Make me a channel of your peace...
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 Acts 10: 39-41 The crucified one is risen from the dead. We are witnesses: Christ is risen indeed! Prayer 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 Ke Na Le Modisa. Today’s music is provided by the Soweto Gospel Choir, as part of their Live at the Nelson Mandela Theater concert. The English translation is this: The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want His name is Jehovah the living God I will continue to thank you in my prayers The enemies can hate me but your love does not fail. After all He remains the solid rock. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tGOvz5NO0o Reading of the Day Matthew 28:16-20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 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 “non-essential” small business owners and employees, that they would have what they need. 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.
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Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die.
Brian Wren, 1968 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 Isaiah 25: 7, 9 The Lord has swallowed up death forever. Be glad and rejoice! God is our salvation. Prayer John Calvin (1509-1564) Save us, Lord, from being self-centered in our prayers, and teach us to remember to pray for others. May we be so caught up in love for those for whom we pray, that we may feel their needs as keenly as our own, and pray for them with imagination, sensitivity and knowledge. we ask this in Christ’s name. Amen. Hymn of the Day Thine Is the Glory (Presbyterian Hymnal #122.) Today’s music is provided by the original Mennonite Hour Singers. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK0I9vj2QlI Reading of the Day: Matthew 28 1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day. 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’ sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, Mary Warwick from TWRC, and David Lewallen and Delphine Zarsky who have been exposed to the virus. Pray for children and adults who are unsafe at home, whose only safe place is at school or work, who are in danger of abuse, hunger, and insecurity during this time. 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. Christ is alive! Let Christians Sing. The cross stands empty to the sky.
Brian Wren, 1968 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 Corinthians 15: 1-2, 4 This is the good news by which we are saved: on the third day Jesus rose from the dead. Prayer Brightness of God’s glory and exact image of God’s person, whom death could not conquer nor the tomb imprison, as you have shared our frailty in human flesh, help us to share your immortality in the Spirit. Let no shadow of the grave terrify us, and no fear of darkness turn our hearts from you. Reveal yourself to us this day and all our days, as the first and the last, the Living One, our immortal Savior and Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (Presbyterian Hymnal #280.) Today’s music is provided by Celtic Women, 2009. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE 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, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims’ sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, all hospitalized with the virus, Mary Warwick from TWRC, and David Lewallen and Delphine Zarsky who have been exposed to the virus. Pray for workers and residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homes for people with severe disabilities. 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. …Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.
Attr. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) 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 Peter 2: 24 Christ Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. Blessed is the name of the Lord. Prayer Almighty God, look with mercy on your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Were You There? (Presbyterian Hymnal #102) Each day this week I’ll suggest another interpretation of this song, in the hope that they will provide new insight to us all. Today’s music is provided by Johnny Cash. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T8qwVjfvms Reading of the Day: Mark 15: 1-39 Today’s scripture reading is quite a bit longer than the others. I invite you to take some time to read the whole thing, pausing between sections to consider its impact on you. Jesus Before Pilate 1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified 6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. The Soldiers Mock Jesus 16 Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18 And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20 After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion of Jesus 21 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22 Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. The Death of Jesus 33 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36 And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Mark Sabala and Marcy Sheldon in their work as nurses, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims’ nephew, Mary Warwick from TWRC, and David Lewallen and Delphine Zarsky who have been exposed to the virus. Pray for those who are sick and unable to be tended to by friends and family. 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. …What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend?
