Psalm Song


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Granite Springs Church

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Granite Springs Church Prayer Book 2015 (January 11 - April 4, 2015)

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him: he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15: 20b, 24

Granite Springs Church Prayer Book 2015 (January 11 - April 4, 2015) Granite Springs Church

Granite Springs Church Prayer Book (January 11 – April 4, 2015)

Cover Image: Loire, Gabriel, 1904-1996. Carrying the cross of Christ, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55872 [Retrieved November 20, 2014]. Original source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/12967802435.

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Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt, c. 1661-1669)

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Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………… 5 An Overview of the Christian Year………………………….. 6 Common Terms of Historic Christian Devotion…………….. 7 Foundational Christian Creeds………………… …………… 8 Historic Prayers of the Church……………………………… 11 Weekly Prayer Devotional for the Season of Epiphany (Scripture Readings, Psalm of the Week, and Prayer Litany)… 13 Weekly Prayer Devotional for the Season of Lent (Scripture Readings, Psalm of the Week, and Prayer Litany)… 77 Compline Service (Evening Prayer Devotional)……………... 209 Abbreviated Prayers for Morning and Evening…………….... 212 Prayers for Before Meals……………………………………. 213 Prayer of General Thanksgiving…………………………….. 215 Form for Prayers of the People…………………………….. 216 Favorite Songs and Hymns…………………………………

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Blank Pages for Notes…………………………………….... 220 *All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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Introduction “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him: he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” -Luke 15: 20b, 24 Dear Friends at Granite Springs, Habits shape our lives in profound ways. From making our bed in the morning, to brushing our teeth in the same order, to eating dinner at the same time every night, small habits create the trajectory of our lives. During this ministry year we’ve invited each other to think of our place in God’s amazing church, the one of all continents and languages. We are reflecting repeatedly on our belonging to the church of all times and places. Now at the New Year we invite each other to consider and practice the communal habits of the early church. These patterns offer us a model for our own Christian practices today. What if, as believers in Jesus, we commit to doing these habits together? Might they have the power to shape our church and mission? Might they help us leave our patterns as the “elder” or “younger” children and become spiritual adults? Both the bible and church history show that when communities devote themselves to practicing these simple habits of Christian devotion a local church community becomes people of joint faith and mission. Like the first followers of Jesus, we gather every Sunday to rehearse and embody the “true story of the whole world.” Of course true Christian discipleship doesn’t happen just on Sunday. Our spiritual lives are entangled and intertwined with ordinary habits of being: in our work, studies and relationships. This prayer book is meant to be a connection between Sunday worship and our weekday lives. In these pages you will find historic building blocks of Christian worship. Each weekly unit contains a Psalm for the week, a reading from both the Old and New Testaments (including often, the sermon text for the week), and a prayer service designed for both individual and group use. We encourage you to take time each week to read, pray, and reflect on some, or all, of these elements. These texts and themes will regularly find their way into Sunday worship at Granite Springs. As we pray and patiently submit to these words, we will experience the Triune God as our life’s true hope. This Prayer Book will take us through what the church calls the seasons of Epiphany and Lent as we travel together towards the joyful celebration of Easter. Much grace to you on the journey! Kevin Adams

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An Overview of the Christian Year The Christian year begins on the first week of Advent and follows the pattern of the life of Christ. This orientation towards time allows us to communally and individually follow Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. The rhythm of this story defines the Christian life.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Christian_liturgical_calendar_ gray_scale_bitmap.pn

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Common Terms Associated with Historic Christian Devotion Lectionary: A pre-selected collection of Scripture readings that follows the liturgical year in a three-year cycle. Readings in this prayer guide are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. Visit here (http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/) to see readings from the RCL in the context of the three-year reading cycle. Compline: The final service of the day in the Christian tradition of fixed-hour prayer. It is used to commit the completed workday and approaching nighttime to God. Collect: A short written prayer extolling a person of the Trinity for a divine attribute. It usually includes a petition based on that attribute and the mediation of Jesus Christ. Gloria Patri: The “Glory Be” is an ancient Trinitarian hymn of praise often said after the recitation of a Psalm. The repetition of this hymn reminds us that our lives are lived within the context of eternity, and that God’s presence and providence undergirds everything that happens. Canticle: A hymn or song of praise taken from a passage of Scripture, not from the Psalms. Antiphon: A short response from a congregation (said or sung) in the context of a Psalm or other Scripture reading. Matins: Originally referred to the concluding morning service of the monastic prayer cycle. It is now often used by Protestant denominations to refer to any morning service.

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Foundational Christian Creeds Taking time to memorize these texts is a vital part of rehearsing and remembering the faith that all Christians share (in all times and places). These standard texts emphasize the theological foundations of God as Trinity and the incarnation of God in Christ. These are the wellspring of Christian faith and practice and building blocks of corporate worship that all Christians share in common.

