31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 ; Luke 19:1-10 ~ saved to serve

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

Opening sentence: 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.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

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.

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.

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. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 (NLT)

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.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)

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.”

Intercessions:

God of mercy and compassion – You welcome all who seek You… hear my prayers on behalf of Your people:

+ For all Church leaders, and all baptized believers: that together we will continually grow closer to You and reflect Your love, mercy and grace…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all nations: that they will respect the splendor of God’s creation and care for the world’s resources and its people…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all politicians and Government Officials: that they follow the example of Zacchaeus and be open to accept responsibility for the wrongs they have done and be ready to make amends for them…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who have wealth and power: that they will place themselves at the service of those in need…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For retired servants of Christ: that they may continue to enjoy Your grace and mercy on their life’s journey…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those working for peace: that God will inspire them and that all members of the military and aid agencies may soon return home to their loved ones…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who are seriously ill, hospitalized, or homebound… and their caregivers…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For the recently deceased, and for all who mourn their loss.… Lord, hear my prayer.

God of life, You free me from fear and stir up my heart to hope in You. Help me to live life in a manner worthy of Your calling. I ask this through Christ my Lord. AMEN.

Spiritual Song: “Before the Throne of God Above”

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

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 ~ let all who are helpless take heart

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

Opening sentence: 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.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 (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.

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.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)

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.

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.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)

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 a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. 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.”

Intercessions:

God of Justice and Mercy – You hear the cries of the poor and oppressed; hear me as I humbly lay my concerns before Your throne of grace:

That Your people may preach and live a life of humility, repentance, and joyful fidelity… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all people everywhere may hear and believe the Good News of the Gospel… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all those who serve You under difficult, seeemingly impossible, circumstances – particularly those who feel deserted – may be strengthened by Your Spirit and faithful in their witness… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That Your Spirit may inspire those in the media, and in turn Your people, to be a stronger voice for the weak, the marginalized, and the unborn… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the sick and the lonely, and all whom the Lord has called from this world, as well as those who mourn their loss… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the poor and dispossessed, particularly in the Middle East, who cry out in their oppression – rain down justice… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.

O God, I humbly place these needs before you and ask for all things according to Your Kingdom purpose on earth as it is in heaven. To Christ be glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anthem: “Rise, Ye Children of Salvation”

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

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 121:1-8; Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 ~ hands up

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

Opening sentence: 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.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 121:1-8 (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.

A Reading from the Old Teastament: Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV)

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 (NLT)

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 appears 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.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)

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?”

Intercessions:

With my hands and heart raised before You, O Lord – my saving help – hear my prayer:

That Christian leaders who labor on behalf of Your Church throughout the world are filled with the Holy Spirit so they may inspire and guide the faithful. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers always enjoy the freedom to pray in public and worship You according to Your command, especially those Christians being persecuted in the Middle East. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers realize we are not only receivers but also proclaimers of Your Word to every tribe and nation on earth. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
That Christian believers acknowledge our stewardship – all we have comes from You and is to be used to further Your Kingdom purposes – and therefore make wise use of our time, talent and treasure. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For all those serving our country around the world…and for the loved ones who await their safe return. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who are sick, hospitalized, or homebound, and for their caregivers. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who have recently died in You, and for all who mourn their loss. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who weigh heavily on my heart today. (silent pause) Lord, hear my prayer.

God of truth, you know my weaknesses and my failings. Make me faithful to Your path. I ask you this through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Spirital Song: “Put Your Heart in Me” – Misty Edwards

When you cry, I want to cry with you / When you laugh, let me feel joy / When you move, I want to move with you / When you’re still, keep my feet on the ground

For without you I can do nothing / To be with you is my greatest dream / To be without you I would have nothing / So keep me near you now and always

Show me what you are doing / I want to be near you as your friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me

When you pray, I want to pray with you / When you heal, Lord use my hands / When moved with compassion, turn within me / When seasons change, let me in on your plan / For you Spirit lives within me / And your heartbeat He will unveil

Your very mind has been placed within me / So clear the gray and let me enter in / Show me what you’re doing / I want to be near you as a friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me

Show me what you’re doing / I want to be near you as your friend / Tell me your deepest secrets / I want to know you, put your heart in me / I want to know you, put your heart in me / I want to love you, put your heart in me / Let me hear your heartbeat, let me hear what you feel / Let me hear your heartbeat, let me hear what you feel

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

Morning Prayer: Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 30:20-21; Hebrews 4:12-13 ~ one step at a time

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

Psalm 119:105-112 NLT:

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.

I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

Isaiah 30:20-21 NLT:

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you.

You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT:

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.

Reflection/Prayer:

Your word is a lamp to my feet; where I am standing now, and the step just before me that I need not hesitate over. Your word is a light to my path, shining a little way ahead, giving me glimpses of direction to reassure me and give me purpose. You shine faithfully upon my life, but You cannot and will not take the steps for me – it is I who must walk in Your way and become the expression of Your will.

O Lord, give me wisdom. I dare not take a step without You. When I cannot see all of the way forward, help me to trust that You will whisper in my heart or in my ear calling me back when I might step to right or left of what You intend for me. When there are snares for my feet, help me to find the way through, and continue with a rejoicing heart to the end.

When we do not know what to do, let us ask of Thee, that we might find out. We dare to ask for light upon only one step at a time. We would rather walk with Thee than jump by ourselves. (Peter Marshall)

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart. (Attributed to Patrick)

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com.

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

Morning Prayer: Psalm 119:97-104; Proverbs 2:1-6; Luke 2:40-47, 52 ~ seek wisdom

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

Psalm 119:97-104 NLT:

Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT:

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. 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.

Luke 2:40-47, 52 NLT:

There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.

When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Reflection/Prayer:

Oh how I love Thy law! It is my meditation, all the day. ‘I have more understanding than all my teachers…’ Jesus has this, not because He was God, but because He was receptive in His humnan life to the Voice and direction of His Father. As a boy He had apparently not experienced the anointing of the Holy Spirit yet, but even so by saturating Himself in Scripture He was filled with understanding. Nor did He consider Himself unteachable, unable to learn from others.

Aidan of Lindisfarne had a similar love of Scripture, and especially the psalms which he would memorize, and speak by heart as he travelled on foot with his companions. In Eastern Europe and elsewhere, when copies of the Bible are hard-to-come-by, believers naturally treasure the word, and memorize as much as possible. No authority can remove the word hidden in your heart; it can be meditated upon all day long.

If we practiced silence a little bit more, then when we did speak we’d have something to say. (John Skinner)

I weave a silence on to my lips
I weave a silence into my mind
I weave a silence within my heart
I close my ears to distractions
I close my eyes to attractions
I close my heart to temptations.
Calm me, O Lord, as You stilled the storm
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm
Let all the tumult within me cease
Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace.
(David Adam)

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

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