Soon, the door to life and grace will be shut, and the beginnings of Jacob’s distress and the Great Tribulation will come upon the earth. The same Regnant Lamb who conquered Death and Hell on the Cross, who judged the dragon, and paid humankind’s sin debt has been given the task of judging the world and restoring creation. The greatest period of trouble and distress for the world lies ahead. Judgment and punishment await those who refuse the mercies of God given in the person of Jesus Christ. Tribulation awaits this tired and rebellious world system, and during this Season after Pentecost, let us stay awake and pray at all times that we will be able to escape the judgments ahead. May we strive to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations, spreading the hope of God’s grace among those who still are ignorant of the salvation won for humankind at Calvary’s Cross.
Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, [16] calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, [17] for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
~ Revelation 6.15-17
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, we acknowledge you also as a consuming fire, the holy God who has determined to judge the world in righteousness. Let us do all we can to prepare ourselves and others for the Great Day of visitation to come. Amen.
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, 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 worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun 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.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
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 ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 85.8-13 OT: Amos 7.7-15 Gospel: Mark 6.14-29 NT: Eph. 1.3-14 (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Affirmation from the Psalms
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! [2] Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. [3] Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. [4] His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. [5] The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. [6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. [7] All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
~ Psalm 97.1-7
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Fear the Lord, O my soul, for he is awesome, and worthy of praise!
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Heavenly Throne
Revelation 4Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, July 16, 2018