Wednesday Evening

Season:

Lent

Wednesday, March 31

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 27; 51

Read:

Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-18

Philippians 4:1-13

John 12:27-36

Pray:

Give us your peace, O God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all your children, and be thankful for your love revealed in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    people who reveal your truth and righteousness...

    courage to be bold disciples...

    those who show hospitality...

    surprises that have blessed us...

    the unity of the church of Jesus Christ...

Give us your peace, O God, that we may be confident of your care for us and all your children, as we remember the needs of others.  Especially we pray for

    friends and relatives who are far away...

    neighbors in special need...

    those who suffer hunger and thirst...

    those who work at night while others sleep...

    Episcopal and Methodist churches...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Wednesday Morning

Season:

Lent

Wednesday, March 31

Morning

Read/Pray:

Psalm 5; 147:1-11

Read:

Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-18

Philippians 4:1-13

John 12:27-36

Pray: 

God of all mercies, we praise you that you have brought us to this new day, brightening our lives with the dawn of promise and hope in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the warmth of sunlight, the wetness of rain and snow, and all that nourishes the earth...

    the presence and power of your Spirit...

    the support and encouragement we receive from others...

    those who provide for public safety and well-being...

    the mission of the church around the world...

Merciful God, strengthen us in prayer that we may lift up the brokenness of this world for your healing, and share in the saving love of Jesus Christ.  Especially we pray for

    those in positions of authority over others...

    the lonely and forgotten...

    children without families or homes...

    agents of caring and relief...

    the church in Asia and the Middle East...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Tuesday Evening

Season:

Lent

Tuesday, March 30

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalms 25; 91

Read:

Jeremiah 15:10-21

Philippians 3:15-21

John 12:20-26

Pray:

Eternal God, we thank you for being with us today, and for every sign of your truth and love in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the gift of peace in Christ...

    reconciliation in our relationships...

    each new insight into your love...

    energy and courage to share your love...

    the ministries of the church...

Gracious God, we remember in our own hearts the needs of others, that we may reach up to claim your love for them, and reach out to give your love in the name of Christ.  Especially we pray for

    racial harmony and justice...

    those imprisoned...

    strangers we have met today...

    friends who are bereaved...

    Orthodox and Coptic churches...

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Tuesday Morning

Season:

Lent

Tuesday, March 30

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 34; 146

Read:

Jeremiah 15:10-21

Philippians 3:15-21

John 12:20-26

Pray:

Eternal God, we rejoice this morning in the gift of life, which we have received by your grace, and the new life you give in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the love of our families...

    the affection of our friends...

    strength and abilities to serve your purpose today...

    this community in which we live...

    opportunities to give as we have received...

God of grace, we offer our prayers for the needs of others and commit ourselves to serve them even as we have been served in Jesus Christ.  Especially we pray for

    those closest to us, families, friends, neighbors...

    refugees and homeless men, women and children...

    the outcast and persecuted...

    those from whom we are estranged...

    the church in Africa...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Monday Morning

Season:

Lent

Monday, March 29

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 119:73-80; 145

Read:

Jeremiah 11:18-20; 12:1-17

Philippians 3:1-14

John 12:9-19

Pray:

We praise you, God our creator, for your handiwork in shaping and sustaining your wondrous creation.  Especially we thank you for

    the miracle of life and the wonder of living...

    particular blessings coming to us in this day...

    the resources of the earth...

    gifts of creative vision and skillful craft...

    the treasure stored in every human life...

We dare to pray for others, God our Savior, claiming your love in Jesus Christ for the whole world, committing ourselves to care for those around us in his name.  Especially we pray for

    those who work for the benefit of others...

    those who cannot work today...

    those who teach and those who learn...

    people who are poor...

    the church in Europe...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Sunday Evening

Season:

Lent

Sunday, March 28

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 42; 32

Read:

Zechariah 12:9-11; 13:1, 7-9

Matthew 21:12-17

Pray:

We lift our voices in prayers of praise, holy God, for you have lifted us to new life in Jesus Christ, and your blessings come in generous measure.  Especially we thank you for

    the privilege of worship and service in this congregation...

    the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ for us...

    food and drink to share in the Lord's name...

    our calling to discipleship...