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Gloria Patri Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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Historic Prayers of the Church Prayer for the Morning Te Deum– A Song of the Church

*Written by two fathers of the early church, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as the Lord; all creation worships you, the Father everlasting. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, the 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 praise, the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the King of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you took our flesh to set us free you humbly chose 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. Amen.

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Prayer for the Evening Phos Hilaron – A Song of the Light

*Originally written in New Testament Greek, this is the earliest known hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still in use today. Both Eastern and Western Churches use this hymn in daily worship.

O gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. Amen.

Prayer of Humility The Jesus Prayer – From Luke 18 *This prayer from the Gospel is used widely throughout the Eastern Christian tradition and can be said many times throughout the day.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

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The Season of Epiphany 2015

Three More Kings – by Annette Gandy Fortt

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance.” In church history this word is associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi and then with Christ’s revelation extending to the Gentiles and the whole earth. Epiphany season is used to focus on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ. These weeks can be a time to focus on Jesus’ ministry so that, from Christmas onward, worshipers grow in awareness of the significance of Jesus’ entire life and prepare for the call to discipleship that will happen in Lent. -Adapted from The Worship Sourcebook

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Baptism of the Lord First Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B) January 11, 2015

Creation Day 1: God hovers over the waters and creates light (Mid 12th Century – Mosaic)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 29 1

Of David.

Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. 11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

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Weekly Scripture Readings and Sermon Text Genesis 1:1-5 (NIV) The Beginning 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Acts 19:1-7 Paul in Ephesus 19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

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Mark 1:4-11 4

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Baptism and Testing of Jesus 9

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. -Isaiah 60:3 Song Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise his name; I’m fixed upon it, Name of God’s redeeming love. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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Silence Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you. -from Psalm 32 Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant.

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This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson

(A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together)

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The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Remembering our Baptism We give you thanks, O holy and gracious God, for the gift of water. In the beginning of creation your Spirit moved over the waters. In the waters of the flood you destroyed evil. You led the children of Israel through the sea into the freedom of the promised land. In the river Jordan, John baptized our Lord and your Spirit anointed him. By his death and resurrection Jesus Christ, the living water, frees us from sin and death and opens the way to life everlasting. We have put on Christ. In him we have been baptized. Alleluia! Alleluia! We thank you, O God, for the gift of baptism. In the waters of baptism you confirm to us that we are buried with Christ in his death, raised to share in his resurrection, and being renewed by the Holy Spirit. Pour out upon us and on your whole church the gift of your Holy Spirit, so that all who have passed through the waters of baptism might be dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Renewal of Life O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death in the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Second Sunday after the Epiphany Epiphany (Year B) January 18, 2015

Prophet Hannah in the temple; Samuel’s prayer testing (Workshop of Rembrandt, 17th Century)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 139:1-6 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 1

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Psalm 139:13-18 13

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

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Psalm Song

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text 1 Samuel 3:1-10(NIV) The Lord Calls Samuel 3 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6

Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

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The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:11-20 11

And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’” 15

Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.” Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 17

“What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” 19

The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.

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1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Sexual Immorality 12

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. John 1:43-51 Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he

said to him, “Follow me.” 44

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found

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the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip. 47

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and pure offering; for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of Hosts. -Malachi 1:11 Song Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide thee, Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy Name, in earth and sky and sea; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

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Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. –from Psalm 51 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful

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Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson

(A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

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Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Benediction Let us go forth in joy to love and serve God in all that we do. We are sent in the name of the risen Christ. Let us bless our Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Third Sunday after the Epiphany Epiphany (Year B) January 25, 2015

Calling Disciples (He Qi)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 62:5-12 5

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. 9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. 10 Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. 11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, 12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

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Psalm Song

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Jonah 3:1-5 (NIV) Jonah Goes to Nineveh 3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:10 10

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 29

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. Mark 1:14-20 (NIV) Jesus Announces the Good News 14

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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Jesus Calls His First Disciples 16

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. -Isaiah 60:3 Song Father enthroned on high, Holy, holy Ancient, eternal Light, Hear our prayer. (Chorus) Come, oh Redeemer, come, Grant us mercy. Come, oh redeemer, come, Grant us peace. Lord, save us from the dark Of our striving, Faithless and troubled hearts Weighed down. (Chorus) Look now upon our need; Lord be with us. Heal us and make us free from our sin. (Chorus)

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Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you. -from Psalm 32 Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free.

