The Ultimate Ascension Day Sermon (And Other Sermons, Papers, Prayers and Hymns)

For Sermons...

It's an annual tradition at Christ the Truth to listen to Dev Menon's Classic Sermon.

[audio https://christthetruth.net/audio/AscensionSermonDevMenon.mp3]

Paul Blackham's teaching is equally fantastic

John B recommends Scott Hoezee’s sermon, “How We See Things–Psalm 47″

And an essay by Stephen T. Davis, “The Meaning of the Ascension for Christian Scholars”.

.

For Prayers...

The Collects from BCP:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

or this

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell; who liveth and reigneth with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

The South Indian Anglican Collect:

O God, whose blessed Son, our great high priest, has entered once for all into the Holy Place and ever liveth to intercede on our behalf: grant that we, sanctified by the offering of his body may draw near with full assurance of faith by the way which he has dedicated for us and evermore serve thee, the living God; through the same thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

.

For Songs:

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C1mlV0HQeo"]

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8faTDmvue9M&playnext_from=QL"]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4d4UXSJXig]

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfT4nc72QIs"]

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOYUmiUvE3o"]

words here

We thank Thee Jesus, Dearest Friend

...

And here are a couple of my own:

A kids song about the ascension

A kids song about Jesus moving house (eventually to heaven)

"He Rose Up"
[audio https://christthetruth.net/audio/HeRoseUp2.mp3]

(lyrics below)

He rose up among us, as told.
He rose up the Promise of old.
My Brother in strife,
Assuming my life.
Exalted, the Father’s Decree
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up humanity’s Last
Man’s Answer in life unsurpassed
My Champion living,
God’s life of thanksgiving.
Exalted as I’m meant to be
He rose up, He rose up for me.

They raised Him, my Saviour, on high
Man lifted, accursed, left to die.
My Priest in atonement,
My Lamb in enthronement.
Exalted on destiny’s tree,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up from death He arose,
Immortal to crush all His foes.
The Lord of all history,
My Christ has the victory.
Exalted the darkness must flee,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

He rose up to heaven, He rose,
Ascended beyond other thrones.
My Friend in high places,
My Fountain of graces.
Exalted, my heavenly Plea,
He rose up, He rose up for me.

I rise up, I rise up in Him,
Emboldened in spite of all sin.
In Jesus attaining,
My destiny – reigning.
Exalted, with angels to sing,
I rise up, I rise up in Him.