We hold up before you human needs, God of compassion, for you have come to us in Jesus Christ and shared our life so we may share his resurrection.  Especially we pray for

    the healing of those who are sick...

    the comfort of the dying...

    the renewal of those who despair...

    the Spirit's power in the church...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Sunday Morning

Season:

Lent

Sunday, March 28

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 84; 150

Read:

Zechariah 9:9-12

1 Timothy 6:12-16

Pray:

Mighty God of mercy, we thank you for the resurrection dawn bringing the glory of our risen Lord who makes every day new.  Especially we thank you for

    the beauty of your creation...

    the new creation in Christ and all gifts of healing and forgiveness...

    the sustaining love of family and friends...

    the fellowship of faith in your church...

Merciful God of might, renew this weary world, heal the hurts of all your children, and bring about your peace for all in Christ Jesus, the living Lord.  Especially we pray for 

    those who govern nations of the world...

    the people in countries ravaged by strife or warfare...

    all who work for peace and international harmony...

    all who strive to save the earth from destruction...

    the church of Jesus Christ in every land...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Thursday Evening

 Season:

Lent

Thursday, March 4

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 126; 102

Read:

Jeremiah 26:1-24

Romans 11:1-12

John 10:19-42

Pray:

We give you our praise and thanks, O God, for all gifts of love we have received from you, and for your persistent mercy in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    work we have accomplished pleasing to you...

    the faithful witness of Christian people...

    the example of righteousness we see in parents and teachers...

    the innocence and openness we see in children...

    all works of Christian compassion...

We give you all our cares and concerns, O God, because we know you are kind and care for your children in every circumstance.  Especially we pray for

    those who struggle with doubt and despair...

    people afflicted with disease...

    those called to special ministries...

    people neglected or abused...

    Baptist, Disciples of Christ, and other free churches...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Thursday Morning

Season:

Lent

Thursday, March 25

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 27; 147:12-20

Read:

Jeremiah 26:1-24

Romans 11:1-12

John 10:19-42

Pray:

Loving God, as the rising sun chases away the night, so you have scattered the power of death in the rising of Jesus Christ, and you bring us all blessings in him.  Especially we thank you for

    the community of faith in our church...

    those with whom we work or share common concerns...

    the diversity of your children...

    indications of your love at work in the world...

    those who work for reconciliation...

Mighty God, with the dawn of your love you reveal your victory over all that would destroy or harm, and you brighten the lives of all who need you.  Especially we pray for

    families suffering separation...

    people different from ourselves...

    those isolated by sickness or sorrow...

    the victims of violence or warfare...

    the church in the Pacific region...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Wednesday Evening

Season:

Lent

Wednesday, March 24

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 27; 51

Read:

Jeremiah 25:30-38

Romans 10:14-21

John 10:1-18

Pray:

Give us your peace, O God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all your children, and be thankful for your love revealed in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    people who reveal your truth and righteousness...

    courage to be bold disciples...

    those who show hospitality...

    surprises that have blessed us...

    the unity of the church of Jesus Christ...

Give us your peace, O God, that we may be confident of your care for us and all your children, as we remember the needs of others.  Especially we pray for

    friends and relatives who are far away...

    neighbors in special need...

    those who suffer hunger and thirst...

    those who work at night while others sleep...

    Episcopal and Methodist churches...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Wednesday Morning

Season:

Lent

Wednesday, March 24

Morning

Read/Pray:

Psalm 5; 147:1-11

Read:

Jeremiah 25:30-38

Romans 10:14-21

John 10:1-18

Pray: 

God of all mercies, we praise you that you have brought us to this new day, brightening our lives with the dawn of promise and hope in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the warmth of sunlight, the wetness of rain and snow, and all that nourishes the earth...

    the presence and power of your Spirit...

    the support and encouragement we receive from others...

    those who provide for public safety and well-being...

    the mission of the church around the world...

