Please find below the notes from the Elder's Prayer this past Sunday.
An angel conveys to John Jesus’ words in Revelation 22:10-21:
10 ... "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
(Prayer)
Our Savior, Jesus, we do look forward to your return! As past saints have looked forward to your advent, materialized by your incarnation, we too look forward to your return, finalized by your rule established and your authority and justice vindicated, once and for all time.
Make us faithful until you return! Let us not fail to trust your sovereign movement in our own lives personally, and in the activities of the unwitting world around us. Make us examples of your mercy toward others and grace toward people undeserving. And as we are faced with the vanity and deception of the world around us, let us not forget our purpose - that of glorifying you. Even as days grow darker, more sinful, and more deceptive around us, may we shine ever brighter, never wavering in our resolve to make you, Jesus Christ, the object of our worship, the very reason for our living.
Father, if there is one here today who has never believed in you unto obedience and unto eternal life, open their ears that they might hear the truth, that they in so doing they would be regenerated, and that they too might have the privilege of glorifying you. And for those of us who do believe in you, make us ever mindful of our exclusive right and privilege to glorify you, and make us more submissive to your word and to rejoice in your purpose.
Amen.