Christ the King Sunday, 20 Nov: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 ~ the victory of love

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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

Today we worship Christ the King – wounded and resurrected – who promises us a place in Paradise.

Opening Prayer:

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You gave us Your Son, the beloved One who was rejected, the Savior who appeared defeated. Yet the mystery of His kingship illumines our lives. Show us in His death the victory that crowns the ages, and in His broken body the love that unites heaven and earth. 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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“Come, Christians, Join to Sing” – the London Philharmonic Orchestra

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A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (NLT)
[The choosing of David as King of Israel in ancient times.]

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’”

So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 122:1-5 (NLT)

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
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“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” –

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A Reading from the Letters: Colossians 1:12-20 (NLT)
[Jesus is given all the titles a king would have.]

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.

He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 23:35-43 (NLT)
[On the cross, Jesus promises heaven to the good thief.]

The Good Thief on the Cross Jacopo Bassano (late 1500’s) — The Good Thief on the Cross
Jacopo Bassano (late 1500’s)

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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“Jesus: Remember me” – Taize

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Intercessory Prayer:

Sovereign God: In Jesus Christ, You have won for us the victory of love. Hear us now as we seek Your help to live and love as Your Kingdom people.

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they may be true servants after the example of Christ our King…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the Jewish people, gathered in Jerusalem and scattered abroad, that they may continue to grow in the love of Your name…. Lord, hear us.
+ For world leaders, that they may set aside their own self-interest and work for the good of all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For migrants and refugees of good will, that they may find compassion and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who serve our communities, that they may not give in to discouragement…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who suffer in mind or body, that the King of Calvary may be their strength…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they, with the good thief, may find a place in Paradise already prepared for them…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God, King of the universe, You are the source of Your people’s joy! Hear our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Ride On, King Jesus” – Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir

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Benediction:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:17
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

33rd Ordinary Sunday, 13 November: Malachi 4:1-3; Psalm 98:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19 ~ stand firm and sing

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

The people of God will have nothing to fear at the Day of Judgement.

Opening Prayer:

Lord God of all the ages, the One who is, who was, and who is to come, stir up within us a longing for your kingdom, steady our hearts in time of trial, and grant us patient endurance until the sun of justice dawns. 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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“Only King Forever” – Elevation Worship

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-3 (NLT)
[Those who uphold God’s name need have nothing to fear when the world ends.]

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

“Unto You That Fear My Name Shall the Sun of Righteousness Arise with Healing in His Wings”
Thomas Moran (1837-1926)

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:5-9 (NLT)

Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
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“Psalm 98 (Sing Unto the Lord)” – Shane & Shane

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 (NLT)
[A condemnation of laziness.]

For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 21:5-19 (NLT)
[St Luke writes about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ, with words of reassurance for disciples of the Lord.]

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré (c 1868) Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario. — The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism
Gustave Doré (c 1868)
Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
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“The King Is Coming” – Newsboys

Make a way for | Make a way for | Make a way for the King | The King is coming

Open up the doors | Open up the doors | Lift your eyes to see | Our King is coming
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Intercessory Prayer:

Sovereign God, You rule heaven and earth with truth and grace. And one day, Jesus will come again as the righteous judge of the living and the dead. Hear our prayers as we await that glorious day.

+ For people who live in fear, that they may be filled with Your perfect love and do what’s right…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who feel hopeless, that You may open new ways for them to experience Your mercy and grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For a peaceful transition within our government, after the presidential election, that we may come together “as one nation under God”…. Lord, hear us.
+ For perpetrators of violence and chaos in our streets, that You may restrain them and deliver us from evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ For victims of crime and violence, that they may see Your justice done on earth as in heaven…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our loved ones who have died in Christ, that they may be raised to life on the last day…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, You rule the world with justice: help us in all our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Days of Elijah” Robin Mark

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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

32nd Ordinary Sunday, 06 November: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38 ~ lead me home

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

We worship God who sustains us in this life and promises us resurrection in the life to come.

Opening Prayer:

God of all the living, in the resurrection of Christ Jesus you have given us the life which even death cannot destroy. Remember your unshakeable promise and strengthen us to live in this world as your new creation. 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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“How Great Thou Art ( 1957 )” – George Beverly Shea

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 (NRSVCE)
[The story of a woman and her sons whose faith in the resurrection gave them the strength to endure martyrdom.]

20 Christian Women Who Died as Martyrs [click on picture for more information] — 20 Christian Women Who Died as Martyrs
[click on picture for more information]

It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under torture with whips and thongs, to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh. One of them, acting as their spokesman, said, “What do you intend to ask and learn from us? For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.”
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And when he was at his last breath, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”

After him, the third was the victim of their sport. When it was demanded, he quickly put out his tongue and courageously stretched forth his hands, and said nobly, “I got these from Heaven, and because of his laws I disdain them, and from him I hope to get them back again.” As a result the king himself and those with him were astonished at the young man’s spirit, for he regarded his sufferings as nothing.

After he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way. When he was near death, he said, “One cannot but choose to die at the hands of mortals and to cherish the hope God gives of being raised again by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 (NLT)
[The Lord hears our prayers, and when we die brings us to the sight of glory.]

