Podcasts about thy kingdom

What kind of a King is Jesus, and what is the nature of His Kingdom? And what does it mean to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done"? These are the questions faced in the text before us. As Jesus nears the cross, a nation denies His reign over them, while a Roman ruler questions Him and then cynically admits his own confusion and despair.

What kind of a King is Jesus, and what is the nature of His Kingdom? And what does it mean to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done"? These are the questions faced in the text before us. As Jesus nears the cross, a nation denies His reign over them, while a Roman ruler questions Him and then cynically admits his own confusion and despair.

The hymn we study this weekend was written by Timothy Dwight, a Reformed pastor and teacher at the time of the founding of our country. He was the grandson of revivalist, Jonathan Edwards, and a scholar by his own right. He was known by George Washington, and the President of Yale University.  This is the only hymn that we have by Dwight in our hymnal, and sadly, some of the greater verses have been dropped out of other hymnals to make in more palatable to modern sensitivities (notably verses 3 and 6). It is found in the "Communion of Saints" section of our hymnal and is full of Biblical imagery for the church. The church, or the communion of saints, all believers, is referred to as "her" based on the picture of the church as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5). The hymn is a reminder that every Christian is a part of the whole of God's church. We are connected, not only to God, but also to one another. Because of this we join together in prayer and praise and encourage and support one another with our prayers as well as support. It is also through the visible church that the LORD imparts His gifts to His people through the "blest communion" and the Word by which God make rich promises to us of forgiveness and life, and in response we make promises to Him to be faithful to Him and in our use of His gifts. We dare not abuse His altar either by neglect or by aggression against Him or His people.  The hymn points us to Jesus as our Redeemer, as True God, our Savior and the victory He has secured for us over our enemies. So we declare His word of Truth in confidence of His return on the Last Day and our joyful reunion with Him and all His people for eternity! Isaiah says “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). As sure as we are that God's Word of Truth will last, we can also be certain that the church will finally inherit the eternal life Jesus came to win.  Join us this weekend as join together with our fellow believers to rejoice in God's gift of the CHURCH, both the fellowship that we have with Him through His Word and Sacraments, and the fellowship that He had created between believers united in faith and confession. What great blessings are ours! May the LORD bless your hymns of praise and thanksgiving to the True God this weekend!

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 6:7-15 - Jesus said to His disciples: "In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. "This is how you are to pray: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. "If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions." Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Is Papal authority over Liturgy absolute https://wdtprs.com/2025/03/is-papal-authority-over-liturgy-absolute/ 3) Bishops burning bridges https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/bishops-burning-bridges 4) It's time we stop singing about ourselves at Mass https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/its-time-we-stop-singing-about-ourselves-at-mass

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Matthew 6:7–8Recall that Jesus used to go off by Himself at times and spend the whole night in prayer. Thus, it's clear that Jesus is in favor of long and sincere times of prayer, since He gave us His own example as a lesson. But there is clearly a difference between that which our Lord did all night and that which He criticized the pagans for doing when they “babble” with many words. After this criticism of the prayer of the pagans, Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer as a model for our personal prayer.The Our Father prayer begins by addressing God in a deeply personal way. That is, God is not just an all-powerful cosmic being. He is personal, familial—He is our Father. Jesus continues the prayer by instructing us to honor our Father by proclaiming His holiness, His hallowedness. God and God alone is the Holy One from which all holiness of life derives. As we acknowledge the holiness of the Father, we must also acknowledge Him as King and seek His Kingship for our lives and for the world. This is accomplished only when His perfect will is done “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This perfect prayer concludes by acknowledging that God is the source of all of our daily needs, including the forgiveness of our sins and protection from all evil.Upon the completion of this prayer of perfection, Jesus provides a context in which this and every prayer must be prayed. He says, “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Prayer will only be effective if we allow it to change us and make us more like the Father in Heaven. Therefore, if we want our prayer of forgiveness to be effective, then we must live what we pray for. We must also forgive others so that God will forgive us.Reflect, today, upon this perfect prayer, the Our Father. One temptation is that we can become so familiar with this prayer that we gloss over its true meaning. If that happens, then we will find that we are praying it more like the pagans who simply babble the words. But if we humbly and sincerely understand and mean every word, then we can be certain that our prayer will become more like that of our Lord's. Saint Ignatius of Loyola recommends pondering every word of that prayer very slowly, one word at a time. Try to pray this way, today, and allow the Our Father to move from babbling to authentic communication with the Father in Heaven. 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.  Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jm kaelin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth [now] as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). The Gospel is the good news that the Kingdom of God has come and everyone who believes in Jesus is welcomed and ushered into this compassionate realm of God. As believers, we are called, commissioned, and empowered to advance the Kingdom of God in our world. The Kingdom progresses and grows as we share this good news with those around us. Join us as we explore the intriguing and supernatural work of expanding the Kingdom of God all around us.

I'll say it consciously: this is our worst nightmare. More than anyone else in history, modern people believe we ought to have a good life and we ought to have some control over our lives. But Jesus says when you connect with God, you must pray, “Thy will be done.”  This means the purpose of prayer is not that we would bend God's will to meet ours, but that we melt and soften our will into God's. The Bible says the way to find yourself and your happiness is never to seek yourself or your happiness but to seek God and his righteousness. In order to make it possible for us to do this, let's look at what the Bible tells us about 1) where, 2) why, and 3) how to pray “Thy will be done.” This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 7, 1995. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1995. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· John 14:1-4 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”· Heaven is living in the presence of God.· Heaven is not just a place to go when you die; it is a Kingdom you experience as you follow Jesus.· Isaiah 65: 17For behold, I am the creator of new heavens and a new earth;And the previous things will not be remembered and will come upon the heart.18So then, rejoice and be excited forever for what I create!For behold, I am the creator of a rejoicing Jerusalem and her people of joy!19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people;And in her will not be heard again weeping or crying.· Revelation 21:1-4 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from theireyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”· If you do not want a relationship with God on earth, you will not be comfortable in heaven.· We need to live to get ready for heaven.· Do you hate?· Do you lust?· Do you treat marriage as sacred?· Are you trustworthy?· Do you let go of hurt and bitterness?· Do you love your enemies?· Are you generous?· Are you developing a conversational relationship with God?· Do you trust God with your worries and anxieties?· Do you judge others?· Are you building your life on Jesus or on your own wisdom?· 19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people…· Following Jesus means doing life with God right now.· Church is to be a preview of heaven.· Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.· The more the church looks like heaven, the more people want to know what makes us that way.· When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.· When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Have you ever known someone who lived like they were already in heaven? What were they like?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 65:17-192. Read Revelation 21:1-43. What are the parallels you see between these two passages, written over 600 years apart?4. A new heaven and a new earth refers to God creating a new reality. What would you like to see in God's new reality?5. What do you think it means when the passages refer to “the previous/former things?” How does it change how we live if no longer let “the previous things” lay on our heart?6. In the Isaiah passage, God is described as “excited” and “rejoicing.” What picture does your mind paint? What does God look like when he is rejoicing?7. The message referred to a “getting ready for heaven” and using the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. How did you feel when these questions were asked? Which one pricked your heart most?8. In your opinion, what could we do to make our church more like heaven?

Thy Kingdom Come, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: The Jesus Prayer: 7 Spiritual Practices for the New Year A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Micah 4.3-4;Luke 10.31-35.Curious about faith, justice, and the kind of love that shakes things up? Join Rev. Dr. Steven Koski this Sunday—online or in person—as he explores what it really means to pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” What if God's dream is about transforming life here and now? Join us and be part of the conversation.About the Series, The Jesus Prayer: 7 Spiritual Practices for the New Year: In the midst of their own uncertainty and anxiety, the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Jesus replied, “Pray this way” and taught what is known as the Lord's Prayer or Jesus Prayer. This series will focus on this teaching of Jesus as an invitation to 7 spiritual practices that will strengthen our faith and help us show up in the world with courage and compassion.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend.  Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Lord's Prayer, Thy kingdom come, God's kingdom, political metaphor, religious metaphor, Micah's dream, economic justice, holy disturbance, Good Samaritan, holy disturbance, love's call, stand in the gap, mercy, justice, love wins., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show

Thy Kingdom come: First: The spread of the gospel to all the world. Second: The sanctification of believers and their growth in grace. The increase of holiness in our lives as believers. Third: The defeat of Satan and his subordinate kingdom. Fourth: The return of Jesus Christ.

