Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, May 30, 2024)
Welcome to Thursday evenings at All Hallows.
This Thursday is the second Thursday in the Season after Pentecost and the first Thursday in Trinitytide, depending on the liturgical calendar used in a church. This season of the church year is also known as the Green Season since green is the liturgical color most commonly used for paraments during this season in the Western Church.
In this evening’s message we take a look at one of the hard sayings of Jesus.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s “Canticle of the Sun.”
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
And all creation is shouting for joy!
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!
1 Praise for the sun, the bringer of day,
he carried the light of the Lord in his rays;
the moon and the stars who light up the way
unto your throne.
2 Praise for the wind that blows through the trees,
the seas' mighty storms, the gentlest breeze;
they blow where they will, they blow where they please
to please the Lord.
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
And all creation is shouting for joy!
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!
3 Praise for the rain that waters our fields,
and blesses our crops so all the earth yields;
from death until life her mystery revealed
springs forth in joy!
4 Praise for the fire who gives us his light,
the warmth of the sun to brighten our night;
he dances with joy, his spirit so bright,
he sings of you!
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
And all creation is shouting for joy!
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!
5 Praise for the earth who makes life to grow,
the creatures you made to let your life show;
the flowers and trees that help us to know
the heart of your love.
6 Praise for our death that makes our life real,
the knowledge of loss that helps us to feel;
the gift of yourself, your presence revealed
to bring us home.
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
And all creation is shouting for joy!
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!
Sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!
Let us confess our sins to God our Father
Silence
Almighty and merciful God
we have sinned against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with all our heart.
We have not loved others as our Saviour Christ loves us.
We are truly sorry.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may delight in your will
and walk in your ways;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Claude Frayssé’s “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord (Je louerai l'Eterne).”
1 Praise, I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Praise, I will praise you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
2 Love, I will love you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Love, I will love you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
3 Serve, I will serve you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Serve, I will serve you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
Let us pray.
Silence
God of unchangeable power,
you have revealed yourself
to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
keep us firm in this faith
that we may praise and bless your holy name;
for you are one God
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 43 through 48.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Silence
Among the hard sayings of Jesus is the commandment to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. It is not a hard saying because it is difficult for those who profess to be Christians to understand. Rather it is a hard saying because it may be difficult for those who profess to be followers of Jesus to obey.
It is a very human tendency to feel strong anger and dislike toward those who hate us or oppose us and who try to harm us or stop us from achieving our aims. As for praying for those who treat us unfairly or cruelly, we are more likely to ask God to punish them than to show them kindness and forgiveness.
We also live in a particular time in the history of our country in which its people are more and more divided into opposing groups, groups which view each other as evil and do not conceal their extremely strong feeling of dislike for each other. There is not only pressure to conform to the attitudes and way of thinking of particular group but also openness toward engaging in acts of violence against any group which is perceived to be the “enemy.”
Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us is implicit in Leviticus 19:18 from which the second great commandment is taken. "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18 presents loving our neighbor as we love ourselves as the converse of taking action against them for having hurt us or harboring strong feelings of anger and dislike of them for their bad treatment of us.
As well as illustrating what it means to be a neighbor, Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan also illustrates what it means to love our enemies. There had been longstanding animosity between the Samaritans and Judeans. However, it was his fellow Judeans that came to the aid of the Judean attacked by robbers on the road to Jericho, beaten, and left for dead, but a Samaritan.
How much Christians pattern their lives on Jesus’ teaching and example is a measure of how much they are truly his disciples. Jesus connected loving him with obeying his commandments (John 14:15). When we love someone, we wish to please them and to live in a harmonious relationship with them.
How much Christians pattern their lives on Jesus’ teaching and example is evidence of how much they believe in him and in his words. It is also evidence of the degree that they accept his lordship over their lives.
While Christians may struggle to love those with whom they do not enjoy the best of relationships both within the fellowship of their church and outside that fellowship, loving them is what followers of Jesus are expected to do. Loving such individuals does not require that we have warm fuzzy feelings toward them, but it does require that we take a gracious attitude toward them, an attitude of goodwill, and treat them with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and respect. We cannot treat them as the world might treat them. As Jesus points to the attention of those who had gathered to hear him, when we love those with whom we do not enjoy the best of relationships, we act like God himself and in doing so, show ourselves to be God’s children.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Laura Woodley Osman’s “Wisdom Song.”