Merciful God, strengthen us in prayer that we may lift up the brokenness of this world for your healing, and share in the saving love of Jesus Christ.  Especially we pray for

    those in positions of authority over others...

    the lonely and forgotten...

    children without families or homes...

    agents of caring and relief...

    the church in Asia and the Middle East...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Tuesday Evening

Season:

Lent

Tuesday, March 23

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalms 25; 91

Read:

Jeremiah 25:8-17

Romans 10:1-13

John 9:18-41

Pray:

Eternal God, we thank you for being with us today, and for every sign of your truth and love in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the gift of peace in Christ...

    reconciliation in our relationships...

    each new insight into your love...

    energy and courage to share your love...

    the ministries of the church...

Gracious God, we remember in our own hearts the needs of others, that we may reach up to claim your love for them, and reach out to give your love in the name of Christ.  Especially we pray for

    racial harmony and justice...

    those imprisoned...

    strangers we have met today...

    friends who are bereaved...

    Orthodox and Coptic churches...

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Tuesday Morning

Season:

Lent

Tuesday, March 23

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 34; 146

Read:

Jeremiah 25:8-17

Romans 10:1-13

John 9:18-41

Pray:

Eternal God, we rejoice this morning in the gift of life, which we have received by your grace, and the new life you give in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    the love of our families...

    the affection of our friends...

    strength and abilities to serve your purpose today...

    this community in which we live...

    opportunities to give as we have received...

God of grace, we offer our prayers for the needs of others and commit ourselves to serve them even as we have been served in Jesus Christ.  Especially we pray for

    those closest to us, families, friends, neighbors...

    refugees and homeless men, women and children...

    the outcast and persecuted...

    those from whom we are estranged...

    the church in Africa...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Monday Morning

Season:

Lent

Monday, March 22

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 119:73-80; 145

Read:

Jeremiah 24:1-10

Romans 9:19-33

John 9:1-17

Pray:

We praise you, God our creator, for your handiwork in shaping and sustaining your wondrous creation.  Especially we thank you for

    the miracle of life and the wonder of living...

    particular blessings coming to us in this day...

    the resources of the earth...

    gifts of creative vision and skillful craft...

    the treasure stored in every human life...

We dare to pray for others, God our Savior, claiming your love in Jesus Christ for the whole world, committing ourselves to care for those around us in his name.  Especially we pray for

    those who work for the benefit of others...

    those who cannot work today...

    those who teach and those who learn...

    people who are poor...

    the church in Europe...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Sunday Evening

Season:

Lent

Sunday, March 21

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 42; 32

Read:

Jeremiah 23:16-32

1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Mark 8:31-9:1

Pray:

We lift our voices in prayers of praise, holy God, for you have lifted us to new life in Jesus Christ, and your blessings come in generous measure.  Especially we thank you for

    the privilege of worship and service in this congregation...

    the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ for us...

    food and drink to share in the Lord's name...

    our calling to discipleship...

We hold up before you human needs, God of compassion, for you have come to us in Jesus Christ and shared our life so we may share his resurrection.  Especially we pray for

    the healing of those who are sick...

    the comfort of the dying...

    the renewal of those who despair...

    the Spirit's power in the church...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Sunday Morning

Season:

Lent

Sunday, March 21

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 84; 150

Read:

Jeremiah 23:16-32

1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Mark 8:31-9:1

Pray:

Mighty God of mercy, we thank you for the resurrection dawn bringing the glory of our risen Lord who makes every day new.  Especially we thank you for

    the beauty of your creation...

    the new creation in Christ and all gifts of healing and forgiveness...

    the sustaining love of family and friends...

    the fellowship of faith in your church...

