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Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning born of the one light Eden saw play! —-Eleanor Farjeon, 1931
Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 98: 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. Prayer based on the Liturgy of St. Mark (2nd century) O Almighty God, bless your people. Give us your peace, your help, and your love, for we are the sheep of your pasture. Let us be united in your peace-- one in the Body, one in the Spirit, and one in the hope of your calling, all through the gift of your endless grace. Amen. Hymn of the Day God Is In the Roses, sung by Roseanne Cash. Okay, it’s not actually a hymn, but it’s a beautifully spiritual song. Listen and pray. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVsIH2cbM04 Reading of the Day: Matthew 4: 1-11 4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims, whose brother-in-law died from the virus after being on a ventilator for over two weeks, and for her sister, their children and their grandchildren, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus. Pray especially for people in New York City, which has been hit so hard. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now go forth in Jesus name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonus reading— I read this in a resource that I receive each week-- the Salt Project (www.saltproject.org) and it nourished my soul. Maybe it will lift you up too. [I THANK YOU GOD FOR MOST THIS AMAZING] by e.e. cummings i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth day of life and of love and wings;and of the gay great happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any—lifted from the no of all nothing—human merely being doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened) + e e cummings ---------------------- e e cummings was the son of a Harvard professor who left the academy to become the ordained minister of South Congregational Church in Boston. In this poem, cumming’s own theology comes through - influenced by both traditional Christianity and the transcendentalism of Ralph Waldo Emerson - in a playful, modernist take on an Elizabethan sonnet (fourteen lines, closing couplet, and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG).
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Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. —-Eleanor Farjeon, 1931
Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Matthew 28: 6-7 Do not be afraid: Jesus is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA) O Holy God, creator of all, the risen Christ taught from scripture of his death, resurrection, and ascension into your glorious presence. May the living Lord breathe on us his peace, that our eyes may be opened to recognize him in breaking bread, and to follow wherever he leads, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy), #464, Presbyterian Hymnal. This is one you can listen to and rejoice, but for full effect you need to watch it. Witness the power of music to bring delight into our lives, and joy into hearts. Thanks be to God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxLbmnvMWM0&pbjreload=10 Watch, listen and pray. Reading of the Day: Colossians 1: 15-23 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. 21 And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him— 23 provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus. Pray for those who are homeless during this time, as they are particularly vulnerable to illness. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now go forth in Jesus name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen. Bonus reading— I read this in a resource that I receive each week-- the SALT Project-- and it nourished my soul. Maybe it will lift you up too. [I THANK YOU GOD FOR MOST THIS AMAZING] by e.e. cummings i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth day of life and of love and wings;and of the gay great happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any—lifted from the no of all nothing—human merely being doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened) + e e cummings e e cummings was the son of a Harvard professor who left the academy to become the ordained minister of South Congregational Church in Boston. In this poem, cumming’s own theology comes through - influenced by both traditional Christianity and the transcendentalism of Ralph Waldo Emerson - in a playful, modernist take on an Elizabethan sonnet (fourteen lines, closing couplet, and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG). Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!… —-Eleanor Farjeon, 1931
Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Rev. 7: 17 The Lamb of God will be our shepherd; he will guide us to the water of life. Prayer Howard Thurman (1900-1981) Open unto me— light for my darkness. Open unto me— courage to my fear. Open unto me— peace for my turmoil. Open unto me— joy for my sorrow. Open unto me— strength for my weakness. Open unto me— wisdom for my confusion. Open unto me— forgiveness for my sins. Open unto me— love for my hates. Open unto me— thy Self for my self. Lord, Lord, open unto me! Amen. Hymn of the Day (By request!) Charlie Daniels singing “He’s Alive”— a retelling of the scriptural stories about Jesus’ resurrection. Listen and pray. Reading of the Day: Psalm 98 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2 The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus. Pray for those who are restless and feeling cabin fever, that we may be patient and wise in our movement. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now go forth in Jesus name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen. Morning has broken like the first morning…
—-Eleanor Farjeon, 1931 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 133:1 How very good it is when the people of God live in unity. Prayer Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Power of the eternal Father, help me. Wisdom of the Son, enlighten the eye of my understanding. Tender mercy of the Holy Spirit, unite my heart to yourself. Eternal God, restore health to the sick, and life to the dead. Give us a voice, your own voice, to cry out to you for mercy for the world. You, light, give us light. You, wisdom, give us wisdom. You, supreme strength, strengthen us. Amen. Hymn of the Day Amazing Grace- this is the choir of Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Listen and pray. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbvgwgG9zOA Reading of the Day: 1 Peter: 6-14 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus. Pray for those who are returning to work this week, that they would be still be able to stay safe and healthy. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now go forth in Jesus name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen. Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield.