The fear of the Lord
Is where wisdom starts
Above all else please guard your heart
For out of your heart flow the issues of life
It matters how you spend your time
There is a path that leads to life
A narrow way only few find
Meditate on God's word in the day in the night
You'll know blessings of every kind
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Remember to pray
In everything
Holy Spirit is here
Only believe
Supernatural life is yours everyday
Miracles in Jesus name
Do what is good
Do what is right
Flee from evil with all your might
Guard your ears
Guard your eyes
You have the mind of Christ
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Forgive yourself
Forgive your family
Forgive your friends
Forgive your enemies
Do justice, love mercy
Walk humbly with your God
Remove offense
Make peace
Do not judge
Forgive yourself
Forgive your family
Forgive your friends
Forgive your enemies
Do justice, love mercy
Walk humbly with your God
Remove offense
Make peace
Do not judge
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us sum up our prayers and praises in the words our Saviour Christ has taught us and say:
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, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek’s “Go Make a Difference”.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
1 We are the salt of the earth,
called to let the people see
the love of God in you and me.
We are the light of the world,
not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
2 We are the hands of Christ
reaching out to those in need,
the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope;
we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
3 So let your love shine on,
let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ
will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence
In the world.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Heavenly Father,
in darkness and in light,
in trouble or in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Almighty and merciful God
we have sinned against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with all our heart.
We have not loved others as our Saviour Christ loves us.
We are truly sorry.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may delight in your will
and walk in your ways;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Claude Frayssé’s “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord (Je louerai l'Eterne).”
1 Praise, I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Praise, I will praise you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
2 Love, I will love you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Love, I will love you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
3 Serve, I will serve you, Lord, with all my heart
O God, I will tell the wonders of your ways
and glorify your name
Serve, I will serve you Lord, with all my heart
In you I will find the source of all my joy
Alleluia
Let us pray.
Silence
God of unchangeable power,
you have revealed yourself
to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
keep us firm in this faith
that we may praise and bless your holy name;
for you are one God
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 43 through 48.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Silence
A Hard Saying of Jesus
Among the hard sayings of Jesus is the commandment to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. It is not a hard saying because it is difficult for those who profess to be Christians to understand. Rather it is a hard saying because it may be difficult for those who profess to be followers of Jesus to obey.
It is a very human tendency to feel strong anger and dislike toward those who hate us or oppose us and who try to harm us or stop us from achieving our aims. As for praying for those who treat us unfairly or cruelly, we are more likely to ask God to punish them than to show them kindness and forgiveness.
We also live in a particular time in the history of our country in which its people are more and more divided into opposing groups, groups which view each other as evil and do not conceal their extremely strong feeling of dislike for each other. There is not only pressure to conform to the attitudes and way of thinking of particular group but also openness toward engaging in acts of violence against any group which is perceived to be the “enemy.”
Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us is implicit in Leviticus 19:18 from which the second great commandment is taken. "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18 presents loving our neighbor as we love ourselves as the converse of taking action against them for having hurt us or harboring strong feelings of anger and dislike of them for their bad treatment of us.
As well as illustrating what it means to be a neighbor, Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan also illustrates what it means to love our enemies. There had been longstanding animosity between the Samaritans and Judeans. However, it was his fellow Judeans that came to the aid of the Judean attacked by robbers on the road to Jericho, beaten, and left for dead, but a Samaritan.
How much Christians pattern their lives on Jesus’ teaching and example is a measure of how much they are truly his disciples. Jesus connected loving him with obeying his commandments (John 14:15). When we love someone, we wish to please them and to live in a harmonious relationship with them.
How much Christians pattern their lives on Jesus’ teaching and example is evidence of how much they believe in him and in his words. It is also evidence of the degree that they accept his lordship over their lives.
While Christians may struggle to love those with whom they do not enjoy the best of relationships both within the fellowship of their church and outside that fellowship, loving them is what followers of Jesus are expected to do. Loving such individuals does not require that we have warm fuzzy feelings toward them, but it does require that we take a gracious attitude toward them, an attitude of goodwill, and treat them with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and respect. We cannot treat them as the world might treat them. As Jesus points to the attention of those who had gathered to hear him, when we love those with whom we do not enjoy the best of relationships, we act like God himself and in doing so, show ourselves to be God’s children.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Laura Woodley Osman’s “Wisdom Song.”