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He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede for those in need. At this time we offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands)

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Collect for Renewal of Life O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death in the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Epiphany (Year B) February 1, 2015

Healing the Sick (Sculpture by Ulrich Henn, 2008)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 111 1

Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

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Psalm Song Tune: How Firm a Foundation

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NIV) 15

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” 17

The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols 8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God. 4

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 7

But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their

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conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. Mark 1:21-28 Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 21

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and pure offering; for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of Hosts. -Malachi 1:11 Song When you pass through the waters, I will be with you And the waves will not overcome you Do not fear for I have redeemed you I have called you by name, you are mine For I am the Lord, your God I am the Lord your God I am the Holy One of Israel your Savior For I am the Lord your God I am the Lord your God I am the Holy One of Israel your Savior I am the Lord When you walk through the fire, You’ll not be burned And the flames will not consume you Do not fear for I will be with you I have called you by name you are mine

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Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. –from Psalm 51 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful

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Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson

(A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

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Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Benediction Let us go forth in joy to love and serve God in all that we do. We are sent in the name of the risen Christ. Let us bless our Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Epiphany (Year B) February 8, 2015

Jesus’ healing of the lame in the Temple (Sculpture – Cathedrale d’Amiens, 1508-1519

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 147:1-11 1

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. 6 The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. 8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. 10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; 11 the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Isaiah 40:21-31 (NIV) 21

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

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and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 31

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 16

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. Paul’s Use of His Freedom 19

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Mark 1:29-39 Jesus Heals Many 29

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

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That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place 35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages— so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28-30 Song (To the tune of ‘Come Thou Fount’) Hallelujah, praise Jehovah, from the heavens praise his name; praise Jehovah in the highest, all his angels, praise proclaim. All his hosts, together praise him, sun and moon and stars on high; praise him, O you heav’ns of heavens, and you floods above the sky. Let them praises give Jehovah, they were made at his command; them forever he established, his decree shall ever stand. From the earth, O praise Jehovah, all you seas, you creatures all, fire and hail and snow and vapors, stormy winds that hear his call. All you fruitful trees and cedars, all you hills and mountains high, creeping things and beasts and cattle, birds that in the heavens fly, kings of earth, and all you people, princes great, earth’s judges all; praise his name, young men and women, aged men and children small.

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Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you. -from Psalm 32 Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free.

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He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede for those in need. At this time we offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands)

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Collect for Renewal of Life O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death in the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen. Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Transfiguration Sunday Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Last Sunday before Lent) Year B February 15, 2015

Transfiguration (Fra Angelico 1450)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 50: 1-6 A psalm of Asaph. 1

The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. 4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text 2 Kings 2:1-12 (NIV) Elijah Taken Up to Heaven 2 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” 4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 5

The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” 6

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. 7

Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”

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As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 3

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration 2

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individuals and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O Lord, open our lips *and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Your light springs up for the righteous and all the peoples have seen your glory. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Opening Scripture I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. –Isaiah 49:6b Song All hail the power of Jesus' name, Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, ye ransomed from the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. Confession Let us confess our sins to God. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. –from Psalm 51

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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Canticle for Epiphany (The Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

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Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Sung: The Lord is kind and merciful, the Lord is kind and merciful Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read as a responsorial, every other verse, or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson

(A short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of people and situations that come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Benediction Let us go forth in joy to love and serve God in all that we do. We are sent in the name of the risen Christ. Let us bless our Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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The Season of Lent 2015

“Blessing the Dust” by Jan Richardson – used with permission A journey, a pilgrimage! Yet, as we begin it, as we make the first step into the “bright sadness” of Lent, we see - far, far away - the destination. It is the joy of Easter, it is the entrance into the glory of the Kingdom. -Alexander Schmemann

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Lenten Following A couple years ago we spent a ministry year thinking about “baptismal identity.” We wondered together, what might it be like to experience baptism, not as a one-time event, but as a way of life. Together we discovered the ancient Christian truth that baptism sums up the entire Christian life. All of our life is a kind of “dying and rising” with him. In that way, like Martin Luther, we see that every biblical text affirms and confirms baptism. Whether you’ve been baptized or not, whether you remember your baptism as a dramatic event or you only heard about it, we can join hearts and hands walk together this journey of Lent. Early Christians developed this idea of Lent as a preparation for baptism. In the season, spiritual novices, new converts and the already baptized learned what it means to die and rise with Christ. It’s no wonder then that Lent begins with ashes. We remember our frailty. Mortality grips all of us. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday waking us from complacency and pretense by encouraging us to look more deeply and honestly at the world and ourselves. We are invited to embrace humility and repentance instead of hubris and pride. Ashes remind us of the inevitability of our own death. We admit we need forgiveness. Lent features repentance and reflection, but it is a journey that takes us to Easter. It begins with ashes, but ends in the joyful celebration of Easter and baptism - a reminder that we belong body and soul, in life and in death to our faithful savior Jesus Christ. Whether you are only beginning to explore the claims of Jesus, or if you have been his follower a long time, Lent is a perfect season to allow Him to shape your life. Grace to you as we journey together! Kevin Adams

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What is Lent? The tradition of Lent can be traced back to at least the year 130 AD. It was used as preparation for those who were entering the Christian faith through baptism. By the year 325 AD, around the time of the Council of Nicaea, this preparatory fast would last 40 days. Not only were prospects for baptism participating, but also entire congregations, including those already baptized. By the 4th century the Western church determined that the Lenten period of fasting and renewal should correspond to Christ’s 40-day fast, and, by counting 40 days back from Easter (excluding Sundays), arrived at the Wednesday seven weeks before Easter.