Merciful God of might, renew this weary world, heal the hurts of all your children, and bring about your peace for all in Christ Jesus, the living Lord.  Especially we pray for 

    those who govern nations of the world...

    the people in countries ravaged by strife or warfare...

    all who work for peace and international harmony...

    all who strive to save the earth from destruction...

    the church of Jesus Christ in every land...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Living Bread

 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.  This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 1:51)

Bread is nutritious, but it isn't nutritious on the level Jesus reserves for himself as the living bread.  Bread feeds us, but we need to feed ourselves with it again.  And its nutritious effect cannot guard against the deterioration of our abilities or skills that come from the brokenness of this world that we all labor within and under.

Jesus is the eternal Son of God, pre-existent with God the Father before all things.  Among other places, Philippians 2 points us to this.  Jesus' flesh is a gift, not only of his own life, but a gift to a world, an entry of the Lord into his own creation.

We receive this gift through the means of grace.  This is how we eat.  We are baptized.  We receive the Word of God in such a way that we obey it.  We receive the Lord's Supper.  We understand ourselves to be feeding upon the life of Jesus so that his life grows within us in such a way that we live forever, because Jesus' life is a resurrected life in a body that can never be destroyed.  And we are united to him in this way by his Spirit.

God loves this world.  The gift of his life is for the life of the world.  Our world is intended by God to savor with the health for which it was always intended.  This is the gift of Jesus.  This applies to every last inch of all God has created.

Jesus is nutritious living bread, bread that builds you up not only for the next few hours, but for all eternity.  Christians are often tempted to focus so much on others being fed with Jesus that we forget to feed ourselves.  I feel this.  I need to eat, to pray, to read Scripture, to feed on Communion in worship if I have any hopes of feeding others.  I want to see others feed on the same living bread that I enjoy throughout each day.

Thursday Evening

Season:

Lent

Thursday, March 18

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 126; 102

Read:

Jeremiah 22:13-23

Romans 8:12-27

John 6:41-51

Pray:

We give you our praise and thanks, O God, for all gifts of love we have received from you, and for your persistent mercy in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    work we have accomplished pleasing to you...

    the faithful witness of Christian people...

    the example of righteousness we see in parents and teachers...

    the innocence and openness we see in children...

    all works of Christian compassion...

We give you all our cares and concerns, O God, because we know you are kind and care for your children in every circumstance.  Especially we pray for

    those who struggle with doubt and despair...

    people afflicted with disease...

    those called to special ministries...

    people neglected or abused...

    Baptist, Disciples of Christ, and other free churches...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

Thursday Morning

Season:

Lent

Thursday, March 18

Morning

Read/Sing:

Psalm 27; 147:12-20

Read:

Jeremiah 22:13-23

Romans 8:12-27

John 6:41-51

Pray:

Loving God, as the rising sun chases away the night, so you have scattered the power of death in the rising of Jesus Christ, and you bring us all blessings in him.  Especially we thank you for

    the community of faith in our church...

    those with whom we work or share common concerns...

    the diversity of your children...

    indications of your love at work in the world...

    those who work for reconciliation...

Mighty God, with the dawn of your love you reveal your victory over all that would destroy or harm, and you brighten the lives of all who need you.  Especially we pray for

    families suffering separation...

    people different from ourselves...

    those isolated by sickness or sorrow...

    the victims of violence or warfare...

    the church in the Pacific region...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Wednesday Evening

Season:

Lent

Wednesday, March 17

Evening

Read/Sing:

Psalm 27; 51

Read:

Jeremiah 18:1-11

Romans 8:1-11

John 6:27-40

Pray:

Give us your peace, O God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all your children, and be thankful for your love revealed in Jesus Christ.  Especially we thank you for

    people who reveal your truth and righteousness...

    courage to be bold disciples...

    those who show hospitality...

    surprises that have blessed us...

    the unity of the church of Jesus Christ...

Give us your peace, O God, that we may be confident of your care for us and all your children, as we remember the needs of others.  Especially we pray for

    friends and relatives who are far away...

    neighbors in special need...

    those who suffer hunger and thirst...

    those who work at night while others sleep...

    Episcopal and Methodist churches...

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.