Faith, Sacrifice, and the Power of Prayer

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Intercession

The saints, especially the Theotokos, play a crucial role in interceding for us. Their lives and sacrifices draw us closer to Christ, reminding us of the importance of seeking their intercession in our prayers. This connection to the saints enriches our spiritual journey and provides us with heavenly advocates. The Theotokos, the ever-Virgin Mary, is particularly significant in this role, as she is often seen as the most powerful intercessor before Christ. By invoking the saints in our prayers, we are not only asking for their help but also acknowledging their exemplary lives of faith and devotion. This practice can deepen our own faith and bring us closer to God.

The saints' intercessions are a testament to the communal nature of our faith. We are not alone in our spiritual journey; we are part of a larger body of believers, both on earth and in heaven. The saints, having lived lives of holiness and devotion, now stand before God, interceding on our behalf. This heavenly support system is a source of great comfort and strength, reminding us that we are always supported by a community of faith. [03:23]

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."

Reflection: Think of a saint whose life inspires you. How can you incorporate their example into your daily prayers and actions today?

Day 2: Faith in Adversity

The story of Kyriakos and Julita exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of persecution. Julita's joy in her son's martyrdom challenges us to view our struggles through the lens of faith, finding strength and purpose even in suffering. Their story encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, regardless of the trials we face. Julita, a noblewoman, and her young son Kyriakos faced severe persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Despite the extreme adversity, they remained steadfast in their faith, with Kyriakos boldly proclaiming his Christian faith even at the tender age of three. Julita found joy in her son's unwavering faith and considered his death a worthy sacrifice to God. Her own martyrdom followed, and their relics continue to inspire and perform miracles to this day.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that faith can provide, even in the face of extreme adversity. It challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey and the sacrifices we are willing to make for our beliefs. The lives of Kyriakos and Julita encourage us to teach our children the importance of faith from a young age, as the values instilled in them will shape the future. [31:59]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate through it, and how can you strengthen your faith for future adversities?

Day 3: Teaching Faith to the Young

Julita's dedication to teaching her young son about Christianity highlights the importance of instilling faith in children from an early age. The values and beliefs we impart to our children shape their future and the future of our society. This underscores the role of parents and guardians in nurturing a strong spiritual foundation. Julita's example shows us that even young children can have a profound understanding of faith and can be strong witnesses to Christ. By teaching our children about God, prayer, and the lives of the saints, we are equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the world with a strong spiritual foundation.

The story of Kyriakos and Julita encourages us to be intentional in our efforts to teach our children about faith. It reminds us that the values and beliefs we instill in them will shape their future and the future of our society. As parents and guardians, we have a responsibility to nurture a strong spiritual foundation in our children, guiding them towards a life of faith and devotion. [30:27]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Think about the ways you can incorporate faith teachings into your daily interactions with children. What specific steps can you take today to nurture their spiritual growth?

Day 4: Communal Prayer and Unity

Our prayers for peace, unity, and the salvation of souls emphasize the power of communal prayer. Coming together as a community to pray for each other and the world strengthens our faith and fosters a sense of unity and purpose. It reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers, all striving towards the same spiritual goals. Communal prayer is a powerful expression of our faith, as it brings us together in a shared purpose and strengthens our bonds as a community. By praying together, we are not only supporting each other but also lifting up our collective concerns to God.

The practice of communal prayer is a vital aspect of our spiritual lives. It allows us to come together as a community, united in our faith and our desire to seek God's guidance and grace. Through communal prayer, we can support each other, share our burdens, and celebrate our joys. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our spiritual journey, but part of a larger body of believers, all striving towards the same spiritual goals. [20:12]

Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV): "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Reflection: Consider joining or forming a prayer group within your community. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of unity and support through communal prayer?

Day 5: Living a Life of Holiness

The liturgical prayers and invocations remind us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. Seeking forgiveness, striving for holiness, and committing ourselves to Christ are central to our spiritual journey. This calls us to reflect on our actions and continuously seek to align our lives with God's will. Living a life of holiness involves a daily commitment to follow Christ's teachings and to seek His guidance in all that we do. It requires us to be mindful of our actions, to seek forgiveness when we fall short, and to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God.

