Episcopal Diocese of Texas Christian Formation

Week 6: April 1, 2009

2009-04-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

New Zealand Book of Common Prayer (Morning and Evening Worship Confession, p. 37) God of mercy, we have sinned against you and against others. we have sinned in what we have done, and in what we have failed to do. We are truly sorry. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, forgive us all that is past and raise us to newness of life. Amen.

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John 20:19-23 (New Revised Standard Version) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.

What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

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Prayers of the People Form V (Book of Common Prayer p. 391) For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O Lord.

Week 5: March 25, 2009

2009-03-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

New Zealand Book of Common Prayer (Morning and Evening Worship Confession p. 37) Almighty and merciful God, we have sinned against you, in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with all our heart. We have not loved others as our Savior Christ loves us. We are truly sorry. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen

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Luke 15: 11-32 (New Revised Standard Version) Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.” “But when he came to himself he said, ‘how many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out a robe – the best one- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes; you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.

What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

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Prayers of the People Form 1 (Book of Common Prayer p. 385) For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

Week 4: March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

From the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer p. 304-05) Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God’s help. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? I will, with God’s help. Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? I will, with God’s help. Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God’s help. Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God’s help.

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Luke 5: 17-26 (New Revised Standard Version) One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk?’ But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the one who was paralyzed – “I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying “We have seen strange things today.”

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses. * What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis? * What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us? * If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

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Collect for Ash Wednesday (Book of Common Prayer p. 217) Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Week 3: March 11, 2009

2009-03-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Confession of Sin (Morning Prayer, BCP p79) Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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Matthew 18:23-35 (New Revised Standard Version) “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves, who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.

What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

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From the Litany (Book of Common Prayer p. 152) That it may please you to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy hold Word, We beseech us to hear us, good Lord.

Week 2: March 4, 2009

2009-03-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Enriching our Worship God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

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Matthew 18:15-20 (New Revised Standard Version) “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but I tell you seventy-seven times.

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Compline (Book of Common Prayer p. 128) May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.

What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

Week 1: Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

It is suggested that you carve out a period of at least 45 minutes for the study. Read the scripture passage. You may wish to read from other versions as well. Even if you are doing this alone, read the scripture at least once aloud. Either open or close by praying the confession.

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Prayers for the Candidates (Holy Baptism Liturgy, Book of Common Prayer) Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? I renounce them. Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I renounce them. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do. Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do. Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? I do.

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Matthew 6: 7-15 (New Revised Standard Version) “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way; Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.

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Morning Prayer 2: Forgiveness of Sins (Book of Common Prayer p. 80) Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

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After reading, write a synopsis of the text in your own words. Post this synopsis in the "comments" section. Read and discuss other posted synopses.

What is the major theme of the passage that is expressed in each synopsis? What are the individual concerns that are expressed in each synopsis?
What new possibilities does the passage open for me? For us?
If I were to take seriously the words of my own synopsis, what would that mean for me? For us?

Coming soon!

2009-01-28T16:15:00.001-06:00

Check back on Ash Wednesday for the first installment of our online Lenten Study!