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Devotions for the Church Year

The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

admin

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and lasts until the Lenten season. The weeks of Epiphany are a time to reflect on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ.

Call to Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 

Prayer of Confession

Almighty and merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you and one another in both our actions and our inactions. We recognize that in Jesus Christ our light has come, yet often we choose to walk in shadows and ignore the light. Gracious God, forgive our sins and remove from us the veil of darkness that shrouds our lives. Illumined by your Word and sacrament, may we rise to the radiance of Christ’s glory. Amen

Assurance of Pardon

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  

Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be assured that the Lord, he is God; it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures from generation to generation.

Psalm: Psalm 27

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: 2 Kings 22:8-20

New Testament: I Corinthians 2:1-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20

Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he 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. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he 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. 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 in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Intercession

For Our Enemies

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies, lead them and us from prejudice to truth. Deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge, and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Of an American

A Week in the Life of an American

admin

What a week we’ve just completed in our life together as American citizens. From the Super Bowl on Sunday night to the Iowa Caucuses on Monday night to the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night to the final vote on the impeachment trial Wednesday, the month of February, usually a mundane stretch of winter, started off anything but ordinary.

The controversies and disappointments, surprises and wins or losses have been unsettling. If you are like me, you may feel a bit off balance like you’ve spent too much time at Adventureland on rides with the names of Tornado, Outlaw, and Dragon. It would be really easy at this point to regress into a commentary on personal political views, but I will try my best not to do that. We all have friends, family members, or co-workers who agree or disagree with us on topics from who should have won the Super Bowl down to Mitt Romney’s vote on the impeachment. We can laugh or lose our tempers, both of which I’ve been tempted to do over the past few days.

The unpredictability of this past week can leave us feeling like we are about to lose our equilibrium as we attempt to stand upright on a slippery slope. The adventure is only beginning, and we must find ways to stay focused on what is true, what is just, and what (or Who) will never change. As I pondered how to approach this week’s devotional, the best idea I had was to give you tools that you can use over and over again in the weeks and months to come. The remainder of this devotional writing is a collection of Scriptures and prayers that the Lord has impressed upon my heart for times like these.

I’ll start with Psalm 37. Regardless of who the bad guys and villains are in your political narrative, Psalm 37:1-9 gives us good solid ground to stand on when injustice appears prevalent and we don’t always know who to believe:

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

For like the grass they will soon wither,

Like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Psalm 25:1-7 is a good reassurance of God’s remembrance of those who trust in him:

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.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,

But shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;

According to your love remember me,

For you, Lord, are good.

Psalm 46 is a favorite bedrock Psalm calling for peace in the midst of turmoil:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

He burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Sometimes it is hard to know how to pray for the government. We don’t always know how to read people’s words and actions, or what to take seriously from news reports. But, we function because of God’s mercy. We live and breathe because of his grace. Our initiatives, decisions, and organizations succeed because we allow him space to work in them.

Here are some prayers from the Book of Common Prayer to guide us in prayer for peace, for courts of justice, for civil authorities, for an election, and for enemies:

A Prayer for the Peace of the World

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for Courts of Justice

Almighty God, you sit on your throne giving righteous judgment. We humbly ask you to bless all courts of justice and all magistrates in this land; give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that fearing no power but yours alone, they may discern the truth and impartially administer the law; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Prayer for Civil Authorities

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of those who are called to elect fit persons to serve. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

A Prayer for Our Enemies

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen

I encourage you to print this devotional and keep it accessible so that you can use these Scriptures and prayers to create ever increasing space for God to work in the decisions that need to be made, and the vision that needs to get clarified as the nation we love journeys into the year of 2020.

Devotions for the Church Year

The Fourth Week of Epiphany

admin

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and lasts until the Lenten season. The weeks of Epiphany are a time to reflect on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ.

Call to Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 

Prayer of Confession

O God, our guide, who once used a star to lead people to Christ, we confess our poor sense of direction. We let ourselves become confused, easily distracted, and lose our way. We fail to follow the signs you provide. Forgive our waywardness, O God. Lead us to the Christ so that we may follow his way to you. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  

A Prayer Remembering The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 37:1-11

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Micah 6:1-8

New Testament: I Corinthians 1:18-31

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he 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. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he 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. 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 in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Intercession

For An Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright. Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotionals

Endings

admin

I come to the end—I am still with you. Psalm 139:18

Psalm 139 is a lovely meditation on God’s creation of his children and his care for them. In the middle of the psalm is a section dedicated to the formation of a life (verse 13-18). At the end of this section the psalmist marvels at the weight and the number of God’s thoughts. He closes by saying, “I come to the end, and I am still with you.”

