Month: September 2018

Praying the Psalms: Tue, 25 Sep – Psalm 75 ~ We thank you, O God, because you are near.

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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 75 (NLT) (A Psalm of Asaph)

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude

“I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’” For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness—should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall. For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.”
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: In your strength we are strong; in your presence we are courageous –

+ For you are always near to help us in our times of trouble…
+ For your wondrous works display your care and your sovereign grace…

O Lord our God: Pour out your Spirit on us that we may be fearless –

+ Give us thankful hearts that we may remember your mercies…
+ Give us wisdom and sound judgement that we may judge honestly…
+ Give us clarity that we may discern truth over falsehood…
+ Give us cheerful attitudes that we may fulfill our responsibilities…
+ Give us boldness that we may bear witness against the wicked…
+ Give us joy that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways…
+ Give us justice that we may be vindicated, right triumphing over wrong…

O Lord our God: We come to your throne of grace to receive mercy and help in this our time of need – through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 75” (Unto Thee) – Jessi Colter


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

Praying the Psalms: Mon, 24 Sep – Psalm 74 ~ Rise up, O God, and defend your cause.

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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 74 (NLT) (A Psalm of Asaph)

O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture? Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary.

There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards. They swung their axes like woodcutters in a forest. With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling. They burned your sanctuary to the ground. They defiled the place that bears your name. Then they thought, “Let’s destroy everything!” So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped.

We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them.

You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth. You split the sea by your strength and smashed the heads of the sea monsters. You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert animals eat him. You caused the springs and streams to gush forth, and you dried up rivers that never run dry. Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter.

See how these enemies insult you, Lord. A foolish nation has dishonored your name. Don’t let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves. Don’t forget your suffering people forever.

Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence! Don’t let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause. Remember how these fools insult you all day long. Don’t overlook what your enemies have said or their growing uproar.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: You are the Sovereign Author of all life; and you pour out your favor on tribes and nations as you see fit. We do not ask for most favored nation status, the position reserved for your people Israel. But we do ask that you would restore our nation to the God-given principles upon which it was founded, and to enable us to live responsibly within those boundaries and obligations –

+ Guide us through this period of national calamity…
+ Deliver us from the wiles and deceit of evil people…
+ Raise up people of faith and goodwill who trust in you…
+ Expose and put to shame the wicked people among us…

O Lord our God: Your enemies are our enemies; protect the innocent and defend the honor of your name –

+ That we may be restored as “One Nation Under God”…
+ That every citizen may acknowledge your Lordship over all of life…
+ That citizens of diverse backgrounds might love one another…
+ That citizens of diverse backgrounds might seek the common good…

O Lord our God: Let your Kingdom come and your will be done among us. May your cause be our cause, for you alone are our only hope. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 74” – Chris Kopko


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

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 23 Sep – Mark 9:30-37 ~ on becoming the servant of all

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, protector of the poor and defender of the just, in your kingdom the last become first, the gentle are strong, and the lowly exalted. Give us wisdom from above, that we may find in your Son Jesus the pattern of true servanthood and the grace to persevere in following him, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Grateful” – Elevation Worship


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Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37 (NLT)

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of power and might: in Christ Jesus, you emptied yourself of all your prerogatives and became the servant of all. Receive us into your presence through his saving grace, and hear our prayers –

+ For church leaders – that they may emulate his example as they serve their constituencies…
+ For all who follow Jesus – that we may learn to put the interests of others first…
+ For all who are persecuted – that they may be delivered from evil and find safe haven…
+ For all who are dispossessed – that they may receive the help needed for restoration…
+ For all who are weak and vulnerable – that they may be happily welcomed into your family…
+ For all who are seeking peace in conflict – that they may find a just and honorable way…
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may experience your perfect, eternal, peace…

God of power and might, you uphold our lives and keep us in your care, help us in these our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Psalm 23” (I Am Not Alone) – People & Songs


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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

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

Praying the Psalms: Sat, 22 Sep – Psalm 73 ~ God is good to those whose hearts are pure.

