Month: April 2017

Morning Prayer: Tue, 11 Apr – Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; John 13:21-33, 36-38 ~ the shame-filled path to glory

Tuesday of Holy Week

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 (NLT)

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

And now the Lord speaks—the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
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Reading: Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17 (NLT)

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free. Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!
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I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.
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O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
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Reading: John 13:21-33, 36-38 (NLT)

Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!”

The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”

Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. So Judas left at once, going out into the night.

As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going.
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Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”

And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”

“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.
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Prayer:

Almighty God, grant that we who are constantly betrayed by our own weakness may draw the breath of new life from the passion and death of your Only-Begotten Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“At the Cross” – Hillsong


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Mon, 10 Apr – Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11 ~ justice for all

Monday of Holy Week

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, your dearly beloved Son willingly suffered betrayal, indignation, torture and crucifixion unto death, that he might bring righteousness and justice to the nations. Mercifully grant that we may not falter or lose heart following in his footsteps, as we wait for his peace and justice to prevail throughout the earth. We ask through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 (NLT)

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says, “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.”
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Reading: Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14 (NLT)

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
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Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
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Reading: John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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Prayer:

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

Christ our Savior: you redeemed us by your death and resurrection, have mercy on us.

+ You endured the passion and entered into glory; lead your people through their suffering and death into the glory of eternal life.
+ Your heart was pierced with a lance; heal the wounds of our afflictions and grief.
+ You made your cross the tree of life; share your victory with all of your people.
+ You gave salvation to the repentant thief; pardon all our sins, as we also forgive the sins of those who have wronged us.

Almighty God, grant that we may see your goodness in a world filled with suffering and death. Focus our attention on the cross of Christ, that we may receive strength and courage as we wait patiently for his return in glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Come Ye Disconsolate” – Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway

Come, ye disconsolate, wherever ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.”
I said, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure
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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: 09 April – Matthew 27:45-54 ~ the death of Jesus

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: 09 April 2017

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail,  we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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Reading: Matthew 27:45-54 (NLT)

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
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Prayer:

Sovereign God: you are our strength and our hope. Make haste to help us.

+ For your people throughout the world – that we may celebrate these holy days with reverence and devotion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our own faith communities – that we may deepen our love for Christ in this Holy Week…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters – that they may continue to grow in faith during this season of Passover…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the city of Jerusalem – that it may be a place of peace and healing for the nations…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians who are being persecuted – that they may receive strength and courage from your presence with them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer torture as Christ did – that He may be close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have gone before us in faith – that they may journey through the valley of death to resurrection…. Lord, hear us.

God of compassion, in the death and resurrection of Jesus you show your love for us: hear our prayers, and grant them, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“By His Wounds” – Steven Curtis Chapman


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Closing:

It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. – Isaiah 53:4-5 (NLT)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017

Morning Prayer: Sat, 08 Apr – John 13:38; Romans 2:4 ~ unfailing love

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Reading: John 13:38 (NLT)

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter — before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me….”
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Reading: Romans 2:4 (NLT)

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
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Prayer:

Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy; Lord have mercy on me.

+ Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house and worship you with deepest awe.
+ Because of your unfailing love, your saving power rescues me from my enemies.
+ Because of your unfailing love, you keep me from stumbling off the path of life.
+ Because of your unfailing love, you do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
+ Because of your unfailing love, you see my troubles, and you care about my anguish.
+ Because of your unfailing love, you give justice to those with honest hearts.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Let your unfailing love surround me, Lord, for my hope is in you alone. Through my Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Kindness” – Chris Tomlin


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Fri, 07 Apr – Psalm 37:4-5 ~ what do you want?

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 37:4-5 (NLT)

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
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Prayer:

Lord God: Our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you.

+ Grant us your wisdom and peace that we may find rest for our souls.
+ Reveal your presence to us that we may behold your beauty and majesty.
+ Fill us with your Spirit that we may experience your promised joy.
+ Conform our heart’s desires to your perfect will that we may want what you want.

Lord God: Forgive us our restlessness and discontent; we place our trust in your loving-kindness and faithfulness to satisfy the longing of our hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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“I Give You My Heart” – Renata Triani | City Harvest Church | Singapore


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!