The call to holiness is a central aspect of our faith. It is a reminder that our ultimate goal is to live a life that glorifies God and reflects His love and grace to the world. By seeking forgiveness, striving for holiness, and committing ourselves to Christ, we can grow in our spiritual journey and become more aligned with God's will. This daily commitment to holiness is a powerful way to deepen our faith and to live a life that is pleasing to God. [56:47]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and actions. What specific changes can you make today to align your life more closely with God's will and to live a life of holiness?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound and enduring power of prayer and the intercessions of the saints. We began by invoking the mercy and grace of God, seeking His protection and guidance in our lives. We commemorated the Theotokos, the ever-Virgin Mary, and all the saints, acknowledging their role in interceding for us and guiding us closer to Christ. We prayed for peace, unity, and the salvation of our souls, recognizing the importance of living a life of faith and reverence.

We also remembered the holy martyrs Kyriakos and Julita, whose lives exemplify the ultimate sacrifice for faith. Julita, a noblewoman, and her young son Kyriakos, faced persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Despite the severe trials, Julita remained steadfast in her faith, teaching her son to do the same. Kyriakos, even at the tender age of three, boldly proclaimed his Christian faith, ultimately sacrificing his life. Julita, witnessing her son's martyrdom, found joy in his unwavering faith and considered his death a worthy sacrifice to God. Her own martyrdom followed, and their relics continue to inspire and perform miracles to this day.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that faith can provide, even in the face of extreme adversity. It challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey and the sacrifices we are willing to make for our beliefs. The lives of Kyriakos and Julita encourage us to teach our children the importance of faith from a young age, as the values instilled in them will shape the future.

As we conclude, we are reminded of the importance of communal prayer and the power it holds. We prayed for our leaders, our country, and all those in need, asking for God's mercy and grace to guide us. We also sought forgiveness for our sins and the strength to live a life that is pleasing to God. Through the intercessions of the saints and the grace of God, we strive to live a life of holiness and devotion, always seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Intercession: The saints, especially the Theotokos, play a crucial role in interceding for us. Their lives and sacrifices draw us closer to Christ, reminding us of the importance of seeking their intercession in our prayers. This connection to the saints enriches our spiritual journey and provides us with heavenly advocates. [03:23]
2. Faith in Adversity: The story of Kyriakos and Julita exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of persecution. Julita's joy in her son's martyrdom challenges us to view our struggles through the lens of faith, finding strength and purpose even in suffering. Their story encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, regardless of the trials we face. [31:59]
3. Teaching Faith to the Young: Julita's dedication to teaching her young son about Christianity highlights the importance of instilling faith in children from an early age. The values and beliefs we impart to our children shape their future and the future of our society. This underscores the role of parents and guardians in nurturing a strong spiritual foundation. [30:27]
4. Communal Prayer and Unity: Our prayers for peace, unity, and the salvation of souls emphasize the power of communal prayer. Coming together as a community to pray for each other and the world strengthens our faith and fosters a sense of unity and purpose. It reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers, all striving towards the same spiritual goals. [20:12]
5. Living a Life of Holiness: The liturgical prayers and invocations remind us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. Seeking forgiveness, striving for holiness, and committing ourselves to Christ are central to our spiritual journey. This calls us to reflect on our actions and continuously seek to align our lives with God's will. [56:47]
### [56:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:23] - Invocation and Intercession
[16:07] - Seeking Forgiveness
[20:12] - Prayers for Peace and Unity
[27:16] - Commitment to Christ
[31:04] - Supplications and Common Prayers
[39:26] - Holy Gospel Reading
[45:58] - Teachings of Jesus
[47:51] - Prayers for the Faithful
[48:24] - Reflection on Priesthood
[50:07] - Psalm of Repentance
[55:02] - Prayers for Deliverance
[56:47] - Commitment to Holiness
[58:43] - Creed and Holy Offering
[60:19] - Thanksgiving and Worship
[62:14] - Holy Communion
[67:18] - Prayers for the World
[68:52] - Glorifying God
[69:51] - Divine Grace and Holy Spirit
[70:38] - The Lord's Prayer
[73:01] - Guidance and Healing
[74:02] - Holy Gifts for the Holy
[80:46] - Blessing and Thanksgiving
[83:55] - Departing in Peace
[84:46] - Final Blessings
[87:02] - Reflection on Diocletian and Persecution
[88:41] - Christians' Role in Society
[89:22] - Story of Kyriakos and Julita
[92:56] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV) — > At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

2. Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
> Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

3. James 5:16 (ESV)
> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

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Observation Questions

What does Jesus say about the qualities needed to enter the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 18:1-4?
How does Psalm 51:10-12 describe the process of spiritual renewal and forgiveness?
According to James 5:16, what is the significance of confessing sins and praying for one another?

