The Liturgical Tradition: Relevent in All Ages
It seems like we live in a really different world spiritually from what is was when I first became a practicing Christian 12 years ago and certainly when I was a little kid. (To give some context here, the current Book of Common Prayer is 1 year older than me <g>)
While reading something about the emergent/emerging church movement lately, I found a couple of subtle references to the fact that the author felt traditional liturgies were “boring”, “dead”, or “irrelevant”. With contemporary-style worship being a focal point in Christianity today, I think we liturgists are going to have to do a lot of explaining about why we do things a certain way.
How would you explain liturgical worship’s relevance to someone unfamiliar with it?
Consecration to the Sacred Heart
A beautiful prayer for families
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=199
I’m Back, Sorta
Sorry I haven’t been posting, I’ve had a VERY manic last few months. I’ll be adding a new video category, so please stay tuned 
A Modified Declaration of Faith for Our Age
I believe in God the Father, Maker of heaven and earth, whose name is to be hallowed and praised.
And in Jesus Christ our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, and the third day He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, from where he will judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, in His power, in His ability to illuminate and direct the Christian Church and individuals here on earth. I believe in His ability to distribute the gifts of the Spirit for the Church’s edification and mission as He wills.
I believe in the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body, and of life everlasting through the grace and finished work of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Written by Pastor Peter Olson
A Service for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
While not intended to be a substitute for regular church attendance, I hope this service will be helpful for this unable to attend services or looking to enrich their personal devotions.
Opening Hymn: Praise Him, Praise Him! (Music)
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long:
Refrain
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.
Refrain
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.
Refrain (public domain)
Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia! (Book of Common Prayer, 1979)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 1979)
Hymn of Praise: The Day of Resurrection (Music)
The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, may hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end. (public domain)
Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter: O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)
Acts 3:12-19 (World English Bible) 3:12 When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. 3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses. 3:16 By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
3:17 “Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 3:18 But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord
Lord, may Your words call us to true repentance.
Psalm 4
1
Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2
“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?”
3
Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.
4
Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5
Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the LORD.
6
Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.
7
You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8
I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)
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.
1 John 3:1-7 3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 3:3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 3:4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. 3:5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. 3:6 Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him, neither knows him.
3:7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. (World English Bible)
Lord, may Your word continue to keep us in righteousness and love. Amen.
Hymn: That Eastertide with Joy Was Bright (Music)
That Eastertide with joy was bright,
The sun shone out with fairer light,
When, to their longing eyes restored,
The glad apostles saw their Lord.
He bade them see His hands, His side,
Where yet the glorious wounds abide;
The tokens true which made it plain
Their Lord indeed was risen again.
Jesus, the King of gentleness,
Do Thou Thyself our hearts possess
That we may give Thee all our days
The tribute of our grateful praise.
O Lord of all, with us abide
In this our joyful Eastertide;
From every weapon death can wield
Thine own redeemed forever shield.
All praise be Thine, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
All praise to God the Father be
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Luke 24:36-48 24:36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
24:37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
24:38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 24:41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
24:42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 24:43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 24:44 He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”
24:45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 24:46 He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. (World English Bible)
Let Your word inspire us to be faithful witnesses always.
A Declaration of Faith by Pastor Peter Olson:
I believe in God the Father, Maker of heaven and earth, whose name is to be hallowed and praised.
And in Jesus Christ our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, and the third day He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, from where he will judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, in His power, in His ability to illuminate and direct the Christian Church and individuals here on earth. I believe in His ability to distribute the gifts of the Spirit for the Church’s edification and mission as He wills.
I believe in the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body, and of life everlasting through the grace and finished work of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Intercessory Prayers:
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and
humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by al people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and
Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations
of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
(Book of Common 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 tresspasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
- Numbers: 6:24 ‘The LORD bless you, and keep you.
- cb(6,25); 6:25 The LORD make his face to shine on you,
- and be gracious to you.
- cb(6,26); 6:26 The LORD lift up his face toward you,
- and give you peace.’ (World English Bible)
Closing Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (Music)
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.
Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre, and as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all.
Crown Him, ye morning stars of light, who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all.
Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all.
Ye seed of Israel’s chosen 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.
Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line, whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all,
The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all.
Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all.
Let every tribe and every tongue before Him prostrate fall
And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.
And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.
