Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Your creation, O God, runs its appointed course, as from the ends of the earth you gather a people you call your own. Confirm us in the strength of your abiding word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may joyfully welcome his appearing. 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.
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“Creation Sings” – Stuart Townend

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Gospel Reading: Mark 13:14-23 (NLT)

“The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter. For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.

“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God: Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and protect us from the wiles and deceit of the evil one. We pray especially –

+ For all believers – that we may be ready when Christ comes in glory….
+ For all who fear death - that they may come to faith in Christ….
+ For all who are imprisoned – that they may trust in Christ’s remembrance…
+ For all who are endangered – that they may receive Christ’s protection…
+ For all who are suffering – that they may receive Christ’s loving-kindness…
+ For all who are mourning – that they may receive Christ’s consolation…
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may receive the joys of everlasting life…

O Lord our God: Keep us alert and strong, that we may stand firm to the end, through faith and trust in your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Psalm 16” (Fullness of Joy) – Shane & Shane

Preserve me, O God, for I find rest in You alone. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord I have no good apart from You.” All sons and daughters, brothers, sisters my delight, let’s sing together “no other gods shall satisfy.” God You satisfy.

In Your presence, there is fullness, of joy, of joy.

You give me counsel, my heart instructs me in the night. You are before me, because You’re for me, I’m alright. It’ll be alright. It’ll be alright.

In Your presence, there is fullness, of joy, of joy.
At your right hand, there are pleasures, forevermore, forevermore.

My heart is glad and my soul rejoice; my flesh it dwells secure. Because You put on flesh, lived a blameless life, my curse on the cross You bore. Then You ripped the doors off the City of Death, and the chains fell to the floor. Now the serpent’s crushed. It has been finished, and You reign forever more.

You are my portion, my cup and you make my lot secure. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, a beautiful inheritance.
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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

“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.”

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