The psalmist recognizes that God determines the beginning of a life. He also orchestrates the end of it. Life and death. Beginning and ending. Creation and elimination. God knows when an ending will come before the beginning even starts. This may sound unsettling, but to the psalmist, it is comforting. He welcomes endings because of the one fact that through it all, he is still with God.

He knows that nothing can separate him from God’s love. Romans 8:35 says that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not trouble, or hardship, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or danger or sword. All of these conditions have the power to put an end to something, but even if they succeeded, God would still be there.

This is due to his great faithfulness. Psalm 91 calls his faithfulness a shield (verse 4). Nothing can penetrate it, and attacks can’t destroy it. God is present, and he has made the commitment to stay present to those whom he has chosen (Romans 8:33), to those who abide in him (Psalm 91:1), and to those who love him (Psalm 91:14).

Endings are not traumatic to God. He sees them as times to enlarge our souls, to create new things, and to bring us to an awakening. Most translations use the word “awake” in this verse. In the NIV, for example, verse 18 reads, “when I am awake, I am still with you.” Awakening implies that a person has been asleep. In the psalmist’s interpretation of beginnings and endings, he interprets awakening as the entrance into eternity. God formed him on earth, determined his last day, and woke him into forever.

We can find great comfort in this interpretation too. Everyone faces endings. A loved one’s life will someday end. The career will someday end. A cherished relationship will someday end. But we won’t lose. We will only gain.

Romans 14:8 says, “If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

We come to the end, and we are still with God. If Romans 14 and Psalm 91 and Psalm 139 are true, then the only option left to us when we arrive at an ending is new life. God creates where nothing yet exists. He resurrects when all we see is loss. He gives new life when the old way of doing things has worn out.

Look at your own life. Pay attention to those places where you’ve come to an end. God just might be gathering energy and provisions to bless you with a rich, new life.

Devotions for the Church Year

The Third Sunday After Epiphany

admin

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and lasts until the Lenten season. The weeks of Epiphany are a time to reflect on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ.

Call to Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 

Prayer of Confession

God of the Bethlehem star, everyone is searching for your light shining in the face of Christ. The Magi sought Christ simply to worship him. But Herod sought him to appease his jealous anger. We confess that our motives in seeking Jesus are not pure. We do not come simply to worship. We come to Christ asking his benefits of reassurance, health, and wealth. We ask him to fulfill the hundred petitions for not-so-important requests that we heap before him. But the Magi sought first the kingdom. Help us, God, to follow their example, putting our own need in perspective, worshiping the Christ in love, content to be in your presence, and laying our gifts before you. Then may we journey, trusting that your goodness and light will accompany us all the days of our life. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  

Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands, serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be assured that the Lord, he is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name. The Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures from generation to generation.

Psalm: Psalm 139:1-18

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Amos 3:1-11

New Testament: I Corinthians 1:10-17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-22

Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he 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. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he 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. 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 in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Intercession

For Those We Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotions for the Church Year

The Second Sunday of Epiphany

admin

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and lasts until the Lenten season. The weeks of Epiphany are a time to reflect on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ.

Call to Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 

Prayer of Confession

God of the Bethlehem star, everyone is searching for your light shining in the face of Christ. The Magi sought Christ simply to worship him. But Herod sought him to appease his jealous anger. We confess that our motives in seeking Jesus are not pure. We do not come simply to worship. We come to Christ asking his benefits of reassurance, health, and wealth. We ask him to fulfill the hundred petitions for not-so-important requests that we heap before him. But the Magi sought first the kingdom. Help us, God, to follow their example, putting our own need in perspective, worshiping the Christ in love, content to be in your presence, and laying our gifts before you. Then may we journey, trusting that your goodness and light will accompany us all the days of our life. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  

Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands, serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be assured that the Lord, he is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name. The Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures from generation to generation.

