Month: July 2018

Praying the Psalms: Sat, 21 Jul – Psalm 19 ~ The voice of God

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning Reading: Psalm 19 (NLT)

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.

  • The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
  • The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
  • The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
  • Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
  • The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
  • They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
  • They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
  • They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
__________

Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: The heavens proclaim your glory for everyone to see –

+ The sun and moon reveal your glory by day and by night
+ The changing seasons and weather reveal your power
+ The infinite solar systems in outer space reveal your majesty

Nevertheless, some hear, and others don’t. Some recognize your presence and working, while others resist – denying that there is anything more in play than natural cause and effect. Lord our God, open the eyes of unbelievers to see your glory.

O Lord our God: Your Word proclaims Truth for the saving of our souls –

+ Your Word reveals your character
+ Your Word reveals your saving grace
+ Your Word reveals your Son our Savior
+ Your Word reveals your mercy and the forgiveness of sin
+ Your Word reveals your wisdom for godly living

O Lord our God: You alone deserve our highest praise and thoughtful attention –

+ For you enlighten our minds and make us wise
+ For you revive our senses and open our hearts
+ For you cause mourners to sing and captives to leap for joy
+ For you fill the brokenhearted with gladness and hope
+ For you show the penitent the way to peace

O Lord our God: May our lives reflect your glory and honor you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Voice Of The Skies (Psalm 19)” – The Shiyr Poets

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God

Day after day | Night after night
The voice of the skies proclaim | The art of your hands
Without a sound | Without a word
The voice of the skies goes out | To the edge of the world

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God

For the sun a celestial pavilion
Like a couple just wed from their canopy come
The rising of the sun to warm the world
Then the sun completes its circuit
Like a champion running his course with delight
Nothing in the world escapes it’s heat

The law of the Lord is perfect
The law of the Lord revives the soul
The Lord’s commands are sure delighting the heart
The fear of the Lord is blameless
The fear of the Lord gives light to the eyes
The teachings of the Lord make the foolish wise

To be desired | Much more than gold
Sweeter than honey from the honeycomb
Your servant is warned | Of danger and woe
For all who keep your word there’s great reward

For who can discern their own heart
Cleanse me from these hidden faults of mine
Keep me your servant from willful sin
Let them not be master over me
Then I will be blameless
I will be innocent
I will be free from sin

May the words | Of my mouth
May every heartfelt thought be pleasing to you
O Lord My Rock | Redeemer of all
May the life I live be pleasing to you
May the life I live be pleasing to you

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

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

Praying the Psalms: Fri, 20 Jul – Psalm 18 ~ We love you, Lord

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning Reading: Psalm 18 (NLT)

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.

He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds.

The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.
__________

Morning Prayer

Lord our God: We love you – you are our strength, our fortress, our savior, our deliverer; in you we trust –

+ For you have delivered us from our enemies
+ For you have calmed us in the storm
+ For you have rescued us from danger
+ For you have heard our dries for help
+ For you have saved us from ruin

Lord our God: We love you for who you are –

+ For you are our Father – your loving-kindness is everlasting
+ For you are our Deliverer – you help us when we are helpless
+ For you are Good – you work things out for our best

Lord our God: Thank you for being with us and for us –

+ Light shines in darkness
+ Strength is evolved out of weakness
+ Progress is made in spite of opposition
+ Peace is enjoyed in the midst of trouble
+ Hope is cherished in the face of difficulties and sorrows
+ Victory is assured over every foe

We love you, Lord our God, and offer you our worship and praise. And, one day, all the nations of the earth will acknowledge you as Lord – every knee shall bow and tongue confess your Son as Messiah to your eternal glory. Amen.
__________

“Impassioned (Psalm 18)” – The Shiyr Poets

I am impassioned of you | I am aflame for you
I am impassioned | I love you Lord

I am impassioned of you | I am aflame for you
I am impassioned | I love you Lord

My strength, my fortress, my deliverer
The rock where I take shelter
My shield, my power, refuge from the storm
I called and I was rescued

Death cords laid a trap
The torrents dismayed me
In my deep distress I called to the Lord

He heard my cry | He heard my voice
And I was saved

I am impassioned of you | I am aflame for you
I am impassioned | I love you Lord

He came, the Earth heaved as the mountains shook
In the roaring thunder
Like aspen leaves | They trembled in the wind
As fire blazed around him

Reaching from on high | He took hold of me
Delivered me from foes | Stronger than I

He heard my cry | He heard my voice
And I was saved

From the sky down; He parts the heavens
Thick darkness under His feet
He mounted cherubim
He soared on the wings of the wind
I kept the righteous way
You showed me your delight
You brought me safely out
Into this wide open space

To the faithful you are faithful
To the blameless without blame
To the pure; pure but to the crooked you twist and turn

Through my God I leap over a wall
My Lord lights up the darkness
His word is true, his promises are kept
My God his way is perfect

He makes my feet like a deer
Surefooted and confident
Standing on the heights
He keeps me secure

He heard my cry | He heard my voice
And I was saved
You heard my cry | You heard my voice
And I was saved

I am impassioned of you | I am aflame for you
I am impassioned | I love you Lord
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

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

Praying the Psalms: Thu, 19 Jul – Psalm 17 ~ Listen to our cry for help.

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning Reading: Psalm 17 (NLT)

O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right.

You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—like young lions hiding in ambush.