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of Kyriakos and Julita illustrate the concept of childlike faith and humility mentioned in Matthew 18:1-4? [47:04]
In what ways does communal prayer, as described in James 5:16, strengthen the faith and unity of a church community? [20:12]
How can the plea for a clean heart in Psalm 51:10-12 be seen as a foundation for living a life of holiness and devotion? [56:47]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the story of Kyriakos and Julita, how can you cultivate a childlike faith and humility in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this faith? [47:04]
Communal prayer was emphasized in the sermon. How can you actively participate in or initiate communal prayer within your small group or church community? [20:12]
Julita taught her young son about Christianity from an early age. How can you instill faith and spiritual values in the children or young people in your life? What practical steps can you take this week? [30:27]
The sermon highlighted the importance of seeking forgiveness and living a life pleasing to God. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or make a change to align more closely with God's will? [56:47]
The power of intercession was a key takeaway. How can you incorporate the intercessions of the saints into your prayer life? Are there specific saints whose lives inspire you to draw closer to Christ? [03:23]
The story of Kyriakos and Julita challenges us to view our struggles through the lens of faith. How can you find strength and purpose in your current struggles by trusting in God's plan? [31:59]
Reflect on the importance of unity and peace in the church. What steps can you take to promote unity and peace within your church community, especially during times of disagreement or conflict? [20:12]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It is interesting how we Christians look at the world differently and how we see the personalities and the persons different than is often recorded in history. It was under Diocletian who reigned over Rome between 284 and probably 305 that some of the really worst persecutions that you see against Christians happened." [01:27:56] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Why should we be concerned about the Christians? They don't care about power or prestige or money. All they want to do is take care of women and slaves and children and the sick and the hurting. And as time went on what they began to say as once was famously quoted, you've probably heard this phrase before, and here's where it came from: They said that once the Christians were simply the tail that the dog wagged, and then Christians became the tail that wagged the dog." [01:28:41] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Christians had such a life of deeds, of good works, of actually walking out their faith, that it crumbled the most powerful empire arguably in the history of the world, Rome." [01:29:22] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The young Kyriakos was no fool. He shouted to this tyrant, 'I am a Christian. Let me go back to my mother.' And as he began to fight with the judge to free himself, turning his face away from him, this judge became furious and threw the child to the ground and stomped and kicked on him, bashing him down the stairs where the child rolled down stone steps and there gave up his holy and innocent life to God." [01:31:30] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Seeing how this child, this three-year-old Kyriakos, suffered before her, his mother Julita was filled oddly with joy and gave thanks to God that her son had been counted worthy of the wreath of martyrdom. What a different way we approach Christianity so often now." [01:31:59] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The holy martyrs Kyriakos and Julita. Holy Julita was of noble birth. As was common, she was widowed at a young age. Such as the world was, she was with a newborn child, Kyriakos. She lived in Iconium, a city of Lyconia, and was a very devout Christian. She had her son baptized, of course, at a young age, and when he was three years old, had already begun instructing him in the faith, teaching him to pray insofar as a child of that age is capable of learning." [01:30:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Abraham Lincoln said, 'The philosophy of the classroom in one generation is the philosophy of government in the next.' It shows you what terrible situations we're in and the importance of Christian parents." [01:30:27] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "After her harsh torture, Julita was eventually beheaded in the year 304 at the very end of Diocletian's reign. The relics of saints Kyriakos and Julita have wonder-working power to this day, and part of these relics of the saints can be found in Olkrid, in the church of the Holy Mother of God, the healer. And we make bold to say in Scottsdale, Arizona, they also rest in our altar here at the church of the Chimises." [01:32:27] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Through the prayers of these giant saints, may God have mercy on us and save us. Amen." [01:32:56] (4 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It hurts to live this life. And yet this woman has this incredible response, counting her son worthy of death, worthy of martyrdom." [01:32:27] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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