Prince Harry happily takes the time to speak to some of the children individually and bends down to hear them.

O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips.
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My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
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Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
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Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
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“Apple of Your eye (Psalm 17)” – Sons of Korah

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 (NLT)
[Paul writes to the Christians of Thessolonika to reassure and encourage them.]

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
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Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 20:27 (NLT)
[Jesus’ answer to people who doubted the resurrection of the dead.]

Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. Finally, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”

Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.

“But now, as to whether the dead will be raised — even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
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“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” – Joey + Rory

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Intercessory Prayer:

O God: bend down and listen as we pray; pay heed to our cries:

+ For peace in our world, especially in Syria and the Middle East — that innocent people may be defended from war and violence…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who are kind to refugees and the destitute — that You may reward their goodness….. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians persecuted for believing — that You may fill them with courage…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who doubt that life continues after death — that they may hear the Good News…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who mourn their loved ones — that You may comfort them and raise those who have died in Christ to their eternal rest…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the upcoming US presidential election – that Your will may done, on earth as it is in heaven…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, You watch over and protect Your people: turn your ear to us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Great Is Thy Faithfullness” – Israel Houghton

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Benediction:

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

31st Ordinary Sunday, 30 October: Wis 11:22-12:2; Psa 145; 2 The 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10 ~ a worthy life

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life.

Opening Prayer:

Just and merciful God, true Lord of every house, sure delight of every heart, come into our midst today to speak your word and satisfy our hunger. Enable us to see you clearly, to welcome you with joy, and to give justice and mercy a place in our lives. 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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“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” – at Royal Albert Hall, London

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 11:22-12:2 (NRSVCE)
[God loves all of creation and encourages those who sin to repent.]

The whole world before you is like a speck that tips the scales, and like a drop of morning dew that falls on the ground. But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook people’s sins, so that they may repent.

For you love all things that exist, and detest none of the things that you have made, for you would not have made anything if you had hated it. How would anything have endured if you had not willed it? Or how would anything not called forth by you have been preserved?

You spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord, you who love the living. For your immortal spirit is in all things.

Therefore you correct little by little those who trespass, and you remind and warn them of the things through which they sin, so that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
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“Psalm 145” – Travis Cottrel

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 (NLT)
[Paul writes of his pleasure at the faith of the community. But he also wants to reassure those disturbed by a false claim that Christ is about to return.]

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.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
[Zacchaeus welcomes his savior into his house and decides to change his ways.]

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.”
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“I will never be the same again.” – Sapphire Singers

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Intercessory Prayer:

Merciful God: You raise those who are bowed down with grief or worry. Hear our prayers.

+ For those who follow Christ — that we, like Zacchaeus, may declare our sins and find peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have never known Your love — that Your mercy may surround them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the suffering people of Aleppo and Syria — that You may defend them and protect them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees of good will — that they may find safe havens and support while waiting to return home…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people on the edge of our communities — that they may discover You are close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those in need, the sick and the worried — that the care of friends may bring them peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the upcoming US presidential election – that truth, justice and wisdom may prevail, and that Your will be done…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ – that they may know Your compassion and dwell with You eternally…. Lord, hear us.

O God our King, You support Your people in all our needs: show us Your kindness, we pray, through Christ our Lord.
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“Faithful one” – Robin Mark

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Benediction:

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

30th Ordinary Sunday, 23 October: Sir 35:12-14 & 16-18; Ps 34:2-3 & 17-19 & 21-22; 2 Tm 4:6-8 & 16-18; Lk 18:9-14 ~ be merciful to me

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

God is merciful to all who humble themselves before him.

Opening Prayer:

O God, who alone can probe the depths of the heart, you hear the prayer of the humble and justify the repentant sinner. As we stand before you, grant us the gift of humility, that we may see our own sins clearly and refrain from judging our neighbor. 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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“How great is our God” – Chris Tomlin

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 (USCCB)
[The Lord is not deferential to the powerful but takes the side of the powerless.]

The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.

Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.

The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 21-22 (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.
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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.
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Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
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“The cry of the poor “

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)
[Paul speaks of his imminent death and reflects on his own deep faith.]

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.
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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.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
[Jesus gives an example of humility before God – the Pharisee and the tax collector.]

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 like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. 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.”
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“God of Mercy and Compassion”

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Intercessory Prayer:

God of justice and mercy, you know no favorites but are partial to the prayers of the powerless and broken-hearted. In humility, and total dependence, we come before you –

+ For all civil leaders, that their governance may reflect your justice and mercy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all religious leaders, that they may lead your people with humility…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers facing persecution, that their faith may be strengthened and their religious freedom respected…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who feel broken-hearted and powerless, that they may recognize your presence with them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our families and especially for people who are sick or troubled…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers whose life on earth is over, that the crown of righteousness may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.

Compassionate God, you rescue your people in all their distress, hear the prayers we offer in humility and truth, through Christ our Lord.
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“Ever Be” – Kalley Heiligenthal | Bethel Music

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Benediction:

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

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