Arise, O Lord! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword! By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
__________

Morning Prayer

Lord our God: Hear the prayers of the upright –

+ those who realize your presence
+ those who love you with all their heart
+ those who live according to your Word
+ those who rely on you for counsel and guidance
+ those who trust in your sovereign justice

Lord our God: Defend the faithful –

+ those who live with integrity
+ those who rely on your mercy
+ those who reflect your loving-kindness
+ those who pray without ceasing

Lord our God: Rescue your people from the wicked –

+ that their plans may be frustrated
+ that their forces may be defeated

Lord our God: Satisfy the longing of your people –

+ to be made over in your likeness
+ to live forever in your presence

We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
__________

“Hear Me Lord (Psalm 17)” – The Shiyr Poets

Hear me Lord | My plea is just
Listen to my song
Listen to my cry

Hearken to | My guileless prayer
Listen to my song
Listen to my cry

Let my vindication come from you
For You see those who do right
For You see those who do right

Though you probe my heart | Come upon me by night
You will find that I have planned no evil
I am determined not to sin in what I say
By the words that You say
I’m kept from the tracks of the violent

Set firm my steps on Your pathways
So my feet will not stumble

I call on You | Because I know
You will answer me
You turn your ear | You hear my prayer
You will answer me

Show me the wonders of unfailing love
Shelter me from all my enemies
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes
Hide me in the shadow of your wings

From the wicked who oppress me still
They surround me to kill
Their fat has covered up unfeeling hearts
Their lips are dripping with pride

They have tracked me down | To throw me to the ground
They are hungry for prey | Like a lion they wait

Rise up O Lord | You head them off
Confront and bring them down
Save me now with your hand | From men whose one reward
Is found in this brief life

But satisfy the hunger of your sheltered ones
Let all their children eat their fill
And for the descendants of your treasured ones
Let their inheritance be full

As for me
In justice I behold Your face
Wide awake
Satisfied I see Your image
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

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

Praying the Psalms: Wed, 18 Jul – Psalm 16 ~ Keep us safe

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning Reading: Psalm 16 (NLT)

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
__________

Morning Prayer

Lord our God: You keep us safe –

+ We are dependent on your care, O Lord
+ We discover meaning and joy in you, O Lord
+ We delight in our relationships with your people

Lord our God: You are always with us –

+ You alone satisfy the longing of our hearts
+ You alone preserve all that you have given us
+ You alone fill our lives with happiness and contentment

Lord our God: You are the giver of life –

+ We rest safely in your presence
+ We trust your guidance on the path of life
+ We look forward to the joy of living with you forever

Lord our God: Our hearts are glad, and we rejoice in you. Amen.
__________

“Even In The Night (Psalm 16)” – The Shiyr Poets

Keep me safe | God protect my life
Keep me safe
Keep me safe | God preserve my life
Keep me safe

My Master You are | Every good thing comes from your hand
I say of the ones | Those who are godly in the land
They are my heroes | They are my pleasure
They’re my delight

Troubles come seeking other gods
Troubles come
Sorrows grow for those who chase the wind
Sorrows grow

So I turn away | I won’t take part in their sacrifice
I will not bear | The names of their gods upon my lips
You are my portion | You are my blessing
You guard my life

I will bless the Lord (I will bless the Lord)
I will bless the Lord (I will bless the Lord)
Who guides me (who guides me)
Who guides me

Even in the night | My conscience will instruct my heart
Even in the night

I will not be shaken | For You are right beside me
Even in the night

I will rest secure | For you will not abandon me
To the grave | Among the dead
Your holy one | Will not see decay

Make me know the pathway | Show the way to life forevermore
Joy is overflowing | With eternal pleasures at your right hand
Make me know the pathway | Show the way to life forevermore
Joy is overflowing | With eternal pleasures at your right hand
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

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

Praying the Psalms: Tue, 17 Jul – Psalm 15 ~ Who may worship?

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning Reading: Psalm 15 (NLT)

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

  • Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
  • Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.
  • Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.
  • Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.
__________

Morning Prayer

Lord our God: Receive the worship of your people –

+ who approach you in spirit and in truth
+ who live with integrity of heart and mind
+ who love to do what’s right in your sight
+ who do no injury to others

Lord our God: Conform our lives to your Word –

+ that we might shun the company of evil persons
+ that we might encourage those who do good
+ that we might honor our commitments
+ that we might generously help the needy
+ that we might love mercy and seek justice for all

Lord our God: Clothe us in the mantel of Christ,
that we might live blamelessly in your sight,
now and forever. Amen.
__________

“Here On Earth (Psalm 15)” – The Shiyr Poets

Lord who may sojourn | Who may worship and rest
In your sanctuary | Here on earth
Lord who may live on | Who may dwell on your hill
On your holy mountain | Who may dwell

Those who walk without blame and do justice
Speaking truth from their hearts to their neighbor
Those whose tongues speak no slander
No wrong or hateful slur
Who despises a vile and evil man
Yet who honors all who fear the Lord

What they vow they fulfill even when it hurts | They will never change
When they lend to those in need | No interest will be charged
They won’t accept a bribe to speak against the innocent

Those who do these things | Will never stumble and fall
They will not be shaken here on earth
They will not be shaken here on earth

Lord who may sojourn who may worship and rest
In your sanctuary here on earth . . . . here on earth . . . .
__________

Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
__________

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