It has long been assumed that Bartholomew is the same as Nathaniel, though it is not a certainty. The gospels speak of Philip bringing Nathaniel to Jesus, who calls him an Israelite worthy of the name. He is also present beside the Sea of Galilee at the resurrection. Although he seems initially a somewhat cynical man, he recognizes Jesus for who he is and proclaims him as Son of God and King of Israel.
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Praise
Almighty and everlasting God,
who gave to your apostle Bartholomew
grace truly to believe and to preach your word:
grant that your Church
may love that word which he believed
and may faithfully preach and receive the same;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Psalm 145.1-7
I will exalt you, O God my King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless you
and praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised;
his greatness is beyond all searching out.
One generation shall praise your works to another
and declare your mighty acts.
They shall speak of the majesty of your glory,
and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
They shall speak of the might of your marvellous acts,
and I will also tell of your greatness.
They shall pour forth the story of your abundant kindness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Reading: Luke 22.24-30
A dispute arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’
Luke 22.24-30
This is the word of the Lord.
Prayers
Let us pray for the fulfilment of God’s purpose and the coming of his kingdom.
Keep the Church firm and faithful in her duty to continue the work of Christ on earth which the Apostles began. Give grace to her clergy to love and serve the people in their charge.
Teach the rulers of the nations to use their power in mercy and with respect for those they govern. May all people learn to use the resources of this world not selfishly but for the common good.
Help us so to live our faith that we may bring to Christ many with whom we live and work. We pray for all in this community who are engaged in the work of healing the sick in mind or body.
We pray for all who suffer hardship and persecution for what they believe to be right. For all who for any reason are despised and made to feel they are of no value.
Receive into everlasting joy those who have passed through the trials of this world. May they share in the heavenly feast, with blessed Bartholomew and all the saints.
We pray in the name of Christ, the servant King.
God of glory,
touch our lips with the fire of your Spirit,
that we with all creation
may rejoice to sing your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Conclusion
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:56 — 7.3MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More