William Williams, 1745 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences— Rev. 1:8 Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord who was and is and is to come. Prayer Dionysius of Alexandria (d. 264) God, good beyond all that is good, fair beyond all that is fair, in you is calmness, peace, and concord. Heal the dissensions that divide us from one another and bring us back to a unity of love bearing some likeness to your divine nature. Through the embrace of love and the bonds of godly affection, make us one in the Spirit by your peace which makes all things peaceful. We ask this through the grace, mercy, and tenderness of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Down to the River, virtual choir directed by Tiffany Goodrick in 2017. Listen here to this American folk song which has just recently begun to be included in hymnals. Reading of the Day: Acts 2: 37-47 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus, and Mary Huffman from Celebration Singers, who may be treated for COVID19 as a precaution due to similar symptoms. Pray for the Session of John Knox church, as we meet next week to make decisions about how to move forward. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now to the Sovereign eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. When I tread the verge of Jordon, bid my anxious fears subside…
William Williams, 1745 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences— John 13: 34 This is our new commandment in Christ: As Jesus loves us, let us love one another. Prayer Augustine of Hippo (c. 354-430) O God, full of compassion, I commit and commend myself to you, in whom I am, and live, and know. Be the goal of my pilgrimage, and my rest by the way. Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thought beneath the shadow of your wings. Let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in you, O God. Amen. Hymn of the Day Come, Thou Fount (Presbyterian Hymnal #356), sung by the Oakwood Aeolian Alumni Choir. Click here to listen and meditate on this favorite hymn. Reading of the Day: Acts 1: 12-26 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16 “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and ‘Let another take his position of overseer.’ 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, Mary Warwick from TWRC, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell’s cousin, who has died of the virus. Pray for those who have lost loved ones to the virus without being able to provide comfort to them. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now to the Sovereign eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.
William Williams, 1745 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences— Luke 24: 31-32 When Jesus speaks, our hearts burn within us; our eyes are opened when he breaks the bread. Prayer Alcuin of Tours (c. 735-804) Eternal Light, shine into our hearts; Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil; Eternal Power, be our support; Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance; Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us, that with all our heart and mind and strength we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Woke Up This Morning, (African American Heritage Hymnal #566), sung as a PRE-prelude by the choir at First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY. Click here to listen and pray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPPBwZNZpQQ Reading of the Day: 1 Peter 2: 1-10 1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” 8 and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, Mary Warwick from TWRC, and the family of Lynn Thygessen, Donna Ardell's cousin, who passed away from the virus yesterday. Pray for all who have worked in public without a break for the last 5 weeks, and who will work as long as they’re needed. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now to the Sovereign eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand…
William Williams, 1745 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences— 1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; when Christ is revealed, we will be like him. Prayer based on a prayer of Clement of Rome (1st century) We pray to you, O God: be our helper and protector. Save the afflicted, have mercy on the lowly, raise up the fallen, help the needy, humble the proud, return the lost, feed the hungry, release the captive, heal the sick, revive the weak, comfort those in fear. All this we ask for the sake of the world you love, and in the name of the one you sent to save us: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (The Presbyterian Hymnal #482) at a service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Westminster Abbey, Tuesday 4th June 2013. Click here to listen and pray. Reading of the Day: 1 Peter 1: 13-21 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, and Mary Warwick from TWRC. Pray for all who are increasingly lonely. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now to the Sovereign eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land…
William Williams, 1745 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences— Luke 24:44 Remember all that Jesus has said and done; in Christ the promises of God are fulfilled. Prayer based on a prayer of Columba (c. 521-597) With you, O God, to guide me, I journey on my way. I know you are beside me all through the night and day. Within your hand you hold me; what do I have to fear? Your loving arms enfold me, your grace is always near. Amen. Hymn of the Day Amazing Grace (The Presbyterian Hymnal #280) We’ll hear a different video of Amazing Grace each Monday. Click here to here today’s- a beautiful version in Cajun French, suggested by Debbi Englade. If you have special songs you’d like to have included in morning prayers, just contact Becky. Reading of the Day: 1 Peter 1: 1-12 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, Donna’s cousin Lynn Thygessen, who is in serious condition with the virus, and Mary Warwick from TWRC. Pray for teachers and students, especially those who are graduating and missing the recognitions of their hard work and accomplishments. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Now to the Sovereign eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Where there is hatred let me bring your love...
Attr. St. Francis, 1181-1226 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences John 20: 19 Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. Prayer Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971 God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right, if I surrender to your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy in this life, and supremely happy with you forever in the next. Amen. Hymn of the Day Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (Glory to God #753) The hymn is sung here in a haunting, beautiful way by Irish singer/songwriter Sinead O’Connor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnhhLWOKUeA Reading of the Day Luke 24: 1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Szeliga in their work as nurses, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims and her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, and Mary Warwick from TWRC. Pray for prisoners and prison workers, who are especially susceptible to the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Christ is risen! Do not be afraid. Go and tell this good news to all. Alleluia! Amen. |
AuthorBecky Downs, pastor of John Knox, started writing daily prayers for the congregation at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, to encourage the congregation in their faith during their time of separation from each other. The daily prayers were posted throughout the year. You might want to choose one a day to read, and modify the specific prayers for self and others to fit your life today. Archives
April 2021
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