Today Is: Seventh Sunday of Easter

Collect for: Seventh Sunday of Easter
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

New Testament
Acts 16:16-19

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, 'These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.' 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.' And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.

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

Psalm
Psalm 98

1 Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. 2 The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
Jesus is the door through which we enter. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
Jesus is the door through which we enter. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

5 Sing to the LORD with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.
Jesus is the door through which we enter. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell in it; 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD,
Jesus is the door through which we enter. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

9 For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.
Jesus is the door through which we enter. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

*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
Revelation 22:12-17

12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.' 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.' 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

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

Gospel
John 17:20-26

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 John.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from John's Gospel chapter 17, beginning at verse 20.

20 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.'

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: Seventh Sunday of Easter

Brothers and sisters, Christ has entered not into a sanctuary made of hands but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Therefore, let us bring our needs into His presence.

That the Church will make known to the world the love and forgiveness God has demonstrated to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That all Christian will work toward unity on matters that are essential and exemplify love in matters that non-essential with all humility and wisdom.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That the nations will put aside their differences and work for peace.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That those who suffer want or anxiety from lack of work will find suitable and fulfilling employment.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That we will share the Gospel with family, friends and co-workers as God provides the opportunities.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That we will see the image of Christ in the poor, the sick, the burdensome, and the imprisoned.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

That those who have lost loved ones will be comforted by the promises of God and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lord in Your mercy,            Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to be ready for His imminent return. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.