III Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Reformed Episcopal Church (REC)
The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches (Presiding Bishop)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray that the reunion of the Reformed Episcopal Church with other North American Anglicans will set an example for other splintered bodies in Christ’s church. Let us pray that the principles of the REC will help the new North American Province in its witness to the gospel: “In these uncertain times - amidst changing values, moral decline, spiritual questioning and the advance of secular humanism - it's good to know that there is a Christian Church that still offers a timely message to the uncertainty of our time. This alternative is consistent with God's Holy Word. It focuses worship on Almighty God and not on man. It is an alternative which is rich in biblical preaching and consistent with the English Protestant Reformation as expressed by our American Forefathers.”

WHS

From the Scriptures
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:16-21 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Third Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)*

A Heritage Reflection
“When we pray, we come unto him in the confidence of Christ’s merits, and thus offering up our prayers, they shall be heard for Christ’s sake. Yea, Christ will offer them up for us, that offered up once his sacrifice to God, which was acceptable; and he that cometh with any other mean than this, God knoweth him not…. And so, to make an end: this must be done with a constant faith and a sure confidence in Christ. Faith, faith, faith; we are undone for lack of faith. Christ nameth faith here, faith is all together: ‘When the Son of man shall come, shall he find faith on the earth?’ Why speaketh he so much of faith? Because it is hard to find a true faith. He speaketh not of a political faith, a faith set up for a time; but a constant, a permanent, a durable faith, as durable as God’s word.”

Bishop Hugh Latimer (1485-1555)
Sermons

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* The Collect and Scripture Lesson are identical to those in The Book of Common Prayer used by the Reformed Episcopal Church