O that, with yonder sacred throng, we at His feet may fall,
Join in the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all,
Join in the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all! (public domain)
A Service for Resurrection Day
All collects, the Psalms, and the intercessory prayers are from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, unless otherwise noted. Bible readings are from the World English Bible. Hymns are public domain. While not intended to be a substitute for regular church attendance, I hope this service will be helpful for this unable to attend services or looking to enrich their personal devotions.
Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today (Music)
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!
But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome, Happy Morning! (Music)
“Welcome, happy morning!” age to age shall say:
“Hell today is vanquished, Heav’n is won today!”
Lo! the dead is living, God forevermore!
Him, their true Creator, all His works adore!
Refrain
“Welcome, happy morning!”
Age to age shall say.
Earth her joy confesses, clothing her for spring,
All fresh gifts returned with her returning King:
Bloom in every meadow, leaves on every bough,
Speak His sorrow ended, hail His triumph now.
Refrain
Months in due succession, days of lengthening light,
Hours and passing moments praise Thee in their flight.
Brightness of the morning, sky and fields and sea,
Vanquisher of darkness, bring their praise to Thee.
Refrain
Maker and Redeemer, life and health of all,
Thou from heaven beholding human nature’s fall,
Of the Father’s Godhead true and only Son,
Mankind to deliver, manhood didst put on.
Refrain
Thou, of life the Author, death didst undergo,
Tread the path of darkness, saving strength to show;
Come, then True and Faithful, now fulfill Thy Word;
’Tis Thine own third morning; rise, O buried Lord!
Refrain
Loose the souls long prisoned, bound with Satan’s chain;
All that now is fallen raise to life again;
Show Thy face in brightness, bid the nations see;
Bring again our daylight: day returns with Thee!
Refrain
end(O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy:
Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles: 10:34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; cb(10,35); 10:35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. cb(10,36); 10:36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all—cb(10,37); 10:37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; cb(10,38); 10:38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. cb(10,39); 10:39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. cb(10,40); 10:40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, cb(10,41); 10:41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. cb(10,42); 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. cb(10,43); 10:43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
Psalm 118:
- 1
- Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever. - 2
- Let Israel now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.” - 14
- The LORD is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation. - 15
- There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous: - 16
- “The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!” - 17
- I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD. - 18
- The LORD has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death. - 19
- Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the LORD. - 20
- “This is the gate of the LORD; *
he who is righteous may enter.” - 21
- I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation. - 22
- The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone. - 23
- This is the LORD’S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes. - 24
- On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians:
15:1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, cb(15,2); 15:2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. cb(15,3); 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, cb(15,4); 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, cb(15,5); 15:5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. cb(15,6); 15:6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. cb(15,7); 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, cb(15,8); 15:8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. cb(15,9); 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God. cb(15,10); 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. cb(15,11); 15:11 Whether then it is I or they, so we preach, and so you believed.
The Day of Resurrection (Music)
The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, may hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.
A Reading from the Gospel of John:
20:1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. cb(20,2); 20:2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”cb(20,3);
20:3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. cb(20,4); 20:4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. cb(20,5); 20:5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in. cb(20,6); 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, cb(20,7); 20:7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. cb(20,8); 20:8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. cb(20,9); 20:9 For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. cb(20,10); 20:10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.cb(20,11);
20:11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, cb(20,12); 20:12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. cb(20,13); 20:13 They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” cb(20,14);
20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.cb(20,15);
20:15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
cb(20,16);
20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!”
cb(20,17);
20:17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”cb(20,18);
20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
Now the Green Blade Rises (Music)
Now the green blade rises from the buried grain,
Wheat that in the dark earth many years has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.
In the grave they laid Him, Love Whom we had slain,
Thinking that He’d never wake to life again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.
Up He sprang at Easter, like the risen grain,
He that for three days in the grave had lain;
Up from the dead my risen Lord is seen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.
When our hearts are saddened, grieving or in pain,
By Your touch You call us back to life again;
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.
The Gardener (Grace Lutheran Church)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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 those 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.
We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will
for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share
with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all
things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord
of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through
the blood of the eternal covenant: Make you perfect in
every good work to do his will, working in you that which is
well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Solemn, Yes. Funeral, No
A great blog post on why Good Friday isn’t really supposed to be funeral-like, in spite of its solemnity
A Service for Palm Sunday
Note: This is a service especially designed for those unable to worship in a Christian community this week who would like to pray online with others. Of course, all are welcome! It’s not intended to be a substitute for regular attendance in a Christian congregation. If you’re currently seeking a church home, please feel free to add a comment and I’ll be glad to assist you in your search. Please feel free to share comments as appropriate.
