No one in the entire universe was found worthy to take the scroll from the One on the throne or to open its seals, save the Lamb of God. This image of the Regnant Lamb, the divine Conqueror who glorifies God and consummates his kingdom establishment on earth is the controlling image of redemption, and of our worship. Let us join with all the angels and saints in extolling the Lamb who is Lion, the Lamb who is of David’s clan, the One who alone has been found worthy and the only one who can complete the plan of God for the salvation of creation, and his own Kingdom come.
During this Season after Pentecost, let us thank the Holy Spirit for giving us knowledge of the One true conquering Lord, the Regnant Lamb who will finish what he started on the Cross, and establish for himself a people who will serve him forever. Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne!
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, [10] and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
~ Revelation 5.9-10
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, let our praise mingle with the angels and saints today who cry out with full and glad hearts the worthiness of the Lamb, the only One who can consummate your plan and bring to fulfillment your kingdom reign soon. Glory to your Name, through him, 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. 123 OT: Ezek. 2.1-5 Gospel: Mark 6.1-13 NT: 2 Cor. 12.2-10 (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
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, [18] to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. [19] The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. [20] Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! [21] Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! [22] Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
~ Psalm 103.17-22
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, who was, and is, and is to come.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Heavenly Throne
Revelation 4Our Corporate Disciplines
Solitude and Silence: Tuesday, July 10, 2018