Youth Readings for Worship

July 4

Matthew 28:18-2:

Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

Prayer:

Let us pray. Dear Lord Jesus, we are thankful that when we stumble under the load of life's burdens, you are there to pick us up and help us on the way.  Amen.

July 11

Matthew 6:7-13

When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.

You should pray like this:

   Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name.

   Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.

   Give us our food for today.

   Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.

   Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.

Prayer

Let us pray. Dear Lord Jesus plant your word deep in our lives to grow in us day by day.  As we obey you, serve you, listen to you and do all you ask, produce in us the harvest of righteousness.  Amen.

July 18

Matthew 5:43-48

You have heard people say, "Love your neighbors and hate your enemies." But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what's so great about that? Doesn't everyone do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven.

Prayer:

Let us pray.  Dear Lord Jesus help us to grow as you want us to grow. Help us to trust in you day by day even when things seem to go wrong.  You, O Lord, have promised always to help us when we follow you. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

July 25

John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true.  I won't leave you like orphans. I will come back to you. In a little while the people of this world won't be able to see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live. Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you. If you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and show you what I am like.

Prayer:

Help us God to close our eyes and to listen for your voice. Lead us on the road that you want us to travel and keep us safe each day of our lives. We ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

August 1

Matthew 10:5-15

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions:  Go only to the people of Israel, because they are like a flock of lost sheep. When you go, tell then that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. Heal the sick and raise the dead. You received without paying, now give without being paid. Don't take along any gold. Don't carry a backpack or take an extra shirt. When you go to a home, give it your blessing of peace. If the home is deserving, let your blessing remain with them.

Prayer:

We thank you God for life and love poured out so richly on us. Grant that we may always share the things you have given us and make the world better every day.  Amen".

August 8

Sunday School and Worship at Kalahari

August 15

Matthew 7:7-12

Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Your heavenly Father is more than ready to give good things to people who ask. So treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.

Prayer:

Loving God we thank you for being with us, for working with us, for making things come out right,  and for giving us all we need.  Amen"

August 22

Matthew 5:14-16

You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

Prayer:

Loving God, we thank you for your Spirit which gives life to us all and for your Son Jesus who died and who rose again so that we may live forever.  Amen.

August 29

Luke 6:35-36

Love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back.  Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we are so glad you are here with us and we greet you with love in our hearts. We thank you for all that have done for us, and all that you will yet do. Help us to love one another as you love us. Amen