Introduction to the Word for Worship
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
-Ephesians 6:16-18 (ESV) , emphasis added
Church begins in prayer, stays centered by prayer, and ends up praying.
-Eugene Peterson, Practice Resurrection, p. 148
The Collect of the Day
O Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow after us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
Psalm 15 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-23
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 15
1 Lord, who shall dwell in your tabernacle? *
Or who shall rest upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads an uncorrupt life, *
and does that which is right,
and speaks the truth from his heart.
3 He has not spoken deceitfully with his tongue,
nor done evil to his neighbor, *
and has not slandered his neighbor.
4 In his eyes the wicked is rejected, *
and he makes much of those who fear the Lord.
5 He swears to his neighbor and disappoints him not, *
though it were to his own hindrance.
6 He has not given his money for usury, *
nor taken a bribe against the innocent.
7 Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)