+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentences
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
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Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness and mercy –
+ in my life and in the life of my family – my wife, my children and their families
+ in the life of my church, its leadership, and every member
+ in answered prayer during this Lenten season
Lord Jesus, increase in me the desire to pray and seek your face –
+ show me how to be still in your presence – quiet my heart and mind
+ give me a hunger and passion, an emptiness, that can only be filled by you
+ give me a burden to pray for the things on your heart, and for revival in this land
Holy Spirit, increase in me an awareness of your presence –
+ in the unfolding of springtime and the natural emergence of new life
+ in my home and neighborhood and all the comings and goings around me
+ in the hearts and lives of people I encounter throughout the day
Gracious God, sustain me with your presence in every circumstance, through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Christ Be All Around Me” – All Sons & Daughters
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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!
Opening Sentence
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
(Isaiah 55:6)
Morning Reading: John 8:31-42 (NLT)
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”
“Our father is Abraham!” they declared.
“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”
They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.
Morning Prayer
Blessed be Christ our Savior. In him we become a new creation, the old order passes and all things are renewed. You promised us, Lord, a new heaven and a new earth; renew me in your Spirit, that I may come to the new Jerusalem and rejoice in you for ever.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may work with you to fill the world with your Spirit.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may be engaged civically for your Kingdom purposes.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may recognize with joy the power you have given me.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may be set free from all evil.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may see your path through the confusion of these times.
+ Renew me, Lord, that I may pursue the things that really matter in life.
God of mercy, shed your light on our hearts and, in your goodness, hear us when we pray. Keep us faithful to your teachings so that the Truth may set us free. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“The truth will set you free” – Dion DiMucci
down the dirty city street, black-topped sneakers on my feet, i raced thru’ early teenage years, and dealt with all those needless fears. waiting as the school bell rang, to drop my books and join the gang, in alley fights with stick ball games, when passing girls wore dirty names.
over my shoulder and back thru’ the years, i can see my father’s eyes in my memory, Jesus died upon the cross, all was won and nothing lost, and how the truth will set you free, yeah, and how the truth will set you free.
i turned my collar, i combed my hair, and i’d hide all the confusion there, when two dimes made my pockets ring, i was a wealthy new york king. being cool by the candy store, i knew my world yet wanted more, my high school colors of black and blue, they would disturb my point of view.
you know our candy stores turn shopping malls, and two dimes won’t buy much at all, the boy, Caruso, on the street is a father now in slippered feet, who tells his son as years go by, how God’s the truth and hates a lie, its not what’s in your pockets son, but what’s in your heart that makes us one.
over your shoulder and back thru’ the years, you will see your father’s eyes in your memory telling you why Jesus died upon the cross, all was won and nothing lost, and how the truth will set you free, yeah, and son the truth will set you free.
the truth will set you free, the truth will set you free, the truth will set you free
Closing Sentence
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
The Peanut Gallery 