The fear of the Lord
Is where wisdom starts
Above all else please guard your heart
For out of your heart flow the issues of life
It matters how you spend your time
There is a path that leads to life
A narrow way only few find
Meditate on God's word in the day in the night
You'll know blessings of every kind
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Remember to pray
In everything
Holy Spirit is here
Only believe
Supernatural life is yours everyday
Miracles in Jesus name
Do what is good
Do what is right
Flee from evil with all your might
Guard your ears
Guard your eyes
You have the mind of Christ
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Forgive yourself
Forgive your family
Forgive your friends
Forgive your enemies
Do justice, love mercy
Walk humbly with your God
Remove offense
Make peace
Do not judge
Forgive yourself
Forgive your family
Forgive your friends
Forgive your enemies
Do justice, love mercy
Walk humbly with your God
Remove offense
Make peace
Do not judge
Like a tree planted by water
Shall you be son, daughter
You'll bear fruit in season
You'll prosper, like a tree planted by water
Let us confess the faith of the Church.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for all people everywhere
according to their need.
Let us pray
for the Church of Christ throughout the world
for its unity in Christ
for the fulfilment of its mission
for all ministers of the gospel
for all Christians here in . . .
Silence
Strengthen your Church
in the service of Christ;
that we and all who confess your name
may be united in your truth,
live together in your love,
and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for all the nations and peoples of the world
for all who serve the common good
for our own country and government
for all in authority
for all those involved in . . .
Silence
Give wisdom to all in authority;
direct this and every nation
in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another,
and seek the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for those we know and love
for the local community
for our families and friends
for. . .
Silence
Give grace to us,
to our families and friends,
and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another,
and love as he loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for all who suffer
for the sick
for those who mourn
for those without faith
for those who serve the needy
for . . .
Silence
Comfort and heal all those who suffer
in body, mind or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us remember all who have died,
giving thanks especially
for those who have died in the faith of Christ.
Silence
We commend all people to your unfailing love,
that in them your will may be fulfilled;
and we rejoice at the faithful witness
of your saints in every age,
praying that we may share with them
in your eternal kingdom.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for all people everywhere
according to their need.
Let us pray
for the Church of Christ throughout the world
for its unity in Christ
for the fulfilment of its mission
for all ministers of the gospel
for all Christians here in . . .
Silence
Strengthen your Church
in the service of Christ;
that we and all who confess your name
may be united in your truth,
live together in your love,
and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for all the nations and peoples of the world
for all who serve the common good
for our own country and government
for all in authority
for all those involved in . . .
Silence
Give wisdom to all in authority;
direct this and every nation
in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another,
and seek the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for those we know and love
for the local community
for our families and friends
for. . .
Silence
Give grace to us,
to our families and friends,
and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another,
and love as he loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us pray
for all who suffer
for the sick
for those who mourn
for those without faith
for those who serve the needy
for . . .
Silence
Comfort and heal all those who suffer
in body, mind or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Let us remember all who have died,
giving thanks especially
for those who have died in the faith of Christ.
Silence
We commend all people to your unfailing love,
that in them your will may be fulfilled;
and we rejoice at the faithful witness
of your saints in every age,
praying that we may share with them
in your eternal kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us sum up our prayers and praises in the words our Saviour Christ has taught us and say:
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, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek’s “Go Make a Difference”.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
1 We are the salt of the earth,
called to let the people see
the love of God in you and me.
We are the light of the world,
not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
2 We are the hands of Christ
reaching out to those in need,
the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope;
we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
3 So let your love shine on,
let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ
will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence
In the world.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Heavenly Father,
in darkness and in light,
in trouble or in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link to hear Jay Walker’s arrangement of “The Lord, Bless You and Keep You.”
Verse 1
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Verse 2
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Bridge
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
Outro
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Those present may exchange a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
Open this link to hear Jay Walker’s arrangement of “The Lord, Bless You and Keep You.”
Verse 1
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Verse 2
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Bridge
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace
Outro
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
Shine upon you and be gracious unto you
Those present may exchange a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
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