Psalm: Psalm 40:1-11

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Exodus 12:21-28

New Testament: I Corinthians 1:1-9

Gospel: John 1:29-42

Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he 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. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he 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. 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 in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Intercession

In Times of Social conflict or Distress

Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grand that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotions for the Church Year

The First Sunday of Epiphany

admin

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and lasts until the Lenten season. The weeks of Epiphany are a time to reflect on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ.

Call to Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 

Prayer of Confession

O God, our guide, who once used a star to lead people to Christ, we confess our poor sense of direction. We let ourselves become confused, easily distracted, and lose our way. We fail to follow the signs you provide. Forgive our waywardness, O God. Lead us to the Christ so that we may follow his way to you. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  

Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands, serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be assured that the Lord, he is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name. The Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures from generation to generation.

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-29

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-9

New Testament: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Benedictus

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he 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. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he 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. 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 in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Intercession

For Social Justice

Almighty God, you created us in your own image. Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression. Help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth. Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotions for the Church Year

The Second Sunday After Christmas

admin

Call to Prayer

O Immanuel, O Wisdom from on high, O Lord of might, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, O Key of David, O Bright and Morning Star, O king of nations, we rejoice and are glad for truly you have come, full of grace and truth. Even now, come into our hearts again. Show us the path of knowledge. Comfort us in our mourning. Save us from our sin. Open wide our way to heaven. Turn our darkness into light. End our sad divisions and be our King of peace, so that every creature in heaven and on earth will join in a chorus of praise, and shout with joy to you, our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, you sent a star to guide the Magi to the child Jesus. We confess that we have not followed the light of your Word. We have not searched for signs of your love in the world or trusted your good news to be good. We have failed to praise your Son’s birth and refused his peace on earth. We have expected little and hoped for less. Forgive our doubt and renew in us all fine desires, that we may watch and wait and once more hear the glad story of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord. Amen

Assurance of Pardon

To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Carol: Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing over the plains. And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.

Shepherd, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem, and see, Him whose birth the angels sing. Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid, whom the choirs of angels praise. Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while our hearts in love we raise.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Psalm: Psalm 84

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:7-14

New Testament: Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52; Matthew 2:1-12

Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above. While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth. And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us to day. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

Intercession

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ. Look with compassion on the whole human family. Take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts. Break down the walls that separate us. Unite us in bonds of love, and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature, grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotions for the Church Year

The First Sunday After Christmas

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Call to Prayer

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, you sent a star to guide the Magi to the child Jesus. We confess that we have not followed the light of your Word. We have not searched for signs of your love in the world or trusted your good news to be good. We have failed to praise your Son’s birth and refused his peace on earth. We have expected little and hoped for less. Forgive our doubt and renew in us all fine desires, that we may watch and wait and once more hear the glad story of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord. Amen

Assurance of Pardon

To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Carol: O Come Let Us Adore Him

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the king of angels.

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing all ye bright hosts of heav’n above. Glory to God, all glory in the highest.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

O Come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Psalm: Psalm 147:12-20

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10-62:5

New Testament: Galatians 3:23-4:7

Gospel: John 1:1-18

Carol: Joy to the Word

Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy. Repeat the sounding joy. Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.

Intercession

For Our Nation

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly ask that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail, all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).

Devotions for the Church Year

The Third Sunday in Advent

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Call to Prayer

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 

Prayer of Confession

O God, we live as if the light had never defeated the darkness in the world or in us. We confess that we ignore the Christ you sent to be among us, to be in us. We’ve kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season and do not yearn for his birth each moment in our waiting hearts. Lord, you came to us in the fullness of time. Forgive us for not opening our eyes to your coming. It’s time that we prepare for your coming. Let the earth ring with song. Let the light break forth. Let us all rejoice in the miracle of love. Let Christ come into the fullness of our time. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

The good news of this Advent season is forgiveness of sin and new life. Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace. Thanks be to the Advent God, who comes among us, setting us free to love and serve.

Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.

Be assured that the Lord, he is God; it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures from generation to generation.

Psalm: Psalm 146

Gloria Patri

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-10

New Testament: James 5:7-20

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-19

Canticle (The Magnificat Luke 1:46-55)

My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.

Intercession

For the President and all in Civil Authority

O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of this nation, the Governor of this state, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Collect

O Lord, Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources

The Book of Common Prayer. (Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019).

The Worship Sourcebook. (Kalamazoo, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004).

Worship the Lord, The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. (Reformed Church Press, 2005).