Tag: Worship

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020: Isa 51:4-6, Matt 16:13-20, Ps 138, Rom 11:25-36, ~ “Who do you say I am?”

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Living God, you sent your Son among us to reveal your wisdom and make known your ways. Increase our faith, that we may confess Jesus as your Son, take up his work on earth, and trust his promise to sustain the Church. 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.

Then [Jesus] asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
(Matthew 16:15-16)

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Come Thou Almighty King – The Prestonwood Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 51:4-6 (NLT)

“Listen to me, my people.
Hear me, Israel,
for my law will be proclaimed,
and my justice will become a light to the nations.
My mercy and justice are coming soon.
My salvation is on the way.
My strong arm will bring justice to the nations.
All distant lands will look to me
and wait in hope for my powerful arm.
Look up to the skies above,
and gaze down on the earth below.
For the skies will disappear like smoke,
and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing.
The people of the earth will die like flies,
but my salvation lasts forever.
My righteous rule will never end!

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Mighty To Save – Laura Story

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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Psalm 138 (“You Answered Me”) Tony Alonso

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Prayer

For Your Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

For Our Congregations

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in our local congregations the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For A Spirit of Evangelism

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Rescue the Perishing – Altar of Praise Chorale

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Closing – Romans 11:25,-30-32 (NLT)

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ….

Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

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

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16 Aug 2020: , Psalm 67, Isaiah 56:1, 6-7, Matthew 15:21-28 ~ “Please help me, Lord!”

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

God of the nations, all are welcome in your home, and no one is a stranger to your family. Satisfy the hunger of our hearts, and mercifully extend to all the peoples on earth the joy of salvation and faith. 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. Amen.

“Soon I will come to save you;
my saving power will be seen everywhere on earth.”

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Psalm 67 in Hebrew with English translation by Tal Hermon – Jerusalemsaints

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 (CEV)

All Nations Will Be Part of God’s People

The Lord said:

Be honest and fair!
Soon I will come to save you;
my saving power will be seen
everywhere on earth.
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Foreigners will follow me.
They will love me
and worship
in my name;
they will respect the Sabbath
and keep our agreement.
I will bring them
to my holy mountain,
where they will celebrate
in my house of worship.
Their sacrifices and offerings
will always be welcome
on my altar.
Then my house will be known
as a house of worship
for all nations.

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Lord Have Mercy – Michael W Smith and Sarah McIntosh

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 15:21-28 (CEV)

A Woman’s Faith

Jesus left and went to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Suddenly a Canaanite woman from there came out shouting, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is full of demons.” Jesus did not say a word. But the woman kept following along and shouting, so his disciples came up and asked him to send her away.

Jesus said, “I was sent only to the people of Israel! They are like a flock of lost sheep.”

The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!”

Jesus replied, “It isn’t right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.”

“Lord, that’s true,” the woman said, “but even dogs get the crumbs that fall from their owner’s table.”

Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” At that moment her daughter was healed.

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Kadosh Ata (You are Holy) Joshua Aaron – Messianic Praise and Worship

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Prayer

+ For the Human Family: O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Unrepentant: Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For a Spirit of Evangelism: Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Mission of the Church: O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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How Great is our God / Gadol Elohai by Joshua Aaron in Jerusalem, Israel / Messianic Worship

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Closing – Romans 11:17-18 (CEV)

You Gentiles are like branches of a wild olive tree that were made to be part of a cultivated olive tree. You have taken the place of some branches that were cut away from it. And because of this, you enjoy the blessings that come from being part of that cultivated tree. But don’t think you are better than the branches that were cut away. Just remember that you are not supporting the roots of that tree. Its roots are supporting you.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 09 Aug 2020: Jonah 2:1-10, Psalm 29, Matthew 14:22-33 ~ “I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 09 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Keep your Church, O Lord, by your perpetual mercy; and because without you
the frailty of our nature causes us to fall, keep us from all things hurtful, and
lead us to all things profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jonah 2:1-10 (CEV)

From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God:

When I was in trouble, Lord, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer.

You threw me down to the bottom of the sea. The water was churning all around; I was completely covered by your mighty waves. I thought I was swept away from your sight, never again to see your holy temple.

I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head. I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, Lord God, rescued me from that pit.

When my life was slipping away, I remembered you—and in your holy temple you heard my prayer. All who worship worthless idols turn from the God who offers them mercy. But with shouts of praise, I will offer a sacrifice to you, my Lord. I will keep my promise, because you are the one with power to save.

The Lord commanded the fish to vomit up Jonah on the shore. And it did.

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Psalm 29 (The Voice of the Lord) – (Nick Poppens) The Psalms Project

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew Matthew 14:22-33 (CEV)

Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake.But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.

By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!”

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“Cry Out To Jesus” – Third Day

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A Prayer

Gracious Father: Hear our prayers for the Church and the World, and have mercy on us.
We pray in the name of Jesus –

+ For your Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it, through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For the peace of the world. In your perfect kingdom, no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For all who live, preach, and teach the Gospel at home and in distant lands; prosper them, and protect them in all perils, support them in their loneliness, sustain them in the hour of trial; give them your abundant grace to bear faithful witness; and endue them with burning zeal and love, that they may turn many to righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. Give them boldness that they may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them, and give them the strength to suffer courageously; through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For our Nation, and our President Donald Trump. We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For the social conflict and distress in our Nation. Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+ For the discouraged and downcast. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair; through Jesus Christ our Lord….