How do we commemorate Lent? Worship This season of community-wide reflection is marked with specific occasions to worship together. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, so named after a tradition of marking participants with ash, a sign used throughout the Scriptures to denote mourning and repentance. Throughout the season of Lent our Sunday services will focus on various encounters people had with Jesus. Holy Week, leading up to Easter, is marked by several observations. The first day of the week is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem where people praised him as a Savior King. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Passover meal, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Passover was an observance of God rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt; and at this meal, Jesus washed his disciples feet and instituted the Lord’s Supper. Good Friday is a commemoration of the death of Jesus on the cross - a death that defeats death itself. Finally, Easter Sunday is a commemoration of the victory of God over sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus. Baptism Historically, the main purpose of Lent was to prepare newly converted Christians for baptism. Therefore, Lent and Easter is our return every year to our own baptism, our identity in Christ – our own

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death with him and life in him. Easter reminds us that what is most true about us is that we are marked as God’s own, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and called to follow Christ in mission. If you haven’t been baptized, or if your children haven’t been baptized, consider doing so! If you have been baptized, use this season of Lent as a time to remember the promises of God signified to you - marked as God’s own. Fasting Fasting, joined with prayer and reading of the Scriptures, is a spiritual discipline of humbling ourselves. Fasting is traditionally the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both for a limited time. The act of self-denial can be a helpful tool for Christian growth - a reminder of our dependence on God. Some people give up certain behaviors or habits during the season as well. Prayer Lent is also a time to expand a life of prayer. Guided prayer, praying the Psalms, and intentionally praying globally are ways to encourage growth through and in prayer. Almsgiving Often the money that is saved from giving something up for Lent is given to help the poor and oppressed. Even if nothing is given up however, we are reminded that we have a savior who is rich in mercy, and in response to that mercy out of gratitude, we give of our resources to those in need. Consider seeking out ways to give to our local community, or donate to the community development and disaster response arm of the Christian Reformed Church known as World Renew. Find more and donate at www.worldrenew.net Study Historically, Lent was a time when new converts to Christianity would learn the basics of the faith in preparation for baptism at Easter. Use this season as a time to read the story of Jesus. Commit yourself to reading through the lectionary texts and spending contemplative time in the Word.

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Lent Begins - Ash Wednesday Year B February 18, 2015

The purpose of Ash Wednesday worship is threefold: to meditate on our mortality, sinfulness, and need of a savior; to renew our commitment to daily repentance in the Lenten season and in all of life; and to remember with confidence and gratitude that Christ has conquered death and sin. Ash Wednesday worship, then, is filled with gospel truth. It is a witness to the power and beauty of our union with Christ and to the daily dying and rising with Christ that this entails.

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 51:1-17 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

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Psalm Song

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Scripture Readings for Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2 (NIV) The An Army of Locusts 2 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come. Joel 2:12-17 Rend Your Heart 12

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 13

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.

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Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. 16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. 17 Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 20

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 6 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Paul’s Hardships 3

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in

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the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. Matthew 6:1-6 Giving to the Needy 6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Prayer 5

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-21 Fasting 16

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that

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you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Treasures in Heaven 19

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Ash Wednesday Prayer Service Based on a service from the Book of Common Prayer *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

Reflection (The History of Ash Wednesday) Song Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and power; Come, ye needy, come and welcome, God's free bounty glorify; True belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh. Let not conscience make you linger; Nor of fitness fondly dream: All the fitness he requires, is to feel your need of him. Come, ye weary, heavy-laden, bruised and broken by the fall, If you tarry till you're better, you will never come at all Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Epistle Gospel Silence

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Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need that all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith. I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer. Silence is then kept for a time, all kneeling. If ashes are to be imposed, the Celebrant says the following prayer Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. The ashes are imposed with the following words Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Confession (from Psalm 51) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved

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right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Litany of Penitence The Celebrant and People together, all kneeling We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives, We confess to you, Lord. Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people, We confess to you, Lord. Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves, We confess to you, Lord. Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work, We confess to you, Lord. Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us, We confess to you, Lord. Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty, Accept our repentance, Lord. For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us, Accept our repentance, Lord. For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us, Accept our repentance, Lord. Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us; Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.

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Accomplish in us the work of your salvation, That we may show forth your glory in the world. By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord, Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection. Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn from their wickedness and live, you pardon and absolve all those who truly repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel. Be not afraid. We ask you to grant us repentance and your Holy Spirit, that we may find joy in your will through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayers of the People Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions are offered: -We pray for the people of…(countries or regions) -We pray for our sisters and brothers…(churches) -We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind that you would like to bring before God. The Lord’s Prayer Closing Hymn Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and power; I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms. In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.

