrants – that wealthy nations may exercise wisdom and sound judgement in support of those who are truly needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believing young people – that following Christ at an early age may shape their life choices and decisions…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died, especially those martyred because of their Christian faith – that the light of God’s glory may shine on them…. Lord, hear us.

Lord, Your favor shines out upon us, You give success to the work of our hands: help us according to our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “With God, All Things Are Possible” – by Christine Coleman

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Benediction:

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5b-6)

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

Sunday, 04 October: Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 128:1-6; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16 ~ the two are united into one… forever

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer:

Creator God, in Christ You call man and woman to the fullness of glory for which You created them in Your image. Heal our hardened hearts, renew our obedience to Your spoken will, and conform our lives to Your gracious design. 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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Hymn: “Hail, Holy Light! The World Rejoices”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 2:18-24 (NLT)
[In the order of creation, man and woman are meant to be together.]

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.

“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 128:1-6 (NLT)

How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!

Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.

That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.

May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!
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“Shir LaMa-alot Esa Einai” (Psalm 128) by Salamone Rossi

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 2:9-11 (NLT)
[Hebrews was written to show that Jesus fulfilled the needs of Jews and Greeks alike.]

What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:2-16 (NLT)
[Jesus instructs his followers about family life, repeating the teaching given in Genesis and telling all to be as trustful as little children.]

Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?”

“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”

But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.”

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
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“Your Heart Today”

Where there is fear, I can allay / Where there is pain, I can heal / Where there are wounds, I can bind / And hunger, I can fill

Lord, grant me courage / Lord, grant me strength / Grant me compassion / That I may be Your heart today

Where there is hate, I can confront / Where there are yokes, I can release / Where there are captives, I can free / And anger, I can appease

When comes the day I dread / To see a broken world / Compel me from my cell grown cold / That Your people I may behold

And when I’ve done, all that I could / Yet there are hearts, I cannot move / Lord give me hope / That I may be Your heart today
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Intercessions:

Creator God: You are the giver of life, the source of all our blessings. Hear us as we ask for Your help and strength.

+ For all who follow Christ – that we may have the trustfulness of little children…. Lord, hear us.

+ For men and women joined together in marriage – that Your grace may continue to work in them, especially in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.

+ For our children and grandchildren – that they may grow wiser and stronger each day, and grow in favor with Your people…. Lord, hear us.

+ For single people, the widowed or separated – that they may be blessed with good friends on their journey through life…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who are gravely ill – that every moment of life may be cherished and that death may be accepted, when it comes…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who face persecution, suffering and death because of their faith – that they may bring honor to Christ in life, and enter into His glory in death…. Lord, hear us.

+ For our family members and friends whose days in this world are over – that they may enter their heavenly homeland with joy…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord our God, You bless those who trust You: hear our prayers offered in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Creation Sings” – Stuart Townend

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Benediction:

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)

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

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