While false religious systems and ideologies of the world may tout their strange doctrines and false affirmations, the truth of Christ stands true and firm. The great mystery of Babylon – the religious whore who perverted the ways of God and did willing business with the enterprises of this doomed world – will certainly fall. The vision of the mystery of Babylon the great underscores that our God demands worshipers who worship him in spirit and in truth. The core of idolatry and false religion is deception, phoniness, untruth. God’s judgment on the bogus religions and idolatrous visions of the world makes it plain how critical it is for us to approach the true God through his chosen and single Mediator, he who alone can properly introduce us to our Father.
When both political rulers and religious deceivers may rage against the truth of Christ, the testimony of God’s Word stands true: the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, will overcome all opposition, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful. Fill your heart with the hope of expectation, being fully assured that Christ will conquer all lies and deception at his coming.
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
~ Revelation 17.14
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, let us never be intimidated by the appearance of satanic victory for ultimately only your Son will triumph over all. Let us not waver in the face of wicked religions or false ideologies. Rather, fill our hearts today with the assurance of your grace. Amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 124 OT: Esther 7.1-6, 9-10; 9.20-22 Gospel: Mark 9.38-50 NT: James 5.13-20 (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. [2] Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! [3] Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. [4] For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. [5] He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. [6] By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
~ Psalm 33.1-6
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Everyone who speaks the truth, O Lord and Christ, listens to you.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Coming of Christ
Revelation 19