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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 73 (NLT) (A Psalm of Asaph)

Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

  • They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
  • They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
  • They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.
  • These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
  • They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
  • They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.

And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: You are sovereign over heaven and earth, and you are just and good. Help us to make sense out of the chaos, wickedness and injustice around us –

+ teach us to trust you – when we are reduced to helplessness…
+ teach us to trust you – when we are besieged by the powerful…
+ teach us to trust you – when we are persecuted by the wicked…
+ teach us to trust you – when we are baffled and bewildered…
+ teach us to trust you – when we are humiliated, stripped of our pride…

O Lord our God: You are sovereign over heaven and earth, and you are just and good. Help us to see everything clearly as we worship you in spirit and truth –

+ for you still reign over the affairs of men…
+ for you still judge the living and the dead…
+ for you still meet with us as we gather in your name…
+ for you still hear the prayers of the pure in heart…
+ for you still speak to us through your Word and Spirit…

O Lord our God: You are sovereign over heaven and earth, and you are just and good. In Christ Jesus, all things hold together. Fill us with his grace and truth, that we might love and serve you – freely and joyfully – in every circumstance, while we await his immanent return in glory. Amen.
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“Psalm 73” (Enter the Sanctuary) – Jess Ray

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. But You hold me by my right hand, and You guide me with your counsel.

My heart and my flesh may fail me, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Whom have I in heaven but you? Whom have I in heaven but you? There is nothing that I desire, I desire beside you. You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

When I enter the sanctuary, I can see everything clearly, everything clearly. For you are always with me, and you will take me to glory, take me to glory. And I am always with you, and it is good to be near you, good to be near you.
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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, and 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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Praying the Psalms: Fri, 21 Sep – Psalm 72 ~ let justice flourish

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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 72 (NLT)

Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!

May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more. May he reign from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Desert nomads will bow before him; his enemies will fall before him in the dust. The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands will bring him tribute. The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts. All kings will bow before him, and all nations will serve him.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.

Long live the king! May the gold of Sheba be given to him. May the people always pray for him and bless him all day long. May there be abundant grain throughout the land, flourishing even on the hilltops. May the fruit trees flourish like the trees of Lebanon, and may the people thrive like grass in a field. May the king’s name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.

Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

(This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.)
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: reveal the glory of your coming Kingdom –

+ where Christ Jesus rules in righteousness and judgement…
+ where Christ Jesus rules by your will and for our welfare…
+ where Christ Jesus rules bringing your light into our darkness…
+ where Christ Jesus rules bringing the good news of peace…

O Lord our God: reveal the righteousness of your coming Kingdom –

+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – without respect to persons…
+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – without favor to friends or disdain to enemies…
+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – the interests of all are considered…
+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – the interests of the poor are protected…
+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – the rebellious return and the fallen are restored…
+ where Christ Jesus rules justly – justice is blended with mercy…

O Lord our God: reveal the joy of your coming Kingdom. You alone rule with eternal truth and grace – shaping us into enlightened, contented, happy citizens – on earth as in heaven. Amen.
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“Psalm 72:1-8” (Petersham Scottish Metrical Psalter 1650) – Free Church of Scotland

O Lord, thy judgments give the king, his son thy righteousness.
With right he shall thy people judge, thy poor with uprightness.
The lofty mountains shall bring forth unto the people peace;
Likewise the little hills the same shall do by righteousness.

The people’s poor ones he shall judge, the needy’s children save;
And those shall he in pieces break who them oppressed have.
They shall thee fear, while sun and moon do last, through ages all.
Like rain on mown grass he shall drop, or show’rs on earth that fall.

The just shall flourish in his days, and prosper in his reign:
He shall, while doth the moon endure, abundant peace maintain.
His large and great dominion shall from sea to sea extend:
It from the river shall reach forth unto earth’s utmost end.
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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, and 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.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.