Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Prayer
O Lord, deliver me from every evil work and bring me safely to your heavenly kingdom. -2 Timothy 4:18 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! -Psalm 103: 19-22 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin We offer to you, Lord, the troubles of this day; we lay down our burdens at your feet. Forgive us our sins, give us your peace, May we walk in your ways, and be faithful witnesses. -Apprenticeship to Jesus Prayer (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. -Mark 12:32-34 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Oh, God, listen to my prayer; please open your ears. -Psalm 39:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Dear Father in heaven, we seek you and your kingdom. We gather to hear your Word so that we may receive strength for our own lives and for all our relationships with others. We want to stand firm, believing that in everything your will is being done and that we may yet experience a new coming of your glory on earth. Then earthly concerns will no longer torment us and wear us out, but heavenly things may surround us and everything become new in accordance with your good, merciful, and perfect will. Amen. -Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt (1842-1919) 
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
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