Growing In God Podcast Web Description: We can be very concerned and even fearful about all the tumult in the world. But as Psalm 2 explains, the nations are in an uproar because they oppose the Kingdom of God. So we should not be surprised by what is happening since we are the ones praying, “Thy Kingdom come, and Thy will be done.” We should be immovable in our faith because our focus is on the Father and not on the world. Show Notes: It is easy to worry about all the turmoil in the world right now. But the events we see taking place are no accident. And they are not without our participation as Christians. We have initiated and are initiating much of what is going on. You could say, “I'm not doing anything. How am I making these things happen?” Well, for centuries Christians have prayed to the Father, “Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth.” It is His Kingdom—His will—that the nations are raging against. We can compare these times to watching a hurricane. From one perspective it is a confusing scene of things being ripped apart and swirling around. From another perspective we see the weather forces that are the root cause of all the turmoil. And in the simple prayer Christ taught us, we can maintain a perspective above the storm that is focused on the root cause. We can have a fixed focus on the Father, His will, and His coming Kingdom. You do not have to look around and say, “What is all this craziness in the world? Can you believe what's happening?” Instead, look at the root cause of the hurricane and recognize that everything happening is very simple to understand. It is exactly what was spoken by John the Baptist and Yeshua (Jesus) two thousand years ago. And it was spoken by all the prophets before that about the son of David coming and setting up His Kingdom. By this focus we can put our stake in the ground and become immovable, which is where we are supposed to be in our faith.   Key Verses: •       Matthew 6:7–13. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth.” •       1 Corinthians 15:25–28. “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” •       Matthew 3:1–3. “John the Baptist came, … saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” •       Matthew 4:12–17. “Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” •       Psalm 2:1–12. “As for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion.”   Quotes:  •       “This has been going on for a long time. This preaching of and speaking of the Kingdom of God is at the very heart of Christ, the very heart of Judaism, the very heart of our faith.” •       “When nations are addressed, it is not necessarily every individual within that nation. We as believers do have a way of thinking that is a biblical worldview. We have a way of living that is, again, not necessarily in alignment with all of those in the nation surrounding us.” •       “There are going to be many other rulers and dictators and governors, even democracies, that are going to be displaced by this Kingdom that God is bringing forth.”   Takeaways: 1.    What are we living through in these days that we call the end-time? We are living through the dispossession of the leadership and rulership of the earth because the Kingdom of God is coming. And do not forget that we as believers have been a great part of praying these days into existence. 2.    Do not look around and say, “I don't get it. I'm afraid. I'm confused. I'm concerned about the wars and the rumors of wars. It seems like the world has become very dangerous.” Well, it has. And that is because the Prince of Peace is coming to rule and reign. So, do not let your heart be in fear. Do not let your spirit become passive or melt within you. 3.    Continue to pray the prayer that Yeshua gave us from the beginning. Keep your focus on the Father. Keep worshipping Him as the Lord, the Creator of all, and keep speaking into existence, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  

DANIELS PROPHECY OF THE END TIME KINGDOMS  I want to revisit my last talk about the Lord's prayer which says ‘Your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven'. In that talk I mentioned prophesies from Daniel and Revelation about the disruption of worldly kingdoms in the end times. I'm discussing today the link between the prayer of ‘Your Kingdom Come' and visions that Daniel saw concerning the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven in greater measure in the days to come.   The Book of Daniel is a key book in the unlocking of revelation concerning the prophetic purposes of God, particularly concerning end-time events in the ‘latter days' and there are other visions of Daniel and Revelation that enlarge upon this basic vision. I want to share these prophesies not as dogma but because I have a conviction about the meaning of these prophesies and their relevance to the days in which we live and my approach will be to let Scripture interpret Scripture – all I can do is submit this approach for your discernment. Daniel was one of the Jews living in captivity after Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took hundreds of thousands of Jews into captivity for seventy years. God gave Daniel favour in the court of the king who found Daniel ‘ten times better' than all the magicians and astrologers that were in his realm in all matters of wisdom and understanding. We can compare how God gave Joseph and Moses favour with Pharaoh. In chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar had a dream where he saw a vision of a great statue that had a head of gold and shoulders and arms of silver and an abdomen and thighs of brass and legs of iron and feet and toes of iron and clay. And a stone was cut out from a mountain but not by human hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. This vision terrified the king, and he demanded that whoever was chosen to interpret the dream for him had to get it right or he would be killed. and when Daniel heard this, he prayed and asked for guidance and mercy from God and he offered to interpret the dream. This vision may be one of the most important prophetic visions in the Bible since it lays the foundation for the rest of the book of Daniel and also the Book of Revelation or the apocalypse of John.  This vision also gives an understanding of many other end-time events. Daniel said to the king ‘There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will come to pass in the latter days (ah???rîyt? yom – time of the end) (Daniel 2:28)  and the ‘latter days' refers to what would happen to Israel and the Church and the world in the end times. This vision depicts the nature of the world kingdoms from Babylon down to the present day and history shows us the dates when these kingdoms ruled.  Daniel gives the king the interpretation that God showed to him. Firstly Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that he was the head of gold, representing the Babylonian empire from 606 BC according to history(v.12) Secondly He told the king that the two shoulders and arms of silver represented the cruel double empire of Medo-Persia which would overtake his kingdom (in 536 BC - history) Thirdly Daniel told the king that the kingdom of the abdomen and thighs of bronze would defeat the Medes and Persians. And history show that this was Greece –Alexander the Great, (331-333 BC) Fourthly There were two legs of iron which would break in pieces and subdue all the other nations. History show us that this was the Roman Empire which would defeat the kingdom of Greece in 63 BC and rule the entire known world. The significance of the two legs of iron is that the Roman empire would later be divided into the Eastern and Western Empires. And the political and cultural and religious disparity between East and West still remains. The fifth and final worldly kingdom of the feet and ten toes of a mixture of iron and clay speaks of a ten-nation world power that will emerge at the end of the age. And we read the emergence of that divided and divisive kingdom in Daniel 2:41'And as you saw that the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the fragile clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw the iron mixed with fragile clay, so they will mix with one another in posterity (zera), but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. The iron in the feet is the expression of the ongoing nature of harsh dictatorial rule that represented the Roman empire in the statue. And the fragile earthly clay represents people. God made Man from the dust of the earth. And that clay speaks of government by the people for the people - democracy. This mixture of dictatorships and democracies mixing together but not holding together is a picture of the fragile nature of our global political and economic community that we see today and have for some years. This ten nation configuration of power is seen in the book of Revelation 17:12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings.  These kingdom rulers will one day join forces from amongst the global prominent nations in Europe and Asia and Africa and the Middle east and the Americas and Oceana and the South Pacific – down under. It is a remarkable fact of history that there has never been a conventional war between two democracies, but today we see Russia as a dictatorship attacking Ukraine which is a democracy, and we see China threatening Taiwan, a democratic republic, and Israel being attacked by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist entitles. The differences between the ideologies and cultures of these two distinct rules of order will never hold together for long.   The Scripture says ‘they will mix with one another in posterity  (Hebrew = zera = posterity which means planning together for a forever future. But we know they will not hold together despite the trade agreements and so-called treaties. So that ten toed kingdom is a configuration of ten nations that will plan to rule their world together forever, and this reflects their arrogance or hubris. The word hubris in the original Greek means an ‘insolent presumption towards God'. This is seen in the corrupt and oppressive political and financial power that is becoming rampant in these days.    Then the vision goes on to say that a Great Stone smites the image on the feet (10 toed kingdom). And Daniel says ‘And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever', Daniel interprets the great Stone as the Kingdom of Heaven and goes on to say ‘just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold and it shall stand forever. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” I believe that the 'days of those kings' has already begun and I believe we are living in times of global events that even the media are calling apocalyptic. And who or what is the great stone? The stone/rock represents Jesus Christ over his faithful people and the rock smites the image of a ten-nation world empire at this end of the age. Jesus said “on this rock I will build my church (Matt 16:18). God's people will reflect the rule of love and faith and justice of the Kingdom of Heaven, and this stone is cut out of a mountain without human hands. This is in stark contrast to the building of the tower of Babel, where man-made brick (beno – baked gleaming white bricks) is used to build a kingdom that will rule forever and reach to Heaven, just like the 10 toed kingdom. And that kingdom was scattered just as will be the final man-made kingdom that plans to rule forever.  ‘In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed' . I submit to you that means that at some time and I have no idea when, by the grace of God and through the Holy Spirit the Kingdom of Heaven will begin to be expressed in greater measure in God's people than ever before in the earth. This will prepare a people who understand what it means to believe and pray ‘Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven' they will desire the will of God in their lives more than their own. It is time to be guided by the Holy Spirit to hear what God is saying to his people corporately and individually and to see with eyes of faith what he is doing from Heaven and to be part of that being done in the earth.    