Opening Hymn: “All Glory, Laud and Honor” (Music)
Refrain
All glory, laud and honor,
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.
Refrain
The company of angels
Are praising Thee on High,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.
Refrain
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.
Refrain
To Thee, before Thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
Refrain
Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.
Refrain
+Let us bless the Holy Name of Jesus, who was proclaimed King of Kings, and was willing to suffer death for our salvation.
Hosanna to the Son of God!+
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy On Us (Ancient Christian prayer, said 3X)
A Reading from Isaiah
54:4-9 50:4 The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. cb(50,5); 50:5 The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward. cb(50,6); 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting. cb(50,7); 50:7 For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed. cb(50,8); 50:8 He is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. cb(50,9); 50:9 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me; who is he who shall condemn me? Behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up. (World English Bible)
Psalm 31:9-16
- 9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow,
and also my throat and my belly. - 10
- For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed. - 11
- I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my
neighbors,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me. - 12
- I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot. - 13
- For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life. - 14
- But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. *
I have said, “You are my God. - 15
- My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me. - 16
- Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.” (Book of Common Prayer, 1979)
A reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians
Philippians 2:5-11
2:5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, cb(2,6); 2:6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, cb(2,7); 2:7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. cb(2,8); 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. cb(2,9); 2:9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; cb(2,10); 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, cb(2,11); 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (World English Bible)
Go to Dark Gethsemane (Music)
Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with Him one bitter hour,
Turn not from His griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
See Him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.
Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.
Early hasten to the tomb where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom. Who has taken Him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.
The Passion Gospel According to Mark
15:1 Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. cb(15,2); 15:2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”He answered, “So you say.”
cb(15,3);
15:3 The chief priests accused him of many things. cb(15,4); 15:4 Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!”cb(15,5);
15:5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.cb(15,6);
15:6 Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. cb(15,7); 15:7 There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. cb(15,8); 15:8 The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. cb(15,9); 15:9 Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” cb(15,10); 15:10 For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. cb(15,11); 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. cb(15,12); 15:12 Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”cb(15,13);
15:13 They cried out again, “Crucify him!”cb(15,14);
15:14 Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?”But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”
cb(15,15);
15:15 Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified. cb(15,16); 15:16 The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. cb(15,17); 15:17 They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. cb(15,18); 15:18 They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” cb(15,19); 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. cb(15,20); 15:20 When they had mocked him, they took the purple off of him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.
15:21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. cb(15,22); 15:22 They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” cb(15,23); 15:23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it.cb(15,24);
15:24 Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. cb(15,25); 15:25 It was the third hour, and they crucified him. cb(15,26); 15:26 The superscription of his accusation was written over him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” cb(15,27); 15:27 With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left. cb(15,28); 15:28 The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “He was numbered with transgressors.”cb(15,29);
15:29 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, cb(15,30); 15:30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!”cb(15,31);
15:31 Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, “He saved others. He can’t save himself. cb(15,32); 15:32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.” Those who were crucified with him insulted him.cb(15,33);
15:33 When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. cb(15,34); 15:34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”*cb(15,35);
15:35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.”cb(15,36);
15:36 One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down.”cb(15,37);
15:37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. cb(15,38); 15:38 The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. cb(15,39); 15:39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (World English Bible)
Ah, Holy Jesus (Music)
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.
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,
I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,
Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.
Asking Our Lord Jesus to have mercy on us and hear our prayers, let us pray with confidence in His Holy Name.
We pray for Your Church, that it may be made one in You just as You prayed that Your followers might be one. Let all clergy and lay people have Your same spirit of love and sacrifice. Bring us all to the foot of the cross.
We pray for all the nations of the world, that they may seek Your truth and justice. We pray for those who suffer, that they may know the power of Your love.
We pray for those in need, that they may fully know the extent of Your love for them.
We pray for those who have died, that they may know You as their Lord and King in eternity.
We ask these in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names. Amen.
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
The Old Rugged Cross (Music)
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain
Quiz for 6th Epiphany
1. Namaan served under the King of Aram. Where was Aram located?
2. What does Psalm 30 say about weeping and joy?
3. In his letter to the Corinthians, what two sports does Paul allude to in describing the Christian life?
4. True or False: When Jesus healed a leper, he never commanded anyone to involve the priests in it
5. Which Biblical prophet was teaching at the time of Namaan’s healing?
The readings these questions are drawn from may be found here: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi6_RCL.html
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