+ For the broken-hearted. Heal them and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+ For the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Oceans” (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong UNITED

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Closing – Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 02 Aug 2020 – Isaiah 55:1-3, Psalm 145, Romans 8:35, 37-39, Matthew 14:13-21 ~ Come to me and live!

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 02 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we
may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Pay close attention! Come to me and live.”

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Love Divine – Worship Band Version | New Scottish Hymns Band

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Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1-3 (CEV)

If you are thirsty, come and drink water!
If you don’t have any money, come, eat what you want!
Drink wine and milk without paying a cent.

Why waste your money on what really isn’t food?
Why work hard for something hat doesn’t satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods.

Pay close attention! Come to me and live.
I will promise you the eternal love and loyalty that I promised David.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:13-21 (CEV)

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

After Jesus heard about John, he crossed Lake Galilee to go to some place where he could be alone. But the crowds found out and followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd. He felt sorry for them and healed everyone who was sick.

That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.”

Jesus replied, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?”

But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread and two fish.” Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him, and he told the crowd to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples, and they gave it to the people.

After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus’ disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.

There were about five thousand men who ate, not counting the women and children.

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The Hand Of The Lord (Psalm 145) – WorshipNOW Modern Psalms

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A Prayer

Heavenly Father: you are kind and full of compassion; your love endures forever. Lord, hear our prayers –

+ For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of  God…. Lord, have mercy.

+ For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; and for all who teach and disciple others….  Lord, have mercy.

+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith….  Lord, have mercy.

+ For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service, especially our President, Donald Trump….  Lord, have mercy.

+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially those affected by the pandemic….  Lord, have mercy.

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Nothing Ever Could Separate Us – Citizen Way

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Closing – Romans 8:35, 37-39 (CEV)

Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?
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In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

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

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26 Jul 2020 – 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12, Matthew 13:44-52, Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 8:28-30 ~ give me wisdom to make right decisions

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26 Jul 2020

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

Opening:

God of eternal wisdom, you alone impart the gift of right judgement. Grant us an understanding heart, that we may value wisely the treasure of your kingdom and gladly forgo all lesser gifts to possess that kingdom’s incomparable joy. We pray 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

“Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven
is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.”

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Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah – Mennonite Hour Men’s Quartet

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A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 (CEV)

One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the Lord God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”
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Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.

Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said:

Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.

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Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:44-52 (CEV)

A Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when someone finds a treasure hidden in a field and buries it again. A person like that is happy and goes and sells everything in order to buy that field.

A Valuable Pearl

The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a shop owner is looking for fine pearls. After finding a very valuable one, the owner goes and sells everything in order to buy that pearl.

A Fish Net

The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a net is thrown into a lake and catches all kinds of fish. When the net is full, it is dragged to the shore, and the fishermen sit down to separate the fish. They keep the good ones, but throw the bad ones away. That’s how it will be at the end of time. Angels will come and separate the evil people from the ones who have done right. Then those evil people will be thrown into a flaming furnace, where they will cry and grit their teeth in pain.

New and Old Treasures

Jesus asked his disciples if they understood all these things. They said, “Yes, we do.”

So he told them, “Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.”

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Psalm 119:33-40 (ESV) – The Corner Room

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.

Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
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A Prayer for Wisdom and Peace: by Scotty Smith

Dear heavenly Father, you number our hairs and determine our days; you hang the stars and feed the sparrows; you open doors no one can shut and shut doors no one can open. Surely, we can trust you when the time comes for making decisions. Father, we will trust you for generous wisdom, straight paths and peaceful hearts, all for your glory.

  • How we praise you for being the decision-making-God. It’s not our decisions, but yours that make all the difference.
  • We will plan, but we trust you to order our steps.
  • We will pray, but ask you to fix our prayers en route to heaven.
  • We will seek counsel, but count on you to overrule faulty or incomplete input from our most trusted friends and mentors.
  • We will search the Scriptures, but not looking for proof texts but for you, Father. All we want and need is you.

Free us from the paralysis of analysis—wanting make the right decision, more than we want to be righteous people; wanting to be known as wise people, more than we want to know you.

  • Free us from the idolatry of assuming there’s only one “perfect” choice in any given situation.
  • Free us from making decisions primary for our comfort and other’s approval, or fear their disapproval.
  • Free us to know that good choices don’t always lead to the easiest outcomes, especially at first.
  • Free us from second and twenty-second guessing our decisions.

Father, we know that in ALL things, your will is our sanctification—our becoming more and more like Jesus. Give us this passion; make it our delight, even as we trust you for the opening and closing of doors that are in front of us. All for your glory – in the name of our reigning King, Jesus we pray. Amen
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Nothing But Goodness – North Central University Worship Live

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Closing – Romans 8:28-30 (CEV)

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children. God then accepted the people he had already decided to choose, and he has shared his glory with them.

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