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Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above you heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Ever mindful of our frailty, and through humble reliance on Christ alone, let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

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First Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) February 22, 2015

Baptism of Christ (Fra Angelico c. 1400-1455)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 25:1-10

Of David.

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In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. 4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. 6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right 2

and teaches them his way. 10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

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Psalm Song

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Genesis 9:8-17 (NIV) 8

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 9 “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you 10 and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” 17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” 1 Peter 3:18-22 18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

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Mark 1:9-15 The Baptism and Testing of Jesus 9

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Jesus Announces the Good News 14

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14 Song How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He has said, To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. When through the deep waters I call you to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with you, your troubles to bless, And sanctify to you your deepest distress. The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake. Confession Let us confess our sins to God. (Kneel or Stand) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me

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from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for the Lenten Journey God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen. Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Second Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) March 1, 2015

Cathedral of Christ the Light (Oakland, CA)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 22:23-31 (NIV) 23

You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Genesis 17:1-7(NIV) 17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” 3

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. Genesis 17:15-16 15

God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Romans 4:13-25 13

It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom

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he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Mark 8:31-38 Jesus Predicts His Death 31

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” The Way of the Cross 34

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” –Mark 8:34 Song Come, Holy Spirit, Come With energy divine, And on this poor, benighted soul With beams of mercy shine Melt, melt this frozen heart; This stubborn will subdue; Each evil passion overcome, And form me all anew Mine will the profit be, But Thine shall be the praise; And unto Thee will I devote the remnant of my days Praise Father, Spirit, Son The Mighty Three in One Creator, Savior, Fiery Breeze Sustainer be our peace

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Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor (Kneel or Stand). Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands)

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Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Third Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) March 8, 2015

Ten Commandments, unnumbered (by Keith Haring, 1985)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 19 For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1

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The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

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The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm Song

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Exodus 20:1-17 (NIV) The Ten Commandments 20 And God spoke all these words: 2

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3

“You shall have no other gods before me.

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“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

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“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 13

“You shall not murder.

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“You shall not commit adultery.

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“You shall not steal.

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“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

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“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom 18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

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John 2:13-22 Jesus Clears the Temple Courts 13

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”[a] 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 Song Ever begotten and only Son, Light in our darkness in prayer we come. Teach us dear Shepherd our lives to dwell, Deep in these shadows, we pass through hell. Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Only say the word, And we shall be healed. Blessed and hidden in love's delight, Your Holy Spirit will voice our cry. Life in the Father exalted the Son, Sending Your Spirit Your kingdom begun. Confession Let us confess our sins to God. (Kneel or Stand) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you

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teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. At this time we offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Lent God of the covenant, in the glory of the cross your Son embraced the power of death and broke its hold over your people. In this time of repentance, draw all people to yourself, that we who confess Jesus as Lord May put aside the deeds of death and accept the life of your kingdom. Amen. Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Fourth Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) March 15, 2015

“Grace Came Down…” (Manhattan skyscraper, the W.R. Grace building, 1974)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 BOOK V Psalm 107: 1-3 1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Psalm 107:17-22 17

Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. 18 They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Numbers 21: 4-9 (NIV) The Bronze Snake 4

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” 6

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. Ephesians 2:1-10 Made Alive in Christ 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace

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you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. John 3:14-21 14

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. -Joel 2:13 Song When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride Forbid it Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood Were the whole realm of creation mine That were an offering far too small Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor (Kneel or Stand). Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety.

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Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Fifth Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) March 22, 2015

Cross with Wheat Chaff (Ironwork c.1960)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 51:1-12 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV) 31

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 5:5-10 5

In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6

And he says in another place,

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“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” 7

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. John 12:20-33 Jesus Predicts His Death 20

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, because we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by following his laws which he set before us. –Daniel 9:1-10 Song Ever begotten and only Son, Light in our darkness in prayer we come. Teach us dear Shepherd our lives to dwell, Deep in these shadows, we pass through hell. Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Only say the word, And we shall be healed. Blessed and hidden in love's delight, Your Holy Spirit will voice our cry. Life in the Father exalted the Son, Sending Your Spirit Your kingdom begun. Confession Let us confess our sins to God. (Kneel or Stand) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you

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teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. At this time we offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Lent God of the covenant, in the glory of the cross your Son embraced the power of death and broke its hold over your people. In this time of repentance, draw all people to yourself, that we who confess Jesus as Lord may put aside the deeds of death and accept the life of your kingdom. Amen. Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Palm Sunday Sixth Sunday in Lent Lent (Year B) March 29, 2015

Entry Into Jerusalem – Illuminated Manuscript (c. 1030-1040)

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Psalm of the Week Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Psalm 118: 1-2 1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Psalm 118:19-29 19

Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. 25

Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! 26

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. 27 The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us.

