Appearances are deceiving. At first glance, the people of God are prey for worldly evil, and many pay the extreme price of suffering in death. They endure persecution under the boot of oppressive regimes, insane religious zealots, brutal dictatorships, and social ostracism. Their odds look slim to none for survival in many parts of the world. Yet, we know from God’s prophetic Word that these appearances are false. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God overcome this world, for they overcome the devil through the Blood of the Lamb, and simply are not afraid to die for his sake. God Almighty will vindicate his own, and they will obtain gladness and joy through their faith in the Lord. Have no fear; God has not forgot his promise.
John declares in the Apocalypse that those who endure to the end will be saved, vindicated, exalted, and glorified, even as their Lord endured the cross and was exalted by the Father. We need not be troubled nor dismayed by what is taking place, or what must occur in the future. God will vindicate his own, and they will bless his name as King for he is the Sovereign Lord of all.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
~ Revelation 7.9-10
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, we praise you today for we know that, although things may appear troubled and dangerous, your Word to your own will never fail. Blessed be your name! 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. 23 OT: Jer. 23.1-6 Gospel: Mark 6.30-34, 53-56 NT: Eph. 2.11-22 (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
Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! [2] For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? [3] Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! [4] Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
~ Psalm 43.1-4
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Vindicate me, O my God, for I trust in you, regardless of what others may say or do around me.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Heavenly Throne
Revelation 4