The Apocalypse reveals what the Scriptures everywhere affirm: God comes to judge the earth for its rebellion and sin. Let us stand before the Lord, humble in trembling suspense, in fear and awe, filled with gratefulness and humility for Jesus’ victory on the Cross. It was there he conquered the powers that held us in bondage. It was there he died in our stead, bearing our punishment in his death on the tree. And, it was there we see the Father’s love commended for us in spite of our sin. In light of what is to come, let us then prepare ourselves and everyone we can through prayer and witness for the great day of accounting to come.
Aware that God’s judgment lies ahead, our attitude must be one of gratefulness and humility as we realize what our Lord Jesus did for us in conquering the powers in order that we may avoid the wrath to come. The judgments of God are about to fall upon the world, and who can stand apart from God’s mercy?
Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”
~ Revelation 8.13
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal God our Father, thank you for the gift of your Son and leaving your Spirit here with us; enable us to complete the Great Commission before Jesus comes to judge this world. 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. 145.10-18 OT: 2 Kings 4.42-44 Gospel: John 6.1-21 NT: Eph. 3.14-21 (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
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. [2] I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. [3] He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
~ Psalm 57.1-3
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Heavenly Throne
Revelation 4Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, July 30, 2018