Num. 15:37–41 Ezek. 20:39–44 Luke 23:6–12 Col. 1:3–14 The first two petitions (requests) of the Lord's Prayer are "Hallowed be Thy name" and "Thy Kingdom come." In this message, we learn why these prayers mean, and how they enable us to aim our whole selves at the glory of God's name and the advancement of His kingdom.

·      What does it really mean for Jesus to be our leader? ·      God is sovereign because he is the creator and Lord of all things, free to do as he wishes. ·      God cannot be controlled.  ·      God is Big!  ·      1Bless the LORD, my soul, the LORD my God. You are exceedingly great; you are clothed in majesty and honor. 2You are clothed like a garment of light, Stretched out like the heavens as a curtain. 3He lays beams in the waters for his roof chamber; He makes clouds his chariot; He walks on the wings of the wind; 4He makes his messengers the wind; His ministers blazing fire. ·      If you are a follower of Jesus, you have the power to bless God!  To want and work for his good! ·      2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels ·     Don't treat God lightly.  ·     God sets the foundation. ·      5He established the earth upon its foundations. It will not be shaken from this age, until time is past. ·      How much anxiety and stress do I bring into my life trying to control things I can't control?  ·     God wisely owns the world.  ·     24How many are your makings! All you made in wisdom; The earth is full of your things. ·     I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  ·      God keeps creation going.  ·      29You hide your face, they are dismayed. You remove your breath, they expire and to their dust they return. 30You send your Spirit, they are created. You make new the face of the ground. ·       What do you do if this is true? ·       34Let my thoughts of you be pleasing. I rejoice in the LORD. 35Bring sinners to an end from the earth; And the wicked – not any more of them. Bless the LORD, my soul, Praise the LORD. ·       God, help me really understand you.  ·       PIX: 3 circles.  ·       Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: What is the most beautiful natural place you have seen?  Why?  1.      Read Psalm 104:1-4 2.     There are so many images of God in these verses.  Which one is your favorite? 3.     What does it mean to you to bless God with your soul? 4.      Read Psalm 104:5 5.      What does it mean to you that God established the foundations of the earth? 6.     Read Psalm 104:24 7.      What would your day look like if you truly trusted God's wisdom about how he made the world? 8.      Read Psalm 104:29-30 9.      In what ways do see God sustaining his creation? 10.  Read Psalm 104:34-35 11.  Is there a way of thinking about God you need to correct? 12.  What would the world look like without sin?

In this special pre-retreat episode, pastors Rich, Greg, Rachel, and Scott gather to discuss the sessions they've prepared for the upcoming Corner Church Fall Retreat. Centered around the timeless words of the Lord's Prayer, each session offers a unique perspective on how this prayer guides and transforms our daily walk with God. Rich kicks off the conversation by setting the scene from the Sermon on the Mount. He explores how Jesus taught about authentic connection with God and introduces the significance of the Lord's Prayer in that context. Greg dives into the phrases "Hallowed be Thy name" and "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Reflecting on the reverence due to God's name, Greg discusses the importance of recognizing God's work around us and how we can actively participate in His Kingdom. Rachel shifts the focus to our daily dependence on God with "Give us today our daily bread" and "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." She delves into trusting God for our needs, the challenge this poses to our sense of security, and the transformative power of embracing grace and forgiveness. Scott concludes with a discussion on "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." He addresses the realities of life's challenges and the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection amid struggles. Join us as we share insights, stories, and heartfelt dialogue in anticipation of a meaningful retreat experience. Whether you're attending the retreat or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the Lord's Prayer, this episode invites you to prepare your heart and mind for a journey of faith and discovery.

It is not that we don't know what to pray it is that we don't know how to pray. The good news is Jesus modeled prayer for us in order that we pray the way it was intended.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him…'” Luke 11:5–6Unless your friend were truly a very close friend, you may hesitate in waking them and their family at midnight to ask to borrow some food. And even if it were a very close friend, you would probably hesitate for fear of disturbing them. But in this parable, the “friend” is God. Jesus just finished giving His disciples the “Our Father” prayer, and now He adds this parable as a way of expressing the great confidence and determination with which we must pray to the Father. The parable concludes by stating that even if the person in bed does not get up to meet the request, they will do so “because of his persistence.” And though God always is attentive to our prayer, our persistence is an essential quality we must have.When we pray to God with persistence, never doubting the goodness and generosity of God, God will pour forth upon us everything that is good. Of course, if our prayer is for something that is selfish or not in accord with the will of God, then all the begging in the world will not be effective. But when we pray as the “Our Father” prayer teaches us, then we can be certain that our fidelity to that prayer, prayed with the utmost trust and persistence, will effect the good gifts of the will of God in our lives.One of the seven petitions of the “Our Father” prayer is “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” This is a truly beautiful petition that requires not only ongoing persistence but also detachment from our preference in life. To pray that “God's” will be done and that “His” Kingdom come is a way of also saying that you surrender all of your preferences to God. You come to God acknowledging that your will may not be God's will. Thus, this petition expresses detachment in a powerful way.Reflect, today, upon the importance of praying with the utmost fervor and persistence to God. Reflect, also, upon the importance of doing so with detachment. What does God want of you? What is His holy will for your life? Seek that will and that will alone with all your heart and you will discover that His will truly will come to be in your life.My perfect Lord, Your will and Your will alone is what I want and seek. I seek it with all the powers of my soul. Help me to grow in confidence in You and Your goodness. May I trust in You and believe with all my heart that You truly will bring forth Your holy will in my life if I only persist in prayer and trust. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Qui es in Caelis, via flickr

The greatest challenge we have in our relationship with God is accepting His will, because sometimes it means that life might get difficult. And this week, Charles Tapp reveals what it means when we say "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done" as he continues with the third part in this series of messages about The Lord's Prayer titled "Teach Us to Pray" with his message "Father Knows Best."

He was born to Muslim parents in Konitsa of Albania — the ancient region of Epirus. His father was a prominent ruler among the Muslims and a member of the Sufi order, sometimes called dervishes, a mystical Islamic sect. John himself became a prominent Sufi and settled in Joannina. Though not a Christian, he attended to his conscience and lived a sober and prayerful life.   Over time, he became increasingly attracted to the Christian faith and, in time, asked for holy Baptism. No Christian in his region dared to baptize him, knowing the reprisals that would follow. So John migrated to Ithaka, was baptized, and settled there in a village called Xiromeron, where he married and lived as a simple countryman. In 1813, John's father somehow learned where he was, and that he had become a Christian. He sent two Sufis to bring him back and restore him to the Muslim faith. Because of this, the Ottoman authorities on Ithaka learned who he was and brought him before a judge. To each of the judge's questions John would only reply 'I am a Christian and I am called John.'   Realizing that no amount of persuasion or coercion would move him, the authorities determined to behead him. At his execution, since they would not loose his hands so that he could make the sign of the Cross, John cried out 'Lord, Remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom!' With these words he submitted himself to a Martyr's end. The Turks intended to leave his body for the dogs, but pious Christians retrieved it and secretly gave it honorable burial.