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With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28

You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

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Psalm Song

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Weekly Readings and Sermon Text Mark 11:1-11 (NIV) Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. John 12:12-16 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 12

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

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Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15

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“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

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Weekly Prayer Devotional For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” –John 12:15 Song (to the tune of The Church’s One Foundation) Hail to the Lord's Anointed, Great David's greater Son! Hail in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free; To take away transgression, and rule in equity. He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong, To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong; To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light, Whose souls, condemned and dying were precious in His sight. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; And love and joy, like flowers, spring in His path to birth: Before Him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go; And righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow. To Him shall prayer unceasing, and daily vows ascend; His kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end: The tide of time shall never His covenant remove; His Name shall stand forever, that Name to us is Love. Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor (Kneel or Stand). Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you

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with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Weekly Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel)

Confession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed is said together) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Intercessions (Spontaneous prayers and say “out loud” the names of those who come to mind)

We pray for the people of...(countries or regions) We pray for our sisters and brothers... (churches and other believers, our spiritual leaders) We pray for friends, relatives, and neighbors… We pray for the day and its tasks, individuals in need, the world and its needs, and for the Church and her life… To God be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we are bold to pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Benediction God our Redeemer has show us compassion and love. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn (Any appropriate song or version of the Doxology is sung)

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Holy Week 2015

Crucifixion - Rouault

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What Are We Commemorating? Lent began five weeks ago on Ash Wednesday. Our 40-day time of preparation is almost complete as we begin our reenactment of the final week of the life of Christ. This Holy Week is marked with several important observations. The first day of the week began with our celebration of Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus entry into Jerusalem where the people confessed and praised him as the Savior King. These same people later cried out, “…crucify him, crucify him!” Maundy Thursday commemorates the Passover meal, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Passover was an observance of God rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt. It was very important for Jesus to celebrate this observance and point to the new covenant he would make with God's people, rescuing them from spiritual slavery to sin and death. This was the point in Jesus' ministry where he washed the disciples feet and instituted the Lord's Supper. In so doing, our servant King provided a means of grace and an example for us to follow. Every day leading up to Easter is filled with opportunity to reflect on the accumulation of God’s story of redemption accomplished through the life and death of Christ. Set aside a short time each day this week to read the assigned Scriptures and quietly reflect on the events of Holy Week. Good Friday reminds us that things got overwhelmingly dark before the resurrection on Sunday morning. This darkness, and the extent of God’s love in overcoming the darkness for us, will be marked during our annual Good Friday Service. This is a commemoration of Jesus substitutionary death on the cross for the sins of the world. Finally, Easter Sunday is a celebration of the victory of God over sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus. This is the most important of all Christian celebrations. Don’t forget to come and celebrate with us at Granite Springs, and bring a friend! “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” -I Cor. 15:15-17

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Monday of Holy Week Lent (Year B) March 30, 2015

Recollection Tableaux: Inmate shortly after processing (c.2000 – Susan Hagen)

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 36:5-11 5

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10

Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

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Scripture Readings for Monday of Holy Week 2015 Isaiah 42: 1-9 42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” 5 This is what God the Lord says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison

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and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. 8 “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Hebrews 9:11-15 The Blood of Christ 11

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. John 12:1-11 Jesus Anointed at Bethany 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure

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nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

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Prayer Devotional for Monday of Holy Week For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20 Song By His wounds, His wounds Will we be healed. And for our transgressions His Passion has made us well Let us come again and feed on Him Our Lord Emmanuel Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence

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Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Intercessions Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world. Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations.

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Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission Holy God, you have revealed the glory of your love in Jesus Christ, and have given us a share in your Spirit. May we who listen to Christ follow faithfully, and, in the dark places where you send us, reveal the light of your gospel. Amen. Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Song: Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heav’nly hosts Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Tuesday of Holy Week Lent (Year B) March 31, 2015

Word of Life Mural (University of Notre Dame) c. 1964 - Millard Sheets

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 71:1-14 1

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 2

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For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. 9 Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. 11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” 7

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Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. 13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. 14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

Psalm Song

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Scripture Readings for Tuesday of Holy Week 2015 Isaiah 49: 1-7 (NIV) The Servant of the Lord 49 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” 4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” 5

And now the Lord says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength— 6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” 7

This is what the Lord says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel— to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation,

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to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” I Corinthians 1:18-31 Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom 18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from

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God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” John 12:20-36 Jesus Predicts His Death 20

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30

Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. 34

The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

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Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

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Prayer Devotional for Tuesday of Holy Week For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. –Isaiah 53:6 Song What wondrous love is this! oh, my soul! oh, my soul! What wondrous love is this! oh, my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss, To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul. To bear the dreadful curse for my soul. When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down, sinking down When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul. To God and to the Lamb, I will sing. To God and to the Lamb, I will sing. To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM, While millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing, While millions join the theme I will sing! Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Intercessions Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission Holy God, you have revealed the glory of your love in Jesus Christ, and have given us a share in your Spirit. May we who listen to Christ follow faithfully, and, in the dark places where you send us, reveal the light of your gospel. Amen. Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Song: Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heav’nly hosts Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Wednesday of Holy Week Lent (Year B) April 1, 2015

