Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (July 9, 2026)
Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.
Indian Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) are a native North American wildflower. I first came across them, growing on the roadside, while I was driving to a Community of Celebration’s Come Celebrate Weekend in Texas. Their bright colors caught my eye, and I pulled off the road for a closer look. They became one of my favorite wildflowers that day.
In this evening’s message we take a look at what Paul tells us about the new way of life to which all who become Christians are called.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Proulx’s arrangement of PHOS HILARON for flute and piano.
Silence
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth
stand in awe of him. Psalm 96:9
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. 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 our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s “Light of Gladness, Lord of Glory.”
1 Light of gladness, Lord of glory,
Jesus Christ our king most holy,
shine among us in your mercy:
earth and heaven join their hymn.
2 Let us sing at sun's descending
as we see the lights of evening,
Father, Son, and Spirit praising
with the holy seraphim.
3 Son of God, through all the ages
worthy of our holiest praises,
yours the life that never ceases,
light which never shall grow dim.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Psalm 1 (Beatus vir qui non abiit) from the St. Dunstan's Plainsong Psalter.
1 Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners : and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord : and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4 His leaf also shall not wither : and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5 As for the ungodly, it is not so with them : but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6 Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7 But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : and the way of the ungodly shall perish.
pen this link in a new tab to hear
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Micah.
Micah 6:1-8
Listen to what the Lord says:
‘Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
‘Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the Lord has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
‘My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.
My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab plotted
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.’
With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Tell Out, My Soul” (Magnificat).
1 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his Word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
2 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the Mighty One.
3 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
4 Tell out, my soul, the glories of his Word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and forevermore!
A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:17-32
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s "Faithful Vigil Ended" (Nunc dimittis).
1 Faithful vigil ended,
watching, waiting cease
Master, grant your servant
his discharge in peace.
2 All the Spirit promised,
all the Father willed
now these eyes behold it
perfectly fulfilled.
3 This your great deliverance
sets your people free
Christ their light uplifted
all the nations see.
4 Christ, your people's glory!
Watching, doubting cease
grant to us your servants
our discharge in peace.
In this evening’s New Testament reading the apostle Paul warns those to whom he is writing against living the way that their fellow Ephesians live. Paul reminds them that they were not taught to live that way when they became Christians.
Paul goes on to give them instructions on how to live. Let’s look at what he tells them and how it affects the way that modern-day Christians are expected to live.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour…”
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Tell Out, My Soul” (Magnificat).
1 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his Word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
2 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the Mighty One.
3 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
4 Tell out, my soul, the glories of his Word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and forevermore!
A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:17-32
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s "Faithful Vigil Ended" (Nunc dimittis).
1 Faithful vigil ended,
watching, waiting cease
Master, grant your servant
his discharge in peace.
2 All the Spirit promised,
all the Father willed
now these eyes behold it
perfectly fulfilled.
3 This your great deliverance
sets your people free
Christ their light uplifted
all the nations see.
4 Christ, your people's glory!
Watching, doubting cease
grant to us your servants
our discharge in peace.
Called to a New Way of Life
In this evening’s New Testament reading the apostle Paul warns those to whom he is writing against living the way that their fellow Ephesians live. Paul reminds them that they were not taught to live that way when they became Christians.
Paul goes on to give them instructions on how to live. Let’s look at what he tells them and how it affects the way that modern-day Christians are expected to live.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour…”
Lying and deceitfulness are condemned throughout the Bible from the Book of Genesis and the serpent in the Garden of Eden to the Ten Commandments to the Psalms, the Proverbs, and the Prophets to the words of Jesus to the writings of the apostles. They are not what Paul describes as fruit of the Holy Spirit, those qualities of character that the Holy Spirit, working in a Christian, produces. Rather they are what he calls the works of the flesh, the products of our sinful human nature.
“‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
“‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
In this passage Paul quotes Psalm 4:5 from the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament. “Be angry and do not sin…” There are two ways in which we can manage anger. The first way we ourselves are the master of our anger. We control it and keep it from becoming a danger to ourselves and to others. We do not give the devil an opportunity to exploit our anger and to cause suffering, to us as well as to others. When we experience anger, we do not hold on to it. We let go of it. When our anger is related to frustration or disappointment, we work through the underlying feeling. When our anger is triggered by something someone else said or did which offends us, we choose to overlook what they said or did. We do not brood over it. We turn the other cheek. We do not hold it against them. We forgive them and let bygones be bygones.
Those who manage their anger in this way are mindful of what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount about murdering others in our hearts, loving even our enemies, doing to others what we would have done to us, and forgiving others. They take his words to heart and live by them. They understand that Jesus did not suffer and die for them on the cross so that they might live wantonly in this life but that they might enjoy a right relationship with God
In the second way of managing our anger, we let our anger become our master. It controls what we say and do. Instead of letting go of it, we hang on to it. We let it take over our life and with it hate and ill-will toward anyone who in any way, no matter how slight, offends us. Their offense does not even have to be real. It can be imagined. Our anger distorts our thinking and our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the world. We are quick to harbor grudges for the flimsiest of reasons. Forgiveness is not in our vocabulary. We go to great lengths to inflict what we consider deserved punishment on those against whom we harbor a grudge and take cruel delight in their suffering. We may spite ourselves in order to hurt those who are the object of our hatred and ill-will. We may stir up hatred and ill-will against them and encourage others to harm them. We may resort to physical violence and even murder. Our lives are a playground for the evil one who eggs us on to do even darker deeds.
