The time of reaping will soon be at hand, and the time for sowing will be no more. We are called by our Lord to labor while it is day, for the night is soon to come, and the time will come when no one can work. As laborers in the Lord’s harvest fields, and workers in his vineyard, let us preach the Good News in season and out of season, proclaiming to all we know the grace of God and the offer of eternal life in his Son. Soon, the time of harvest will be completed.
Make no mistake; people confuse God’s loving-kindness and patience with an inability or unwillingness to judge his creation and to demonstrate his wrath to those who reject his offer of love and grace in Christ. Let us never fool ourselves by underestimating the awesome, terrifying power of our great God, and his commitment to reveal his righteousness, and consummate his reign. God has made his promise, and nothing will prevent him from fulfilling his commitment to establish his kingdom reign throughout this universe.
Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. [7] And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
~ Revelation 14.6-7
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit, in order that we might live and proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus, and others be led to trust in him alone. Time is running out, and the opportunity to work will be over. Infuse us with a new intensity to tell others of the Good News of salvation, while time remains. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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. 125 OT: Prov. 22.1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Gospel: Mark 7.24-37 NT: James 2.1-17 (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
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. [6] The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. [7] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. [8] The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
~ Psalm 121.5-8
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus, help me to work while it is day, for night is coming, when no one can work.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Dragon, the Woman, and Her Seed
Revelation 12Our Corporate Disciplines
National Day of Prayer: Monday, September 10, 2018