Jesus, Judas, and Others (1500-1530 Sculpture)

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 70 (NIV) For the director of music. Of David. A petition. 1

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. 2 May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

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Psalm Song Tune: In Christ Alone

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Scripture Readings for Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9 (NIV) 4

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

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Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

John 13:21-32 (NIV) 21

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial 31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

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Prayer Devotional for Wednesday of Holy Week For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was brought upon me, whom the Lord has afflicted. –Lamentations 1:12 Song Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy Restore us, O Lord Restore us, O Lord Although we are weeping Lord, help us keep sowing The seeds of your Kingdom For the day you will reap them Your sheaves we will carry Lord, please do not tarry All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy The nations will say, “He has done great things!” The nations will sing songs of joy Restore us, O Lord Restore us, O Lord Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Silence Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Hear our voice O Lord, according to your faithful love: He has heard our voice and is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Intercessions Sisters and brothers, our baptism calls us to intercede on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

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Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission Holy God, you have revealed the glory of your love in Jesus Christ, and have given us a share in your Spirit. May we who listen to Christ follow faithfully, and, in the dark places where you send us, reveal the light of your gospel. Amen. Benediction Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Song: Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heav’nly hosts Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Maundy Thursday Holy Week Lent (Year B) April 2, 2015

Washing of the Feet (1470– zakare)

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Psalm 116:1-2 1

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:12-19 12

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. 16 Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord— in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

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Scripture Readings for Maundy Thursday 2015 Exodus 12:1-4 (NIV) The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread 12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Exodus 12:5-10 5

The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. Exodus 12:11-14 11

This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover. 12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I

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will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. 14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance. I Corinthians 11:23-26 23

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. John 13:1-17 Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet 13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every

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one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:31-35 31

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

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Prayer Devotional for Maundy Thursday For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. –John 13:15 Song Abide with me, fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; oh Lord with me abide: when other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, abide with me. I need thy presence, every passing hour. What but thy grace, can foil the temptor’s power? Who like thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness. Where is thy sting, death? Where grave thy victory? I triumph still, abide with me. Hold thou thy cross, before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life in death, Lord, abide with me.

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Meditation (Excerpts taken from Christ Church East Bay Maundy Thursday Foot Washing Service - 2014) “The evening meal was in progress... Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” -John 13:3-5 To disciples who argue about who will be the greatest in the kingdom of God, Jesus shows us that the way up is the way down, that humiliation comes before exaltation. “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” -Mark 9:35 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:45 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” -John 13:14-15 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” -Philippians 2:5-8 All: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” -John 13:8 Silence Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Prayers of the People (Excerpts taken from Christ Church East Bay Maundy Thursday Foot Washing Service - 2014) The Lord be with you. And also with you. Father, on this, the night he was betrayed, your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples' feet. We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service. Lord, hear us and humble us. Silence On this night, he prayed for his disciples to be one. We pray for the unity of your Church. Lord, hear us and unite us. Silence On this night, he prayed for those who were to believe through their love and message. We pray for the mission of your Church. Lord, hear us and renew our zeal. Silence

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On this night, he commanded them to love, but suffered rejection himself. We pray for the rejected and unloved. Lord, hear us and fill us with your love. Silence On this night, he reminded them that if the world hated them it hated him first. We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. Lord, hear us and give us your peace. Silence The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Collect for Mission Holy God, you have revealed the glory of your love in Jesus Christ, and have given us a share in your Spirit. May we who listen to Christ follow faithfully, and, in the dark places where you send us, reveal the light of your gospel. Amen. When they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives. -Matthew 26:30 Song: Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heav’nly hosts Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ -Matthew 26:36 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.

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Good Friday Holy Week Lent (Year B) April 3, 2015

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (by Felipe Venancio c. 2007)

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 22 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David. 1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water,

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and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.

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All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

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Psalm Song Tune: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

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Scripture Readings for Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The Suffering and Glory of the Servant 13

See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— 15 so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. 53:1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

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He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. 11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Hebrews 10:16-25 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

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A Call to Persevere in Faith 19

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus the Great High Priest 14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 5:7-9 7

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him John 18-19:42 Jesus Arrested

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18 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a] 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” 12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. Peter’s First Denial 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

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The High Priest Questions Jesus 19

Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” 22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. 23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Peter’s Second and Third Denials 25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. Jesus Before Pilate 28

Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” 30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. 32 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. 33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

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“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” 40 They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified 19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. 4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” 7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

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From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. 16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. The Crucifixion of Jesus So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. 25

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to

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her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. The Death of Jesus 28