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
By “stealing” Paul is not writing just about pilfering and other forms of petty theft, all too common in his day. I do not think that we would be wrong in concluding that he also had in mind a number of other practices that violate the eight commandment and are condemned in the Old Testament. These practices include false weights and measures, fraud, not paying workers their wages, reneging on contracts and other business agreements, embezzlement, profiteering, and price-gouging. I also do not believe that we would be wrong in including a number of what are described as sharp business practices in our time, but which fall far short of the standard of honesty one would expect from someone who identifies themselves as a Christian, someone who belongs to Christ.
Jesus did not drive the money changers and animal vendors out of the Temple at Jerusalem because what they were doing was illegal. The priests of the Temple allowed them to conduct their business in the outer courts for a share of the profits. Jesus drove them out because what they were doing showed no respect for God.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
No “shit talk” as my next door neighbor’s mother calls it, conversations peppered with expletives and vulgar words and expressions, including the taking of the Lord’s name in vain. What Paul has in mind is not only how we talk and what we say but also the subject of our conversations. Talking about our own or someone else’s sexual behavior. Boasting about our sexual exploits. Besmirching someone else’s reputation. Starting and spreading rumors. Telling lies and half-truths. Indulging in malicious gossip. And that sort of thing.
He stresses what we talk about should be helpful to those with whom we are talking, building them up where they have a need. While this may entail offering encouragement and guidance, it may involve listening carefully to what they are saying, giving them our full attention. And yes, turning off our smart phone and putting it out of our sight!
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
We grieve or distress the Holy Spirit when we persist in our sinfulness and our old way of life. Jesus calls us not only to put our full trust and confidence in him for our salvation but also to embrace a life of godliness and holiness, a life empowered by the Holy Spirit and framed and fashioned according to Jesus’ teaching and example. The Holy Spirit not only quicken us to new life so we are spiritually born again but also enables us to live as those who have received the gift of new life.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Bitterness, rage, brawling, and slander are different ways that we may experience or express feelings of anger. Malice is the wish to harm other people or to upset them.
“Owning the libs,” intentionally seeking to cause dismay and confusion to the progressive element on the political spectrum, particularly to jeopardize what that element highly values, is a form of malice. The intention is not only to upset the progressive element but also cause it injury. While it is not uncommon on social media and some internet influencers delight in doing it, often provoking a hysterical response from those they are targeting, this does not make it an acceptable attitude for Christians whatever may be their political leanings.
Malice takes other forms, for example, an employee may spread unfounded rumor about a fellow employee in order to damage their relationship with coworkers and cost them a promotion or even their job. The belief that the promotion is undeserved or that it was given to the wrong person does not justify the malicious behavior.
Malice is historically associated with devil in Christian literature.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to a fellow Christian is one of the ways that Christians obey Jesus’ commandment to love one another and demonstrate their love for him. As John wrote, “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 John 4:19-21).
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into 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.
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
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
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.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you:
Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, from whom all holy desires, all good purposes,
and all just works proceed: give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to
obey your commandments, and that free from the fear of our
enemies we may pass our time in trust and quietness;
through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great
mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Thomas Benson Pollock’s “Faithful Shepherd, Feed Me.”
1 Faithful Shepherd, feed me
In the pastures green;
Faithful Shepherd, lead me
Where thy steps are seen.
2 Hold me fast, and guide me
In the narrow way;
So, with thee beside me,
I shall never stray.
3 Daily bring me nearer
To the heavenly shore;
May my faith grow clearer,
May I love thee more.
4 Hallow every pleasure,
Every gift and pain;
Be thyself my treasure,
Though none else I gain.
5 Day by day prepare me
As thou seest best,
Then let angels bear me
To thy promised rest.
Silence is kept.
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Frances Ridley Havergal’s “Take My Life, and Let It Be.”
1 Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2 Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
5 Take my will, and make it thine:
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart: it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure-store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear John A. Behnke’s “Benediction.”
The Lord bless you
The Lord keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious
And be gracious
The Lord look upon you with favor
And give you peace.
The Lord bless you
The Lord keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious
And be gracious
The Lord look upon you with favor
And give you peace.
Amen. Amen.
Amen. Amen.
Amen. Amen.
