Hard Words

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Forgiveness, God, Jesus Christ, Kindness, Love

Over at Medium, I’ve posted a reflection on Jesus’ call to love your enemies. Important for Christians to bear in mind, in these days of strife.

Tuesday Tea-ology, 06/09/20

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Christ, Christianity, Love, Race, Tuesday Tea-ology

Today’s Tuesday Tea-ology: what is the church’s response to racism?

Easter, Afternoon

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Christianity, Easter, Father, God, holiness, Holy Week, Love, Power, Praise, Prayer, Resurrection

Father Almighty, we worship you on this joyful resurrection day. Be glorified, Almighty God, our Maker and Master, our Savior and King. Glory to you in your unfathomable love, in the mercy that delivered your Son for us. Glory to you in your invincible strength, in the power that raised Jesus our Savior from the dead. Glory to you in your unapproachable holiness, in your incomparable majesty, glory and honor and praise—Amen!

Good Friday, Noon

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Faithfulness, God, God the Son, Good Friday, Grace, Holy Week, Jesus Christ, Lordship, Love, Mercy, Praise, Prayer, Salvation

In the hour when darkness reigns, you still are Lord of all, majestic Son of God. Only your self-restraint, only your unfailing love, allowed the suffering you endured for us. For us you bore the blows and the mockery; for us you stood before the tribunals of men and were slandered and maligned. Matchless is your mercy, great God and Savior. Be glorified in the objects of your mercy today.

All Kindness

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Christianity, God, Grace, holiness, Holy Week, Love, Mercy, Prayer, Sanctification, Temptation

God of all kindness, look mercifully upon us. You are strong! Carry us, in your almighty strength. When we are tempted, teach us to lift our eyes to the cross, to remember your unflagging endurance and your invincible love. Shield us from doubt, sin, and all things that stand opposed to your holiness and the worship that is your due—Amen.

Holy Week, Tuesday

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Christianity, God, holiness, Holy Week, Love, Praise, Prayer, Trinity, Worship

All authority, all honor, all power and majesty and praise, belong to you, marvelous Triune God. You know all, see all, can do all; you are everywhere and everywhen, transcendent and immanent. You are holy and righteous, unstained by the merest spot of sin; you are loving and kind, filled with mercy and compassion towards your fallen creation. To love you with all ourselves is all our commission and joy—Amen.

Palm Sunday, Morning

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Adoration, Christianity, Faith, God, Humility, Jesus Christ, Love, Palm Sunday, Praise, Prayer

We adore you, Lord Christ, our wonderful God and Savior. As Mary long ago poured out the precious perfume upon your feet, we pour out our praises today. You are great and glorious, matchless in wisdom, strong to save, merciful and gracious and kind. Thank you, Eternal Son, for taking upon yourself our humanity and walking in perfect faithfulness the road we so imperfectly walk. Be glorified, Lord Christ—Amen.

In Christ

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God, Jesus Christ, Life, Lordship, Love, Prayer, Salvation, Strength, Union with Christ, Wisdom

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, be my guide and strength today. You who evaded the wiles of the Pharisees, who turned back the temptations of Satan himself, be my wisdom in every question and my shield against sin. You who bore the cross for me, be my strength in every challenge and my fortitude in every sacrifice. You who came from Bethlehem to Golgotha, be my love for a lost and dying world. You who rose and reign forever, be my King and my glory today—Amen.

Lord’s Day: Evening

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Compassion, Glory, God, Grace, Love, Mercy, Power, Praise, Prayer, Wisdom

Righteous and Holy God, you are worthy of all adoration and praise. Wise and Powerful King, you are worthy of all wonder and awe. Gracious and Merciful Father, you are worthy of all thanks and love. Be praised in your holy majesty; be worshipped in your awesome might; be adored in your wonderful compassion; be glorified, Glorious God. Bless me tonight with thoughts of your worthiness—Amen.

Seventh Day of Christmas: Morning

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Christmas, Grace, Holy Spirit, Humility, Incarnation, Jesus Christ, Love, Mercy, Prayer

Holy One of God, who came down at Christmas, let me walk after you today. Teach me the humility that descends to the manger and ascends the hill of Calvary; teach me the love that faces death to win life and freedom for the lost. Create a new heart in me, a heart after your heart, and strengthen me with your Spirit to keep my heart from sin. Let me walk in wisdom and truth I pray—Amen.