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” The Burial of Jesus 38

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

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Prayer Devotional for Good Friday For Individual and Groups *(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. -Habakkuk 2:20 Song Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended, That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended? By foes derided, by Thine own rejected, O most afflicted. Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon Thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee. ’Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee! I crucified Thee. Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered; For man’s atonement, while he nothing heedeth, God intercedeth. For me, kind Jesus, was Thy incarnation, Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life’s oblation; Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion, For my salvation. Silence Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand)

Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Prayers of the People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Silence

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Holy Saturday Holy Week Lent (Year B) April 4, 2015

Job Talks to God (20th Century Sculpture in Noordwijk, Netherlands)

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Psalm of the Day Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 For the director of music. A psalm of David. Psalm 31:-4 1

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Psalm 31:15-16 5

My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

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Psalm Song

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Scripture Readings for Good Friday Job 14:1-14 (NIV) “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. 2 They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure. 3 Do you fix your eye on them? Will you bring them before you for judgment? 4 Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one! 5 A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. 6 So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired laborer. 7 “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. 8 Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, 9 yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant. 10 But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. 11 As the water of a lake dries up or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, 12 so he lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, people will not awake or be roused from their sleep. 13 “If only you would hide me in the grave and conceal me till your anger has passed! If only you would set me a time and then remember me! 14 If someone dies, will they live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.

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Lamentations 3:1-9 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. 2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; 3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. 4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. 5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. 6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. 7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. 8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. 9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Lamentations 3:19-24 19

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

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I Peter 4:1-8 Living for God 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Matthew 27:57-66 The Burial of Jesus 57

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. The Guard at the Tomb 62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

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“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. John 19:38-42 The Burial of Jesus 38

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

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Prayer Devotional for Holy Saturday For Individual and Groups

*(If used in a group setting, people’s part is in italics)

O God make speed to save us. *O Lord, make haste to help us. Opening Scripture The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. -Habakkuk 2:20 Song How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory. Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished. Silence Psalm of the Week (Recited, chanted, or sung. If in a group, read responsorially (every other verse) or recite entire Psalm together)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Old Testament Lesson New Testament Lesson (Please Stand) Gospel Lesson (a short silence is kept after the reading of the Gospel) The Lord’s Prayer (Groups are encouraged to stand together and hold hands) Silence

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Evening Prayer Devotional Compline Modified from The Book of Common Prayer (1979 ed.) *Can be adapted for individual or corporate use. If a leader and congregation are present, the part of the congregation is designated in italics

The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen. Our help is in the Name of the Lord; The maker of heaven and earth. Let us confess our sins to God. Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve yo in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen. May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Gloria Patri (Sung or Spoken) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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*One or more of the following Psalms are sung or said. Other suitable selections may be substituted. Psalm 4 Psalm 31 Psalm 91 Psalm 134 Gloria Patri (Sung or Spoken) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Thanks be to God. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; Hide us under the shadow of your wings. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. The Lord’s Prayer Lord, hear our prayer; And let our cry come to you. Let us pray: Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. *Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered. Canticle: Song of Simeon (Luke 2: 29-32) Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

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Abbreviated Prayers for Morning and Evening From The Small Catechism of Martin Luther

Morning Prayer In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. Then go joyfully to your work, singing a hymn, like that of the Ten Commandments, or whatever your devotion may suggest.

Evening Prayer In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer

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Prayers to Say Before Meals Meal Prayers Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the Universe, for you give us food to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -from The Book of Common Prayer Loving Father, we thank you for your countless blessings, especially for the gift of your Son, for the Church, for our faith, and now for this meal. Bless this food and the love that unites us. Keep us forever grateful and generous in your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. For these and all his mercies, God’s holy Name be blessed and praised; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -from The Book of Common Prayer From Psalm 136 Response: For his love endures forever. Praise the Lord, who is so good. (Response) Praise the God of gods. (Response) Praise the Lord of lords. (Response) He freed us from our foes. (Response) And gives food to all flesh. (Response) Praise the God of heaven. (Response)

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The eyes of all wait upon You, O Lord, and You give them their food in due season; You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. –From The Small Catechism of Martin Luther

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A Prayer of General Thanksgiving From The Book of Common Prayer (1979 ed.) Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

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Form for Prayers of the People From The Worship Sourcebook (Second Edition) Let us pray for the church and for the world. Grant, almighty God, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. We pray for your church around the world, especially those who suffer because of your name in places of conflict. We join in their suffering and pray for those who persecute them. (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace that we may honor one another and serve the common good. We pray for those who lead in serve us in our own community, for our civil and spiritual leaders. (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. We pray for those in our own congregation who are directly involved in this task and reflect your image by seeking to cultivate the beauty of your Creation. (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them and love one another as he loves us. (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Comfort and heal all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, mercifully accept the prayers of your people and strengthen us to do your will through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Favorite Songs & Hymns

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