Introduction to the Word for Worship
[T]he wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
-James 3:17-18 (ESV)
Once more we need to ask ourselves if we really believe this. Is it not too surprising? Do we find it recommended as a way of Christian growth in our churches? Certainly, the idea of Christian growth is not neglected by any manner of means: there is a suggestion here, an experience there, a crisis to pass through, a new touch from God to receive, a special blessing into which to enter. But how often do we hear of a harvest of righteousness sown in peace by those who prize and promote peace? How very important Christian fellowship is! A harmonious fellowship of believers is the soil out of which grows the whole life that is pleasing to God.
-Alec Motyer (emphasis added)
The Collect of the Day
O Lord, you have taught us that without love, all our deeds are worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: James 3:16–4:6
Psalm 54 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 54
1 Save me, O God, for your Name’s sake, *
and avenge me in your strength.
2 Hear my prayer, O God, *
and hearken to the words of my mouth.
3 For the arrogant have risen up against me, *
and tyrants, who do not have God before their eyes,
seek after my life.
4 Behold, God is my helper; *
the Lord is he who upholds my life.
5 He shall repay the evil of my enemies. *
O destroy them in your faithfulness.
6 A freewill offering will I give you, *
and praise your Name, O Lord, because it is good.
7 For he has delivered me out of all my trouble, *
and my eye has seen the ruin of my enemies.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)