Jesus of Nazareth is the Lord of heaven and history, the One whom the Father has given to the world. He and he alone reveals to us the Father’s glory, and redeems us from our wickedness and sin. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture we witness the glory of the risen and ascended Lord, and now seek to know him as he truly is. As believers in him, and as those awaiting his soon return, let us strive to know him who is beyond thought, and strive to love him who is worthy of all our best. We need not fear him, but we must stand in awe of the One who is the first and last, the One who was alive, died, and now is alive forevermore. Let us daily strive to give him both our best and our all. May God give us grace to worship and serve him aright, as the Lord and King of all.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, [18] and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. [19] Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
~ Revelation 1.17-19
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, enable us to see the glory of your Son with eyes that are neither dull nor jaundiced, but rather fully open to the glory and majesty of him whom you love and delight in. In his name we pray, 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. 130 OT: Gen. 3.8-15 Gospel: Mark 3.20-35 NT: 2 Cor. 4.13-5.1 (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
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. [2] You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. [3] Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! [4] In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
~ Psalm 45.1-4
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus give me eyes to see you as you really are – the exalted one and only Son of the Father, our Lord and King!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Second Coming of Christ
1 Thessalonians 4.13-18