The theme of the book of Revelation is the soon coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As is reflected in a number of translations, the Greek term for “soon” may be translated either as “soon” or “quickly,” and without question both are true. Although Jesus’ return is always seen from a future vantage point, there is no question that it will in fact come upon us suddenly or quickly. Let us, at the end of this Season after Pentecost, believe and hold to the prophecy of this book, neither neglecting it as has been the history of the Church, or using it as grist for extremism to grind, as many expositors have done historically. Jesus is coming. Let us all prepare, and make him room!
The amazing apocalyptic vision of John concludes with a chorus of warnings, invitations, and assurances all designed to both challenge and encourage the readers to make the fateful decision to come to Christ now. The urgency of the decision is not, of course, rooted in the precise timing of his return. It has been twenty centuries since John saw the images and visions of the Apocalypse; who knows when our God will begin the consummation? Still, every true believer must hold on to the promise of Christ’s return, doing all s/he can to ready themselves and others for that great time. Get your message straight and clear: behold, he is coming soon!
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
~ Revelation 22.12-13
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, we await the coming of your Son, and are assured that he will soon return to make an end of sin and evil, to consummate your salvation, and to establish your reign in the earth. You are the hope of the world, and the promise of our faith. Thank you, Father, for this living hope you have given to us in your Son, the risen Jesus of Nazareth. 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. 146 OT: Ruth 1.1-18 Gospel: Mark 12.28-34 NT: Heb. 9.11-14 (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
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; [12] let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy [13] before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
~ Psalm 96.11-13
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Maranatha, even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The One Given Dominion
Daniel 7.9-14Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, November 5, 2018 Concert of Prayer: Thursday, November 8, 2018