As we enter this Season after Pentecost, let us heed the reminder in Revelation to persevere in the love, faith, and service of the risen Lord Jesus. As we bear witness to the Kingdom where we live and work, let us strive to hold fast to the truth and faith we have received from the Apostles through the Church, and steadfastly cling to Christ’s Way as we encounter various doctrines, practices, and situations that tempt us to turn away. The Holy Spirit will empower us to remain steadfast as we bear witness to Christ, and by doing so, we will conquer. Remember, to the one who conquers, there will be great reward.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
~ Revelation 2.17
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, give us grace to answer the call of the risen Lord, your only Son, and to remain faithful to him in the face of trials, temptations, and persecutions. Be with us today. 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. 92.1-4, 12-15 OT: Ezek. 17.22-24 Gospel: Mark 4.26-34 NT: 2 Cor. 5.6-17 (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
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! [2] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, [3] who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, [5] who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
~ Psalm 103.1-5
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
God of mercy and grace, grant me the steadfastness to endure to the end, to the praise of your glory.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Second Coming of Christ
1 Thessalonians 4.13-18Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, June 18, 2018