Those who manage their anger in this way are mindful of what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount about murdering others in our hearts, loving even our enemies, doing to others what we would have done to us, and forgiving others. They take his words to heart and live by them. They understand that Jesus did not suffer and die for them on the cross so that they might live wantonly in this life but that they might enjoy a right relationship with God
In the second way of managing our anger, we let our anger become our master. It controls what we say and do. Instead of letting go of it, we hang on to it. We let it take over our life and with it hate and ill-will toward anyone who in any way, no matter how slight, offends us. Their offense does not even have to be real. It can be imagined. Our anger distorts our thinking and our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the world. We are quick to harbor grudges for the flimsiest of reasons. Forgiveness is not in our vocabulary. We go to great lengths to inflict what we consider deserved punishment on those against whom we harbor a grudge and take cruel delight in their suffering. We may spite ourselves in order to hurt those who are the object of our hatred and ill-will. We may stir up hatred and ill-will against them and encourage others to harm them. We may resort to physical violence and even murder. Our lives are a playground for the evil one who eggs us on to do even darker deeds.
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
By “stealing” Paul is not writing just about pilfering and other forms of petty theft, all too common in his day. I do not think that we would be wrong in concluding that he also had in mind a number of other practices that violate the eight commandment and are condemned in the Old Testament. These practices include false weights and measures, fraud, not paying workers their wages, reneging on contracts and other business agreements, embezzlement, profiteering, and price-gouging. I also do not believe that we would be wrong in including a number of what are described as sharp business practices in our time, but which fall far short of the standard of honesty one would expect from someone who identifies themselves as a Christian, someone who belongs to Christ.
Jesus did not drive the money changers and animal vendors out of the Temple at Jerusalem because what they were doing was illegal. The priests of the Temple allowed them to conduct their business in the outer courts for a share of the profits. Jesus drove them out because what they were doing showed no respect for God.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
No “shit talk” as my next door neighbor’s mother calls it, conversations peppered with expletives and vulgar words and expressions, including the taking of the Lord’s name in vain. What Paul has in mind is not only how we talk and what we say but also the subject of our conversations. Talking about our own or someone else’s sexual behavior. Boasting about our sexual exploits. Besmirching someone else’s reputation. Starting and spreading rumors. Telling lies and half-truths. Indulging in malicious gossip. And that sort of thing.
He stresses what we talk about should be helpful to those with whom we are talking, building them up where they have a need. While this may entail offering encouragement and guidance, it may involve listening carefully to what they are saying, giving them our full attention. And yes, turning off our smart phone and putting it out of our sight!
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
We grieve or distress the Holy Spirit when we persist in our sinfulness and our old way of life. Jesus calls us not only to put our full trust and confidence in him for our salvation but also to embrace a life of godliness and holiness, a life empowered by the Holy Spirit and framed and fashioned according to Jesus’ teaching and example. The Holy Spirit not only quicken us to new life so we are spiritually born again but also enables us to live as those who have received the gift of new life.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Bitterness, rage, brawling, and slander are different ways that we may experience or express feelings of anger. Malice is the wish to harm other people or to upset them.
“Owning the libs,” intentionally seeking to cause dismay and confusion to the progressive element on the political spectrum, particularly to jeopardize what that element highly values, is a form of malice. The intention is not only to upset the progressive element but also cause it injury. While it is not uncommon on social media and some internet influencers delight in doing it, often provoking a hysterical response from those they are targeting, this does not make it an acceptable attitude for Christians whatever may be their political leanings.
Malice takes other forms, for example, an employee may spread unfounded rumor about a fellow employee in order to damage their relationship with coworkers and cost them a promotion or even their job. The belief that the promotion is undeserved or that it was given to the wrong person does not justify the malicious behavior.
Malice is historically associated with devil in Christian literature.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to a fellow Christian is one of the ways that Christians obey Jesus’ commandment to love one another and demonstrate their love for him. As John wrote, “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 John 4:19-21).
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into 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.
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
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
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.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you:
Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, from whom all holy desires, all good purposes,
and all just works proceed: give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to
obey your commandments, and that free from the fear of our
enemies we may pass our time in trust and quietness;
through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great
mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Thomas Benson Pollock’s “Faithful Shepherd, Feed Me.”
1 Faithful Shepherd, feed me
In the pastures green;
Faithful Shepherd, lead me
Where thy steps are seen.
2 Hold me fast, and guide me
In the narrow way;
So, with thee beside me,
I shall never stray.
3 Daily bring me nearer
To the heavenly shore;
May my faith grow clearer,
May I love thee more.
4 Hallow every pleasure,
Every gift and pain;
Be thyself my treasure,
Though none else I gain.
5 Day by day prepare me
As thou seest best,
Then let angels bear me
To thy promised rest.
Silence is kept.
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Frances Ridley Havergal’s “Take My Life, and Let It Be.”
1 Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2 Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
5 Take my will, and make it thine:
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart: it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure-store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear John A. Behnke’s “Benediction.”
The Lord bless you
The Lord keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious
And be gracious
The Lord look upon you with favor
And give you peace.
The Lord bless you
The Lord keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious
And be gracious
The Lord look upon you with favor
And give you peace.
Amen. Amen.
Amen. Amen.
Amen. Amen.
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