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Sources:  Andrew of Ceasarea: Commentary on the Apocalypse Bishop Averky, The Epistles and the Apocalypse, Commentary on the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament (Volume III) Fr. Lawrence R. Farley. The Apocalypse of St. John; A Revelation of Love and Power St. Bede.  Explanation of the Apocalypse; Letter of Bede to Eusebius Fr. Thomas Hopko: AFR podcast - A Walk Through the Apocalypse (three parts) Dr. Jeanie Constantinau: Search the Scriptures Live – Series Fr. Stephen De Young; The Whole Counsel of God; Series on Revolution   Oca.org (Rainbow Series) There was a certain hesitation on the part of the early Church to include the book of Revelation in the canonical scriptures of the New Testament. The reason for this was obviously the great difficulty of interpreting the apocalyptic symbols of the book. Nevertheless, since the document carried the name of the apostle John, and since it was inspired by the Holy Spirit for the instruction and edification of the Church, it came to be the last book listed in the Bible, although it is never read liturgically in the Orthodox Church. [Comment on historical reasons why!] It is indeed difficult to interpret the book of Revelation, especially if one is unfamiliar with the images and symbols of the apocalyptic writings of the Bible, that is the Old Testament, and of the Judeo-Christian Tradition. There exists, however, a traditional approach to the interpretation of the book within the Church which offers insight into its meaning for the faithful. The wrong method of interpreting the book of Revelation is to give some sort of exclusive meaning to its many visions, equating them with specific, concrete historical events and persons, and to fail to understand the symbolical significance of the many images which are used by the author following biblical and traditional sources. First of all, the letters to the seven churches have both a historical and a universal meaning. The messages are clear and remain relevant to situations which have always existed in the Church and which exist today. For example, many older churches in all ages of history can he identified with the Church of Ephesus. Those under persecution can be compared with the Church in Smyrna. And not a few—perhaps some in America right now—can be judged with the Church in Laodicea. The seven letters remain forever as “prototypical” of churches that will exist until Christ's kingdom comes. The visions and prophecies of the main body of the book of Revelation present great difficulties, but mostly to those interpreters who would attempt to apply them to one or another historical event or person. If the general vision and prophecy of the book is seen as revealing the correlation between events “in heaven” and events “on earth,” between God and man, between the powers of goodness and the powers of evil, then, though many difficulties obviously remain, some will also immediately disappear. In the book of Revelation, one comes to understand that the Kingdom of God is always over all and before all. One sees as well that the battle between the righteous and the evil is perpetually being waged. There are always the faithful who belong to the Lamb, being crowned and robed by Him for their victories. There are always the “beasts” and the “dragons” which need to be defeated. The “great harlot” and the “great Babylon” are forever to be destroyed. The “heavenly Jerusalem” is perpetually coming, and one day it will come and the final victory will be complete. One notices as well that there is a universality and finality about the symbols and images of the book of Revelation, a meaning to be applied to them which has already been revealed in the scriptures of the Old Testament. Thus, for example, the image of Babylon stands for every society which fights against God, every body of persons united in wickedness and fleshliness. The image of harlotry universally applies as well to all who are corrupted by their passions and lusts, unfaithful to God Who has made them and loves them. The symbolic numerology also remains constant, with the number 666 (13.18), for example, symbolizing total depravity, unlike 7 which is the symbol of fulness; and the number 144,000 (14.3) being the symbol of total completion and the full number of the saved, the result of the multiplication of 12 times 12—the number of the tribes of Israel and the apostles of Christ. Thus, through the images of the book of Revelation, a depth of penetration into universal spiritual realities is disclosed which is greater than any particular earthly reality. The insight into the meaning of the book depends on the inspiration of God and the purity of heart of those who have eyes to see and ears to hear and minds willing and able to understand. In the Orthodox Church, the book of Revelation has great liturgical significance. The worship of the Church has traditionally, quite consciously, been patterned after the divine and eternal realities revealed in this book. The prayer of the Church and its mystical celebration are one with the prayer and celebration of the kingdom of heaven. Thus, in Church, with the angels and saints, through Christ the Word and the Lamb, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the faithful believers of the assembly of the saved offer perpetual adoration to God the Father Almighty. The book of Revelation, although never read in the Orthodox Church, bears witness to the divine reality which is the Church's own very life. [Comment on other reasons!] The Spirit and the Bride [the Church] say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price. “Surely I am coming soon” [says Jesus, the Lord]. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (22.17, 20)   From: https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/doctrine-scripture/new-testament/book-of-revelation  on 9/11/2024 The Last Judgment – The Experience of Prayer and Worship   St. Tikhon's Seminary, Orthodox Daily Prayers (St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 1982).   Morning Prayers: The Judge will come suddenly and the acts of every man will be revealed; but in the middle of the night we cry with fear: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us. 6th Prayer, by St. Basil the Great … Grant us to pass through the entire night of this present life with a watchful heart and a sober mind, awaiting the coming of the bright and manifest day of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, when the Judge of all will come with glory to reward each according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and lazy, but alert and roused to action, prepared to enter into His joy and the divine chamber of His glory, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and indescribable is the delight of those who behold the inexpressible beauty of Thy countenance. For Thou art the true Light which enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation hymns Thee unto ages of ages. Amen. A Midnight Song to the Most Holy Theotokos I am tossed in the tempest of life: direct me to the path of repentance. Deliver me from the eternal flame, from the evil worm, and from hell. Make me not a joy for demons, though I am guilty of many sins. Compline O Christ, give rest to the souls of Thy servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, sorrow or sighing, but everlasting life. Resurrection Tropar, Tone 3 Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm! He has trampled down death by death! He has become the firstborn of the dead! He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted the world great mercy! Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos Guard my wretched soul at the time of my death, driving away the dark forms of the evil demons. Deliver me from eternal torments at the Day of Judgment and reveal me an heir of the inexpressible glory of your Son and our God.   Evening Prayers 4th Prayer, of St. Macarius the Great … Covering me Thyself, protect me from every assault of the enemy through Thy divine Power, inexpressible Love for mankind and Strength. Cleanse, O God, cleanse the multitude of my sins. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me from the snares of the Evil One, and save my passionate soul. When Thou comest in glory, illumine me with the light of Thy countenance. May I fall uncondemned into a sleep free of apparitions. Keep the thoughts of Thy servant untroubled, and keep far from me every satanic activity. Enlighten the reason-endowed eyes of my heart, that I fall not into the sleep of death. Send to me an angel of peace, the guide and guardian of my soul and body, that he may deliver me from my enemies. Then, when I arise from my bed, I shall offer Thee prayers of thanksgiving…   For the Day Lord, exclude me not from Thy heavenly blessings. Lord, deliver me from eternal torments… Lord Jesus Christ, inscribe me, Thy servant, in the book of life, and grant me a good end.… Lord of Heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful, shameful and impure servant, in Thy Kingdom. …   8th Prayer, to our Lord Jesus Christ … Yea, O Lord my Creator, Who desirest not the death of the sinner, but that he should return to Thee and live: grant repentance to me, wretched and unworthy. Snatch me from the jaws of the consuming serpent, its mouth opened to devour me and take me down to hell alive. …   Canon of Repentance Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! When the thrones will be set up for the dread Judgment, the deeds of all men will be recalled. Alas for the sinners who will be sent to torment! Knowing this, my soul, repent of your evil deeds! Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! The righteous shall rejoice, but sinners shall lament. No one will be able to help us at that moment—our deeds will condemn us! Before the end comes, repent of your evil deeds! … Our present path is wide and conducive to pleasures, but bitter will the Last Day be when the soul will part from the body. O man, beware of those pleasures, for the sake of the Kingdom of God. … Contemplate, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the dread judgment of your Creator and God. Threatening angels will seize you, my soul, and lead you to eternal flames. Repent before your death, therefore, crying: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner! … Put not your hope in corruptible wealth, my soul, nor in things unjustly gathered. You do not know to whom you will leave it all. Instead, cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy! Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! Remember, my soul, both the eternal life and the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for the saints and the outer darkness and divine wrath prepared for the wicked. Then cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy! Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! How can I not weep when I think of death? I have seen my brother lying in the tomb without glory and without form. What can I expect? What can I hope? Only grant me, Lord, repentance before the end. (twice) Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! I believe that Thou wilt come to judge the living and the dead, and that everyone will stand in his rank: the old and the young; masters and princes; virgins and priests. Where will I find myself? Therefore, I cry out: grant me, Lord, repentance before the end. … Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! I now turn to you, angels, archangels, and all the heavenly host who stand by the throne of God: pray to your Creator that He deliver my soul from eternal torments. Have mercy on me. O God, have mercy on me! I now weep before you, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and hierarchs, and all the elect of Christ: help me at the Judgment, that my soul be saved from the strength of the Enemy. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! I now lift up my hands to you, holy martyrs, desert-dwellers, virgins, righteous ones, and all saints who pray to the Lord for the whole world: may He have mercy on me at the hour of my death. Most Holy Theotokos, save us! Help me, Mother of God, for I have great hope in you! Pray to your Son, that when He sits to judge the living and the dead, He may place me at His right hand, even though I am unworthy.   Canon to the Guardian Angel I think of the Dread Day and weep over my evil deeds. How shall I answer the immortal King? Or how shall a prodigal like me dare to look up at the judge? O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit: have mercy on me!   PRAYERS IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 1st Prayer, of Saint Basil the Great O Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating mysteries not bring me into judgment, nor may I become weak in soul and body by partaking in an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive communion of Thy holy things without condemnation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be a partaker of the incorruptible blessings which Thou hast prepared for those who love thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen. … 3rd Prayer, of St. Simeon Metaphrastes Through Thy glorious Ascension Thou didst deify the flesh which Thou didst assume, and placed it on the throne at the Father's right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy holy mysteries… Thou hast promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to meet Thee in the clouds, my Judge and Creator, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise Thee without end, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.   5th Prayer, of St. Basil the Great for the correction and grounding of my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or condemnation. Amen. Troparia With love hast Thou drawn me, O Christ, and with Thy divine love hast Thou changed me. Burn away my sins with a spiritual fire and satisfy me with joy in Thee, that I may joyfully magnify Thy two comings, O Good One. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the radiance of Thy saints? If I dare to enter the bridal-chamber, my garment accuses me, for it is not a wedding garment, and the angels will bind me and cast me out. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind. And this prayer: O Master Who lovest mankind! O Lord Jesus Christ my God! May these holy things not be to my condemnation, though I am unworthy of them. May they be for the cleansing and sanctification of my soul and body and a pledge of the life and Kingdom that are to come…   PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God! … let them be for the healing of soul and body, the repelling of every adversary, the illumining of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Thy commandments, the receiving of Thy Divine Grace, and the attaining of Thy Kingdom. Preserved by them in Thy holiness, may I always remember Thy Grace and live not for myself alone, but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing, and the gladness of those who behold the goodness of Thy countenance is unending. For Thou art the true desire and the ineffable joy of those who love Thee, O Christ our God, and all creation sings of Thy praise forever. Amen.   Another Prayer O Lord Jesus Christ our God: let Thy holy Body be my eternal life; Thy precious Blood, my remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be my joy, health, and gladness. Make me, a sinner, worthy to stand on the right hand of Thy glory at Thine awesome second Coming, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints.   