Attr. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) 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 Jesus said: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as Christ has loved us, let us love one another. Prayer O God, your love is embodied in Jesus Christ, who washed disciples’ feet on the night of his betrayal. Wash us from the stain of sin, so that, in hours of danger, we may not fail, but follow your Son through every trial, and praise him always as Lord and Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Were You There? (Presbyterian Hymnal #102) Each day this week I’ll suggest another interpretation of this song, in the hope that they will provide new insight to us all. Today’s music is provided by the King’s College Cambridge Choir. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5qUnKC9rPU Reading of the Day: Mark 14: 12-25 12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. 17 When it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” 22 While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Kay and Mark Sabala’s friend, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims’ nephew, and Mary Warwick from TWRC. Pray for those who work in sanitation, infrastructure, plumbing and electrical work— all essential needs. 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 May the Lamb upon the throne be your shepherd, guiding you to the water of life, and wiping away every tear. Amen. …O sacred head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Attr. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) 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— Ephesians 5: 8, 14 Live as children of the light. Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Prayer Gracious God, in order that the children of earth might discern good from evil you sent your Son to be the light of the world. As Christ shines upon us, may we learn what pleases you, and live in all truth and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Were You There? (Presbyterian Hymnal #102) Each day this week I’ll suggest another interpretation of this song, in the hope that they will provide new insight to us all. Today’s music is provided by the Prestonwood Choir. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEaF10qpXz0 Reading of the Day: Mark 14: 3-9 3 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Kay and Mark Sabala’s friend, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, Star Sims’ nephew, and Mary Warwick from TWRC. Pray for those in government, that they would navigate this time with wisdom, compassion, and justice. 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 May the Lamb upon the throne be your shepherd, guiding you to the water of life, and wiping away every tear. Amen. …now scornfully surrounded with thorns, thine only crown…
Attr. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) 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— Jeremiah 31 The Lord makes a new covenant with us. We are God’s people; the Lord is our God. Prayer God of love, as in Jesus Christ you gave yourself to us, so may we give ourselves to you, living according to your holy will. Keep our feet firmly in the way where Christ leads us; make our mouths speak the truth that Christ teaches us; fill our bodies with the life that is Christ within us. In his holy name we pray. Amen. Hymn of the Day Were You There? (Presbyterian Hymnal #102) Each day this week I’ll suggest another interpretation of this song, in the hope that they will provide new insight to us all. Today’s music is provided by Willie Nelson. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-b18DzXH-U Reading of the Day: Mark 12: 18-27, 38-40 18 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; 21 and the second married the widow and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; 22 none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. 23 In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.” ———————- 38 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Kay and Mark Sabala’s friend, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda’s neighbors, and Star Sims’ nephew. Pray for all who are being furloughed or whose wages are greatly reduced. 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 May the Lamb upon the throne be your shepherd, guiding you to the water of life, and wiping away every tear. Amen. O sacred head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down…
Attr. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) 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— 2 Corinthians 5:17 In Christ there is a new creation. The old has passed away; everything is new! Prayer Almighty God, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us faith to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Were You There? (Presbyterian Hymnal #102) Each day this week I’ll suggest another interpretation of this song, in the hope that they will provide new insight to us all. Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhGYD1svTM4 Reading of the Day: Mark 11: 15-19 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; 16 and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. 19 And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. Prayers for self and others Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction May the Lamb upon the throne be your shepherd, guiding you to the water of life, and wiping away every tear. Amen. …Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930 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 Isaiah 2:3 Many peoples shall come and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that we may learn God’s ways and walk in God’s paths. Prayer Eternal God, holy and faithful, what can we give in return for our life? Teach us to take up the cross of Christ with grateful hearts and humble spirits, offering all for the sake of the gospel, so that we may receive life in fullness; through Christ, who is coming in glory. Hymn of the Day I Want Jesus to Walk with Me (Presbyterian Hymnal #363) Listen and pray along with this inspirational interpretation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TvF5dl9P0Q Reading of the Day: Mark 10: 35-45 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Kay and Mark Sabala’s friend in California who has the virus, Mark Sabala as he works as a nurse at Willowbrook Hospital, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda and her family in New Jersey, and their neighbors, four of whom are sick with the virus. We pray for teachers, parents, and church leaders, who are navigating new waters in the midst of anxiety. 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 May the God of love, who shared his love, strengthen us in our love for others. May the Son who shared his life grant us grace, that we might share our life. And may the Holy Spirit dwelling in us empower us to be only and always for others. Amen. …Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore…
---Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930 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 96:9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth stand in awe of him. Prayer Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation, to you be praise and glory for ever. As a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief your only Son was lifted up that he might draw the whole world to himself. May we walk this day in the way of the cross and always be ready to share its weight, declaring your love for all the world. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Hymn of the Day – Dona Nobis Pacem- traditional canon Listen and pray along with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bURklF4aULM Reading of the Day: Mark 10: 17-31 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” 20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money[c] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19, including Kay and Mark Sabala’s friend in California who has the virus, Mark Sabala as he works as a nurse at Willowbrook Hospital, Becky’s friend Scott and his family, Debbi’s daughter Linda and her family in New Jersey, and their neighbors, four of whom are sick with the virus. Pray today for all friends and family who are working in hospitals, grocery stores, and essential services. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. We also pray today for Wendy Godwin's son Drew, who is having a medical procedure done. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction May the God of love, who shared his love, strengthen us in our love for others. May the Son who shared his life grant us grace, that we might share our life. And may the Holy Spirit dwelling in us empower us to be only and always for others. 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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