Today Is: Proper 27

Collect for: Proper 27
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament
Amos 5:18-24

18 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light. 19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, Leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him! 20 Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it? 21 I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. 22 Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. 24 But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm
Psalm 70

1 To bring to remembrance. Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O LORD! 2 Let them be ashamed and confounded Who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused Who desire my hurt. 3 Let them be turned back because of their shame, Who say, 'Aha, aha!' 4 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!' 5 But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

New Testament
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Officiant: The Word of the Lord.
The People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel
Matthew 25:1-13

Introduction to the Gospel:
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Matthew's Gospel chapter 25, beginning at verse 1.

1 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for: Proper 27

Brothers and sisters, we are called to pray until the day the Lord returns. Therefore, let us bring our needs and the needs of the whole world before God, Who alone is our help and our provider.

That the Church will remain faithful and prepare Herself for Christ’s return.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That leaders of nations will be alert to opportunities and actively pursue peace.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That people who are near death will be reconciled to God and family members.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That corruption, violence and injustice in society will be replaced by honesty, peace and mercy.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That married couples will grow in love and respect for one another.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That we will be filled with the Holy Spirit to see Christ even in the least among us.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

That we will continue to assemble together and encourage one another as we see the Day of the Lords return nearing.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For our own special intentions. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord God, You do not hold back Your plans from Your people. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to heed Your Word and prepare ourselves for Christ’s imminent return. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.