Sacraments Etc.   St. Tikhon's Monastery, trans., The Great Book of Needs: Expanded and Supplemented, vol. I.   Naming on the Eighth Day   …, and that he (she) may be perfected by the dread Mysteries of Thy Christ, so that, having lived according to Thy commandments, and having preserved the seal unbroken, he (she) may receive the blessedness of the Elect in Thy Kingdom: By the grace and love for mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy Most-holy, Good and Lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. [1]   Making of a Catachemen Inscribe him (her) in Thy Book of Life, and unite him (her) to the flock of Thine inheritance Exorcism for He shall come, and shall not tarry, to judge all the earth; and He shall punish thee and thy cooperating host in the fiery Gehenna, consigning thee to outer darkness, where the worm ceases not and the fire is not quenched.   Baptism … that, being planted in the likeness of Thy death through Baptism, he (she) may become a partaker of resurrection; and, preserving the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, and increasing the deposit of grace, he (she) may receive the prize of his (her) high calling, and be numbered with the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.   Chrismation confirm him (her) in the Orthodox Faith; deliver him (her) from the evil one and all his devices; and preserve his (her) soul in purity and righteousness, through the saving fear of Thee, that, in every deed and word, being acceptable unto Thee, he (she) may become a son (daughter) and heir of Thy heavenly Kingdom.   After Prayer … Yes, for now he (she) that is illumined by the rays of grace through spiritual birth, has been given into your arms by me, a sinner: that he (she) that was in darkness, after rebirth, will stand before the Heavenly Father in another age, as pure as today, and, in soul, whiter than snow, from the bath of regeneration. Thus, undefiled and unblemished by the action of the serpent which comes from the flesh, he (she) shall stand before the sincere Judge, Who will render to each according to his deeds. And clearly today, through your lips the cursed satan was cast out and all his activities; and God the Creator of all adopted him (her), who by grace acquired spiritual birth, and was clothed as a member of the Church of Christ with the confession of the True Christian Faith. Thus, all the days of his (her) life let him (her) remain in the One Faith without parting from the Church, and in the grace of adoption by the immutable God. Let him (her) never turn aside to the works of the evil satan, and let him (her) ever stand opposed to him. And, with the help of God he (she) shall be revealed as a mighty destroyer of all his snares, as a soldier of Christ, strengthened by the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit in the war against him. And after such God-pleasing struggles, he (she) shall receive from the Originator and Judge of struggles labor in the Heavenly Kingdom—the great blessedness of life eternal.   Confession (this is not generally read, but is part of the teaching) …. But do not conceal even one sin, not even because of shame, for I also am a man subject to passions, able to fall into similar sins, and I have experience of the weakness of man. And when despising the shame which you shall expose to the One God, through me, you will not be accused of these sins before the Angels of God and before all men at the dread Judgement. But if you hide anything, before me, from the One God, then you will be accused before the universal assembly, and you shall not be delivered from eternal punishment…   Another exhortation for Confession … But abiding in continual repentance for sins, strive to increase good deeds, that, through repentance, you not only be delivered of eternal torment, but also that you may be counted worthy, by God, of unending life for your good work, from whom will always come assistance to you for all your good beginnings, for the performing of good deeds, and mercy and blessing all the days of your life, and that you may be counted worthy to receive in the future age the gift of eternal life.   Weddings/Crowning O God, our God, Who didst come to Cana of Galilee, and didst bless the marriage there: Do Thou bless also these Thy servants, who, by Thy providence, are joined together in the communion of marriage. Bless their comings in and their goings out, replenish their life with good things, and accept their crowns in Thy Kingdom, preserving them spotless, undefiled, and without reproach, unto the ages of ages.   The Office of Holy Oil/Annointing … For Thou didst not create man for destruction, but for the keeping of Thy commandments, and for the inheritance of life incorruptible, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir: Amen.   Funeral   St. Tikhon's Monastery, trans., The Great Book of Needs: Expanded and Supplemented, vol. III   BEFORE THE PARTING OF THE SOUL FROM THE BODY  (comfort and protection against terror) The rending of the bonds, the sundering of the natural law that holds the whole fleshly composition together, causes me anguish and unbearable necessity. Glory.… Do thou translate me, O Sovereign Lady, in the sacred and precious arms of the holy Angels, that sheltered by their wings, I not see the impious, foul and dark form of the demons. Now and ever.… O All-pure Chamber of God, count me worthy of the heavenly, supersensual Chamber, and kindle thou my smoldering and dimming light with the holy oil of thy mercy. … Do thou count me worthy to escape the hordes of bodiless barbarians, and rise through the aerial depths and enter into Heaven, that I may glorify thee unto the ages, O holy Theotokos. O thou that gavest birth to the Lord Almighty, when I come to die, do thou banish far from me the commander of the bitter toll-gatherers and ruler of the earth, that I may glorify thee unto the ages, O holy Theotokos. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord. When the last great trumpet sounds at the fearful and dread resurrection of judgment unto all that shall arise, do thou remember me then, O holy Theotokos.   THE OFFICE AT THE DEPARTURE OF THE SOUL FROM THE BODY   [rest, forgiveness, bosom of Abraham, deliverance from death, eternal life, paradise vs hell]   We beseech Thee, O Unoriginate Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Cast not into the bottom of [Hell] the soul that was infected by the plague of the soul-corrupting world, and has passed over unto Thee, the Creator, O God, my Savior. With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant, where sickness is no more, neither sorrow nor sighing, but life everlasting.   In the nourishment of Paradise where the souls of the Righteous who served Thee abide [repeated often], do Thou, O Christ, join with them the soul of Thy servant who is singing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.   … Deliver him (her) from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant him (her) the participation and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee...   Matins– rest, forgiveness, eternal life with the blessed   O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the devil, and given life unto Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest unto the soul of Thy departed servant, N., in a place of brightness, in a place of green pasture, in a place of repose, whence sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away. As Thou art a good God and the Lover of Mankind, do Thou pardon every transgression that he (she) has committed, whether by word or deed or thought, for there is no man that lives yet does not sin. For Thou only art without sin; Thy righteousness is righteousness forever, and Thy word is truth.   I am an image of Thine ineffable glory, though I bear the wounds of sin. Take pity on Thy creature, O Master, and cleanse me by Thy loving-kindness. And grant me the desired fatherland, making me again a citizen of Paradise. Refrain:           Blessed art Thou, O Lord; teach me Thy statutes. O Thou Who of old didst fashion me out of nothingness and didst honor me with Thine Image divine, but when I transgressed Thy commandment, didst return me again unto the earth whence I was taken: Raise me up according to Thy Likeness, that I may be restored to my former beauty. Refrain:           Blessed art Thou, O Lord; teach me Thy statutes. Give rest, O God, to Thy servant and establish him (her) in Paradise, where the choirs of the Saints and the Righteous shine like the stars, O Lord. Give rest to Thy servant who has fallen asleep, overlooking all his (her) transgressions. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (To the Holy Trinity) The threefold radiance of the one Godhead let us piously hymn, crying out: Holy art Thou, O Father Who hast no beginning, Co-unoriginate Son and Divine Spirit. Illumine us who serve Thee in faith, and snatch us from the fire eternal. Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Theotokion) Rejoice, O pure One, who gavest birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, and through whom mankind has found salvation. Through thee may we find Paradise, O Theotokos pure and blessed.   In the dread day when Thou shalt come in Thine ineffable glory upon the clouds to judge the whole world, be Thou well-pleased, O Redeemer, that Thy faithful servant whom Thou hast received from the earth may meet thee with brightness.   May Christ give thee rest in the land of the living and open unto thee the gates of Paradise, and declare thee a citizen of the Kingdom. And may He grant thee forgiveness for those things wherein thou hast sinned in life, O thou who lovest Christ. … Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven. Let us give ear unto what the Almighty saith: Woe unto them that seek to behold the terrible day of the Lord! For it is darkness; for all things shall be tried with fire.   The First Epistle to the Thessalonians (Pericope 270—1 Thess. 4:13–17): Brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so will God bring with Him those also who die in Jesus. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord: that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have died. For the Lord Himself, with a shout of command, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet of God, shall come down from Heaven; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord.   The Gospel according to John (Pericope 16—John 5:24–30): The Lord said to the Jews that came unto Him: “Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hears My Word and believes in Him that sent Me, has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but passes from death unto life. Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God and shall come forth—they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own Self do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, for I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father Who has sent Me.”   The Last Kiss. When the soul is about to be carried away from the body with violence by dread Angels, it forgets all kinsmen and acquaintances and is troubled concerning standing before the tribunal that is to come, that shall pass judgment upon vain things and much-toiling flesh. Then, entreating the Judge, let us all pray that the Lord will forgive him (her) the things that he (she) has done.   Save them that put their trust in thee, O Mother of the Sun that setteth not, O Begetter of God. With thy prayers entreat the Most-good God, we pray, that He will give rest unto him (her) that now has been taken away, where the souls of the Righteous repose. Show him (her) to be an heir of divine good things, in the courts of the Righteous, unto memory eternal, O all-undefiled One. Glory … (TONE 6): Beholding me voiceless and deprived of breath, weep for me, O brethren and friends, kinsmen and acquaintances. For yesterday I conversed with you, and suddenly the dread hour of death came upon me. But come, all you that love me, and kiss me with the last kiss. For no more will I walk with you or converse with you. For I depart unto the Judge with Whom there is no respect of persons. For slave and master stand together before Him, king and warrior, rich and poor, in equal worthiness; for each, according to his deeds, is glorified or put to shame. But I beg and entreat you all, that you pray without ceasing unto Christ God for me, that I not be brought down unto the place of torment according to my sins, but that He will appoint me to the place where is the light of life.   9th Hour (Final Prayer of St. Basil the Great) Rescue us from the hand of the adversary, and forgive us our sins, and mortify our carnal mind; that, putting aside the old man, we may be clad with the new, and live for Thee, our Master and Benefactor; and that, so following after Thy commandments, we may attain unto rest eternal, where is the abode of all who rejoice.   Great Vespers None – note that it does NOT include Octoechos and Menaion!   Orthros/Matins Does NOT include Octoechos and Menaion. Prayer of Light.  . Illumine in our hearts the true Sun of Your righteousness, enlighten our minds and guard all our senses, that, as in the day, walking nobly in the way of Your commandments, we may attain to life eternal, for with You is the fountain of life, and that we may be vouchsafed to come to the enjoyment of Your unapproachable light. Evlogetaria.  Blessed art Thou, O Lord; teach me Thy statutes. The company of the Angels was amazed, when they beheld Thee numbered among the dead, yet Thyself, O Savior, destroying the power of death, and with Thee raising up Adam and releasing all men from hades. Tropar after Psalm 50.  Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, hath given unto us life eternal and Great Mercy.     Divine Liturgy Does NOT include Octoechos and Menaion Creed.  …I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the world to come. Amen. Anaphora.  … Thou it was who didst bring us from non- existence into being and, when we had fallen away, didst raise us up again and didst not cease to do all things until thou hadst brought us up to heaven and hadst endowed us with thy kingdom which is to come… … Having in remembrance, therefore, this saving commandment and all those things which have come to pass for us: the cross, the grave, the third-day resurrection, the ascension into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming: Thine own of thine own… … That to those who shall partake thereof they may be unto vigilance of soul, unto forgiveness of sins, unto the communion of thy Holy Spirit, unto the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven and unto boldness toward thee, not unto judgment nor unto condemnation… Before Lord's Prayer… Vouchsafe us to partake of thy heavenly and dread mysteries of this sacred and spiritual table, with a pure conscience, unto forgiveness of sins, unto pardon of transgressions, unto communion of the Holy Spirit, unto inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, unto boldness toward thee, and not unto judgment nor unto condemnation. Lord's Prayer.  ..thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven… Communion Prayer.  …unto forgiveness of sins and unto life everlasting…. [1] St. Tikhon's Monastery, trans., The Great Book of Needs: Expanded and Supplemented, vol. I (South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 2000), 7–8.

