Welcome to Our Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg

Enhanced Rainbow by Barb Ver Sluis

Here is our order of worship

An Ancient Orthodox Prayer link

Lord, grant that I may meet the coming day with spiritual tranquility.
Grant that in all things I may rely upon your holy will.
In each hour of the day, reveal your will to me.
Whatever news may reach me this day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul, knowing that all is subject to your holy will.
Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions.
In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down by you.
Grant that I may deal firmly and wisely with every member of my family and all who are in my care, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.
Direct my will and teach me to pray, 
to believe, 
to hope, 
to be patient, 
to forgive 
and to love.
Amen

A prayer from an early Church father Irenaeus (died 202 C.E.) link

Give growing maturity to beginners, O Father;
Give intelligence to the little ones;
Give aid to those who are running their course.
Give sorrow to the negligent;
Give fervor of spirit to the lukewarm.
Give to the mature a good end;
For the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.”

 

If you are new to EChurch, please click on this link for an explanation

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:32-35 (NASB Bible Gateway)

But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated.  For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

Discussion Questions

(1)  When is the last time you laid down your rights and what were reasons for doing so?

(2)  Why is it difficult to fathom sometimes “joyfully accepting” the loss of something precious?

(3)  Do you believe the description of these early Hebrew Christians in this text is typical of today’s Christianity? Why or why not?

 

A Prayer of Benedict of Nursia (480–543) link

O gracious and holy Father,

Give us wisdom to perceive you,
diligence to seek you,

Patience to wait for you,
eyes to behold you,

A heart to meditate upon you,
and a life to proclaim you;

Through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Traditional Benediction link

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received, do; and the God of peace be with you. Amen.

Thank you for spending your precious time worshipping the Lord.