đź””
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Lord, please help me to accurately identify the gifts and strengths you have given me, and to discern how they can be corrupted by sin and used in ways that dishonor you and hurt others.
Please give me grace to discipline myself and take every thought, emotion, word and action—every strength you have given me—captive to Christ. *
Enable me to clearly discern the needs of others,
and give me both the desire and ability to truly minister to those around me rather than manipulating them. *
Lord, I can only do this as you fill me with your Holy Spirit, as you give me a deeper understanding of all you have done for me through the gospel,
and as you incline my heart to honor and trust you and obey your command to love others as you have loved me.
- Ken Sande
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
May God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord bless you with grace and peace!
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (International English Bible)
May God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord bless you with grace and peace! *
My brothers and sisters, we should always thank God for you, and rightly so, because your faith is continuing to grow more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is also increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials that you are enduring.
Response to the Scripture
You, Oh God, are reconciling all things to yourself in Christ Jesus. Help us to walk in the ministry of reconciliation, bringing all things under your kingdom - to the glory of your Name.
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
đź””
The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
May God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord bless you with grace and peace!
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
Gracious Father,
we pray to you for your holy Church.
Fill it with your truth.
Keep it in your peace.*
Where it is corrupt, reform it.
Where it is in error, correct it. *
Where it is in right, defend it.
Where it is in want, provide for it. *
Where it is divided, reunite it,
For the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.
- Paulist Prayer Book
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 7: Reconciliation Bridge Prayer – “Entering into the Unity of the Trinity” )