Welcome to Cori's Favorite Episodes Series! For a week or two every day, you'll be getting a rerelease of an episode that Cori feels can help someone out there if you share. So please enjoy and share!When God takes you into a desert for a short time, it's one thing; what if He takes you into the desert for a very LONG time? What if He tells you beforehand that you're going to go through a desert?! Find out in today's episode what Merry McCallum did in this situation that she lived through. She shared how the Lord provided every step of the way.Additional Information:For more information or to connect with Merry, contact her at merrymccallum@yahoo.comThe Lord's PrayerOur Father who art in heaven,Hallowed by thy Name.Thy Kingdom com,Thy will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,And the power, and the glory,for ever and ever.AmenBible verses used for reference:Exodus 3:16-17Exodus 13:20-22Psalm 46:101 Peter 1:6-10Links:Merry's Business Website: Touchstone CrystalSycamore Tree Theatre (Faith-based, nonprofit) Sycamore Tree Theatre | Theatre that brings hope and makes a differenceSong Links:Joy in my Heart by Michelle Pillay (Potter) https://www.facebook.com/100009434525190/videos/2754781481512976/Be Thou My Vision https://youtu.be/Optrm7lF16s

Friends of the Rosary, The Lord's Prayer (MT 6:7-15), given for our sake by Christ Jesus, is a perfect model for how, for what things, and in what order we should pray. Let's not take it for granted as we recite it every day several times! It begins with a declaration of faith (Our Father who art in heaven). If God is our Father, everyone else is our brother and sister. This prayer tells us who God is and who we are. His Fatherhood eclipses the boundaries of nationality, economic status, and religion we tend to impose on the world. The petitions that follow summarize the Gospel, instructing us in what we need to desire from God: sanctification through the Lord (hallowed be Thy Name), hope (Thy Kingdom come), humble obedience (Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven), trust in providence (give us this day our daily bread; not me, as we belong to each other), contrition (and forgive us our trespasses), charity (as we forgive those who trespass against us), conversion (lead us not into temptation), and submission to His saving power (but deliver us from evil). Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • June 21, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - MT 6:7-15 - Jesus said to His disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: ‘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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) "Pride month" vs the Hammer of Heretics https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/pride-month-vs-the-hammer-of-heretics 3) Fathers, rise to your greatness https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/fathers-rise-to-your-greatness 4) CCC 218-227: God, the Father

