The picture that John gives of the end is filled with visions of angels. In this chapter episode, a mighty angel comes down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face shining like the sun. He sounded like a lion roaring, and seven thunders sounded. Another angel sounded, swearing by him who lives forever and ever, the creator, that there would be no more delay. The mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as the LORD had announced to his servants the prophets. Let us have confidence that the promises of God will come to pass. The sovereign, eternal God is a God of truth and covenant faithfulness forever.
During this Season after Pentecost, let us affirm that the plan and mystery of God will occur in God’s perfect timing. Nothing can thwart or prevent the plan and purpose of the Lord to be fulfilled in its own time and in its own way. Being the sovereign and eternal God he is, we can know for sure that the will of God is inviolate; it cannot be broken or changed.
And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven [6] and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, [7] but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.
~ Revelation 10.5-7
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Eternal Father, we acknowledge you today as the sovereign and eternal God of truth, he who alone will fulfill his mysteries which have been revealed to his servants, the prophets. For your name’s sake, 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. 34.1-8 OT: 1 Kings 19.4-8 Gospel: John 6.35, 41-51 NT: Eph. 4.25-5.2 (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
Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. [90] Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. [91] By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. [92] If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. [93] I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. [94] I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. [95] The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
~ Psalm 119.89-95
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Your word, O LORD, is forever settled, firmly fixed in the heavens.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Dragon, the Woman, and Her Seed
Revelation 12Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, August 13, 2018