Unlike Ps 6, where the root issue behind David's problems was sin, in Ps 7 he is innocent being falsely slandered and pursued to death - a song of a slandered saint. The background is from when he was on the run from king Saul. Early in his reign Saul rebelled against God and Samuel told him God had rejected him and would replace him by another king (1Saml 13:13-14, 15:22-29). From then on he was on the look out for who this new replacement might be. David was anointed by Samuel (1Sam 16), then came into favour after slaying Goliath (1Sam 17), but when the people praised him more than Saul, he began to eye David with jealousy, believing he was going to usurp him as king (1Sam 18:5-9). He then tried to kill David on a number of occasions (1Sam 18), so that David had to go on the run from Saul (1Sam 19–31). The heading of Ps 7 says David sang it to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. Cush was from the same tribe as Saul, one of his close advisors, feeding his paranoia by making accusations against David that he was conspiring to overthrow him (those who spoke the truth and defended David's innocence, like Jonathan, experienced Saul's wrath). David knew about these false accusers stirring up Saul against David, and twice was able to protest his innocence to Saul (1Sam 22:6ff, 24:8ff). So David faced a double trial of (1) false accusations, which resulted in (2) being hunted to death. David gives us an example of how to respond to false accusation and persecution, by not taking revenge but by turning to the Lord for refuge, and committing our situation to Him, pleading our case, and asking Him in faith for vindication and deliverance. He starts with a plea to God for deliverance (v1-2), followed by a strong plea of innocence - equivalent to making an oath. He said: "if I am guilty of the charges being made against me then let my enemies pursue, overtake and kill me" (v3-5). He did not claim sinless perfection, but that in this case he was completely innocent of the charges being made against him. Next David, believing the Lord was angry on his behalf, urges Him to quickly move into action, due to the hostility of his enemies, and ascend to His Judge's Seat and initiate a court case to decide the issue, so He can make His judgment and command justice to be done (v6). David wants a court case, where all nations are assembled to witness the outcome and his public vindication. He says this is "for their sakes" for it is good for people to see justice done, for it causes them to trust in God (when evil-doers seem to get away with it, people cast off restraint). Also David had a special role in the plan of God, bringing salvation to all nations through Messiah, so it was "for their sakes" that God judged in David's favour and spared his life (v7). Clearly God answered his prayer, because in the Bible, God has declared His verdict of vindication of David in this situation to all mankind. Notice he turned the matter over to the Lord, rather than taking it into his own hands and taking revenge himself: "Vengeance is Mine says the Lord" (Rom 12:19). In v8-9, David declares that God will render justice to all people, and he renews his plea: "Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity within me." He is not referring to his final eternal judgment before God (in which he would not dare to stand on his own righteousness), but that God would make a judgment between him and his enemies in his earthly situation. In v9, he points out that God is qualified to judge for He is righteous and sees into everyone's heart and motives. He also expands his prayer beyond his own personal needs, where his situation is an example of many other cases of injustice, so that he prays for universal justice, where God brings the wickedness of the wicked to an end, and establishes the just forever, just as we pray: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth" and 'Lord, come and set all things in order.' In v10, David declares his confidence God has heard his prayer and judged his case, so that justice will be done concerning him and his false accusers, and that therefore God will defend him from those who seek to destroy him. In v11, David declares God is the just Judge, who continually hates and resists all evil, and who therefore is angry with the wicked every day (John 3:36). Sinners never imagine they will stand before a God, who is perfectly just and who cannot ignore the crime of sin. Therefore, if the sinner does not turn back (repent), God will suddenly release His arrows of fiery judgment upon him (v12,13). David sees God as being ever ready to judge the sinner, like an archer with his bow bent back, ready to release his arrow at any time. The only reason that, in His love and mercy for the sinner, God delays His judgment is to give men a chance to repent. It is not because He is weak, slack or unconcerned with justice. Man should not presume upon such mercy, ass if it will last for e

Show #2135 Show Notes: Saturday Night Live: https://coachdavelive.com/event/snl2 Natural Family Month:  https://www.naturalfamilystrong.com/family-month  – https://www.naturalfamilystrong.com/ Order your signs!: https://thelibertyactionnetwork.com/order-signs-for-natural-family-month/ Prayer: https://thelibertyactionnetwork.com/current-action/ OSA  https://www.operationsaveamerica.org/    https://www.operationsaveamerica.org/events/ Matthew 28:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV What is a Kingdom?   http://www.kingdomcitizens.org/what-is-a-kingdom.html Romans 5: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+5&version=KJV 1 Corinthians […]

Christian nationalism was recently denounced by John MacArthur as a faulty viewpoint. MacArthur indicates that things will get continually worse on Earth. Unfortunately, this view cultivates apathy and even discourages cultural influence. In contrast to this view, Christ teaches us to pray: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” If things will only get worse, then what was the justification for the profoundly positive influence of Christian leaders like William Wilberforce? And why should we, as Christians, work to eradicate slavery, human trafficking, and abortion? While we have tremendous respect for John MacArthur, in this episode, we want to take issue with a few of his recent statements. Yes, we might lose down here, but we also might win occasionally. That's not really for us to decide. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Wherever God has placed you, whether in a family, school, political office, or bakery, you are called to faithfully represent Christ and His Kingdom in everything you do, no matter the outcome. It's time for a faith that is active, not passive, in the face of challenges.View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing PageDisciple Nations Alliance Website

Ape-ril is back and bigger than ever! We just saw Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire. While we loved to see our boys getting along (mostly) and the screenwriters cribbing ideas from our goofball monster show (VERY allegedly), it got us thinking about the perennial complaint about this kind of movie. Can you actually "get rid of the boring human characters" in a kaiju film and still have a fully functional movie? Discord (“Little guys adopting even littler guys”): https://discord.gg/Y5Uw6sdmU2 Email: findingmonsterright@gmail.com Bluesky: @monsterrightpod.bsky.social DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast episode, the listener forfeits all right to their immortal soul (hereafter referred to as "the asset") and transfers ownership of said asset to Allison Alžbeta Dark, the Demonsbane. The asset can be recovered by the listener if and only if they beat Adam in the American version, but lose to him in the Japanese version.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! Come and behold the Kingdom of Heaven with us this week!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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! We hope you are encouraged and moved into a posture of prayer through this digital liturgy. Apostle's Creed:I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;he descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Thanks for joining us for our Holy Week Prayer Week! We hope you are encouraged and moved into a posture of prayer through this digital liturgy. Apostle's Creed:I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;he descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

What does your prayer life look like? Pastor Greg Laurie helps us stay on the right track as we examine the way Jesus instructed His disciples to pray. Notes: Matthew 6 Jesus did what the disciples had asked; and in doing so, He was acknowledging that prayer is something that can be learned. The Lord's prayer shows us how to pray Jesus' way. But first, Jesus shows us how not to pray. Read: Matthew 6:5–8 Sin knows no boundaries; it afflicts us when we are far from God and follows us to the very throne of Heaven. It is possible to pray with no thought of God Himself. Prayer is not to inform God but, rather, to invite God. The response to the question: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Read: Matthew 6:9–13 We pray to a Father in Heaven who loves us. A Father who loves and misses His children when they go astray. A Father that longs for communication and fellowship with us. God is not just our Father; He is our “abba” or “daddy.” Romans 8:15 We begin our prayers with “our Father.” Then, we are to worship Him and contemplate Him before we offer our petitions. Matthew 6:9 – “Hallowed be Your name.” When we pray, we should always ask for God's Will to be done. Matthew 6:10 Prayer is not getting my will in Heaven, but it is God's Will on Earth. 1 John 5:14 Nothing lies outside the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the Will of God. God only answers the requests which He inspires. Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the Will of God. We should pray for God's Kingdom to come. Matthew 6:10 When we pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” we are praying for God's rule on Earth. Revelation 11:15 The word come indicates a sudden, instantaneous coming. 2 Peter 3:14 God's Kingdom is brought to this Earth every time a new soul is brought to Jesus. We should be praying for the salvation of nonbelievers. We should pray a person sees their need for Jesus. We need to bring our personal needs before God. Matthew 6:11 Job 7:17 When you ask someone to give you something, you are acknowledging that they own it. We are completely dependent on God; God is completely independent from us. You will never have a proper relationship to all of your possessions until you understand that everything you have, everything that you need, and everything that you own comes from God. Everything we have, ultimately, comes from God! James 1:17 Deuteronomy 8:18 James 4:2 Romans 8:32 We need to pray for personal forgiveness, and we need to forgive others. Matthew 6:12 Forgiven people should be forgiving people. Matthew 6:12 “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have someone to forgive.” —C.S. Lewis If we harbor resentment and fail to forgive, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30–32 We need to pray to not fall into temptation. Matthew 6:13 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does your prayer life look like? Pastor Greg Laurie helps us stay on the right track as we examine the way Jesus instructed His disciples to pray. Notes: Matthew 6 Jesus did what the disciples had asked; and in doing so, He was acknowledging that prayer is something that can be learned. The Lord's prayer shows us how to pray Jesus' way. But first, Jesus shows us how not to pray. Read: Matthew 6:5–8 Sin knows no boundaries; it afflicts us when we are far from God and follows us to the very throne of Heaven. It is possible to pray with no thought of God Himself. Prayer is not to inform God but, rather, to invite God. The response to the question: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Read: Matthew 6:9–13 We pray to a Father in Heaven who loves us. A Father who loves and misses His children when they go astray. A Father that longs for communication and fellowship with us. God is not just our Father; He is our “abba” or “daddy.” Romans 8:15 We begin our prayers with “our Father.” Then, we are to worship Him and contemplate Him before we offer our petitions. Matthew 6:9 – “Hallowed be Your name.” When we pray, we should always ask for God's Will to be done. Matthew 6:10 Prayer is not getting my will in Heaven, but it is God's Will on Earth. 1 John 5:14 Nothing lies outside the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the Will of God. God only answers the requests which He inspires. Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the Will of God. We should pray for God's Kingdom to come. Matthew 6:10 When we pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” we are praying for God's rule on Earth. Revelation 11:15 The word come indicates a sudden, instantaneous coming. 2 Peter 3:14 God's Kingdom is brought to this Earth every time a new soul is brought to Jesus. We should be praying for the salvation of nonbelievers. We should pray a person sees their need for Jesus. We need to bring our personal needs before God. Matthew 6:11 Job 7:17 When you ask someone to give you something, you are acknowledging that they own it. We are completely dependent on God; God is completely independent from us. You will never have a proper relationship to all of your possessions until you understand that everything you have, everything that you need, and everything that you own comes from God. Everything we have, ultimately, comes from God! James 1:17 Deuteronomy 8:18 James 4:2 Romans 8:32 We need to pray for personal forgiveness, and we need to forgive others. Matthew 6:12 Forgiven people should be forgiving people. Matthew 6:12 “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have someone to forgive.” —C.S. Lewis If we harbor resentment and fail to forgive, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30–32 We need to pray to not fall into temptation. Matthew 6:13 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*God is saying, 'It's the Love that counts. It's the Love that matters. It's the Love I hear. It's the Love that prays, that breathes.' Right now, breathe like you know who you are, like you know whose you are. Smile, like you know where you're going. You don't... you're walking by faith not by sight, but you're making it. He's made a Way. Just breathe, in every step. Just breathe, in every seeming moment today, in every email you open, in every anxious thought, just breathe. HE KNOWS. I Love you and I'm with you, nikki@curlynikki.com p.s. 'Temptation' = EVERY thought, not just the 'bad' ones. Try this for a day and see how BIG the Quiet 'grows' :)  I Love you again, again!    ******God is afoot! I'm writing, and working on something BIG (and very useful) for your practice! I'll share #ListenerFavorite episodes until I return with new ones in Spring! Look out for announcements soon! Support the show: ▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings ________________________________ Today's Quotes: "For I know full well the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare and not for your misfortune, plans that will offer you a future filled with hope.  When you call out to me, come forth, and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, you will find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will allow you to discover me, says the Lord. I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."  -Jeremiah, Chapter 29, verses 11-14. The Catholic Bible "Be silent. Be still. Alone. Empty. Before your God. Say nothing. Ask nothing. Be silent. Be still Let your God look upon you. That is all. God knows. God understands. God loves you With an enormous love, And only wants To look upon you With that love. Quiet. Still. Be. Let your God - Love you." - Edwina Gateley "Our Father (Abba), 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. -The Lord's Prayer "Make of your life an offering! Make of your life a prayer! Be awake to the life that is loving you and sing your prayer, laugh your prayer, dance your prayer, run and weep and sweat your prayer, sleep your prayer, eat your prayer, paint, sculpt, hammer and read your prayer, sweep, dig, rake, drive and hoe your prayer, garden and farm and build and clean your prayer, wash, iron, vacuum, sew, embroider and pickle your prayer, compute, touch, bend and fold but never delete or mutilate your prayer. Learn and pray your prayer, work and rest your prayer, fast and feast your prayer, argue, talk, whisper, listen and shout your prayer, groan and moan and spit and sneeze your prayer, swim and I hunt and cook your prayer, digest and become your prayer, release and recover your prayer, breathe your prayer, BE YOUR PRAYER." -By Alla Renee Bozarth, Life Prayers "When I received Holy Communion, I said to Him, "Jesus, I thought about You so many times last night. And Jesus answered me, "And I thought of you before I called you into being.  Before I made the world, I loved you with the love your heart is experiencing today and, throughout the centuries, My love will never change." -St. Faustina's Diary "When I expected disappointment- love was all I heard." -Lyrics: Greater Still by Brandon Lake

Friends, Let us pray this together daily - soaking in every word. Really, If we get this, we GET IT! 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 trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. Stand with me! Love, Sheri

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Matthew 6:7–8Recall that Jesus used to go off by Himself at times and spend the whole night in prayer. Thus, it's clear that Jesus is in favor of long and sincere times of prayer, since He gave us His own example as a lesson. But there is clearly a difference between that which our Lord did all night and that which He criticized the pagans for doing when they “babble” with many words. After this criticism of the prayer of the pagans, Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer as a model for our personal prayer.The Our Father prayer begins by addressing God in a deeply personal way. That is, God is not just an all-powerful cosmic being. He is personal, familial—He is our Father. Jesus continues the prayer by instructing us to honor our Father by proclaiming His holiness, His hallowedness. God and God alone is the Holy One from which all holiness of life derives. As we acknowledge the holiness of the Father, we must also acknowledge Him as King and seek His Kingship for our lives and for the world. This is accomplished only when His perfect will is done “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This perfect prayer concludes by acknowledging that God is the source of all of our daily needs, including the forgiveness of our sins and protection from all evil.Upon the completion of this prayer of perfection, Jesus provides a context in which this and every prayer must be prayed. He says, “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Prayer will only be effective if we allow it to change us and make us more like the Father in Heaven. Therefore, if we want our prayer of forgiveness to be effective, then we must live what we pray for. We must also forgive others so that God will forgive us.Reflect, today, upon this perfect prayer, the Our Father. One temptation is that we can become so familiar with this prayer that we gloss over its true meaning. If that happens, then we will find that we are praying it more like the pagans who simply babble the words. But if we humbly and sincerely understand and mean every word, then we can be certain that our prayer will become more like that of our Lord's. Saint Ignatius of Loyola recommends pondering every word of that prayer very slowly, one word at a time. Try to pray this way, today, and allow the Our Father to move from babbling to authentic communication with the Father in Heaven.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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In the beginning was (t)His Music,  and this Music was with God,  and this Music was God,  and this Music was made flesh.  And It's playing right now,  for you.  Listen.  The only prayer He taught was spoken for you.  Pray.  Sing.  Love,  nik  p.s. Link to youtube video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htpsgzeWc0g To claim your free gift, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, screenshot it and send it to me at nikki@curlynikki.com!  Join us on Patreon to support the show, and tune into and participate in live video Q&As with me!  Support the show QUOTES-  "Voices have been voiced,  opinions have been given,  all kinds of pronouncements: Yet there comes one Voice that teaches all voices.  There comes one Saying  that teaches all sayings.  There comes one Being,  who explains to them one by one. "-Mandean Prayer Book 153; cf. CPM p.133 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 trespasses,  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil. Amen. 'The Lord's Prayer 'is truly the summary of the whole gospel.' 'Since the Lord... after handling over the practice of prayer, said elsewhere, 'Ask and you will receive, ' and since everyone has petitions which are peculiar to his circumstances, the regular and appropriate prayer (the Lord's Prayer) is said first, as the foundation of further desires.'"-- Tertullian, De orat.  from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 2761 "When my Lord comes I am beside myself. For there comes with Him such sweet Melody that all carnal desire within me dies: And His sweet Music puts far from me all sorrow of heart."-Mechthild of Magdeburg, Flowing Light of the Godhead II:3; cf. RMM pp.29-30 "I live by faith in God. My power is God. I do not believe in any other power. As I concentrate on that Power, It works through me.. That power of God is working with you also. You will see it is so if you have faith and know that prosperity comes not from material sources but from God." - Yogananda