Month: December 2018

Praying the Psalms: Mon, 17 Dec – Psalm 146 ~ Don’t depend on powerful people!

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 146 (NLT) –

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

  • He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.
  • He keeps every promise forever.
  • He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry.
  • The Lord frees the prisoners.
  • The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
  • The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
  • The Lord loves the godly.
  • The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
  • He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord!
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Our hope is in you for only you are worthy of our trust.

+ we rejoice in your creation – the heavens, the earth, and all living things…
+ we rejoice in your faithfulness – the fulfillment of your promises…
+ we rejoice in your justice – the protection of strangers, widows, and orphans…
+ we rejoice in your provision – the supply of daily necessities of life…
+ we rejoice in your mercy – the blind see, the dead raised, the captives freed…
+ we rejoice in your Kingdom – the ultimate victory of love guaranteed forever…

O Lord our God: Our hope is in you for only you are worthy of our trust. Prepare our hearts to rejoice in your current Salvation at Christmas and your coming Judgement at the end of time. We ask 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 146” (What Joy) – Sarah Emerson

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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.

Third Sunday of Advent – 16 Dec – Luke 3:7-18 ~ the Good News of repentance

Third Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good. Let the fire of your Spirit purge us of selfishness and hypocrisy, so that, purified, we may find our peace in you and you may delight in us. Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Gaudete” – Querela – historická lidová hudba – Prague, Czech Republic

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

The time of grace has come for which we have prayed
Let us devoutly sing songs of joy.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

God is made man, while nature wonders
The world is renewed by Christ the King.

Therefore, let our assembly sing praises now at this time of purification
Let it bless the Lord: greetings to our King.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18 (NLT)

When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

The crowds asked, “What should we do?”

John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

“What should we do?” asked some soldiers.

John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God, our strength and our salvation, hear our prayers –

+ For all who follow Christ Jesus – that we may be joyful…
+ For all who are poor and needy – that we may freely share what we have…
+ For all who are brokenhearted – that we may comfort and support them..
+ For all who are sick – that we may visit and pray for them…
+ For all who are alone – that we may love and assist them…
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may experience the joy of eternal life…

God our Savior, we rejoice in your loving-kindness and mighty deeds, help us we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Isaiah 12” (Sing to the Lord) – the Ambassadors

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Blessing – Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”

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

Praying the Psalms: Sat, 15 Dec – Psalm 145 ~ Great Is the 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.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 145 (NLT) – A psalm of praise of David.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.

The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: To you belongs the glory due your Name –

+ for you are our Savior, Provider, and Helper…
+ for you are Gracious, Loving, and Kind to us…
+ for you are Righteous, Good, and Merciful to us…
+ for our lives are hidden in the mystery of your Being…

O Lord our God: To you belongs the praise due your Name –

+ for you have delivered us from the many forces of evil…
+ for you have forgiven us through the tender mercy of your Son…
+ for you have secured for us a full, satisfying life both now and forever…
+ for you are our King and our God through faith in your Son…

O Lord our God: We praise your holy Name – for your love is everlasting, and you fill our hearts with joy. Prepare us to celebrate the humble birth of your Son at Christmas, and fill us with hope-filled expectation of his glorious return in the Last Days. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Psalm 145” (Amen) – Jon Buller

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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, 14 Dec – Psalm 144 ~ My Rock and My Fortress

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 144 (NLT) – A psalm of David.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.

  • He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.
  • He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer.
  • He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
  • He makes the nations submit to me.

O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.

Open the heavens, Lord, and come down.

  • Touch the mountains so they billow smoke.
  • Hurl your lightning bolts and scatter your enemies!
  • Shoot your arrows and confuse them!
  • Reach down from heaven and rescue me; rescue me from deep waters, from the power of my enemies.

Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.

I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp. For you grant victory to kings! You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword. Save me! Rescue me from the power of my enemies.

Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. May our barns be filled with crops of every kind. May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thousands, even tens of thousands, and may our oxen be loaded down with produce. May there be no enemy breaking through our walls, no going into captivity, no cries of alarm in our town squares. Yes, joyful are those who live like this!

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: We rely on your grace and mercy in the struggle for our souls –

+ for you are our strength in times of conflict…
+ for your are our righteousness in the turmoil of warfare…
+ for you are our fortress against assaults on our integrity…
+ for you are our shield and the defender of our souls…

O Lord our God: We rely on your grace and mercy in the struggle for our souls –

+ give us power in our battle against the spiritual forces of darkness…
+ give us victory over the wiles and schemes of the evil one…

O Lord our God: Thank you for the victory already won through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Protect us by the power of your Spirit that we might live in peace, and our children might prosper. We ask through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 144” (Praise the Lord Who Arms Me for the Fight) – Ian White

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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: Thu, 13 Dec – Psalm 143 ~ Answer me, for my depression deepens.

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 143 (NLT) – A psalm of David.

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.

My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens.

  • Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
  • Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
  • Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
  • Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
  • Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us –

+ for we believe that you will fulfill all your promises to us…
+ for we believe that you have forgiven us and set us free from sin and death…
+ for we believe that you have judged us righteous through your Son, Jesus Christ…
+ for we believe that you are merciful and gracious towards those who love you…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us –

+ for our souls are besieged by spiritual forces of darkness…
+ for our thoughts are besieged by temptations and doubts…
+ for our lives are spent in misery and desolation…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, and pour out your Spirit on us –

+ that your light might displace our darkness…
+ that your wisdom might displace our foolishness…
+ that your strength might displace our weakness…
+ that your love might displace our fears…
+ that your hope might displace our despair…

O Lord our God: Thank you for the relief you have already sent us in our Savior, Jesus Christ; prepare us now for his imminent return in glory to Judge the living and the dead. We rejoice in expectation of his deliverance and live confidently, guided by his Word and Spirit. Blessed be his holy Name. Amen.
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“Psalm 143” – Shane & Shane

Hear my prayer, give Your ear | In Your faithfulness answer me
In Your righteousness, do not judge | For no one is righteous

Teach me to do Your will Lord | For you are my God
Your Spirit is good good good
Lead me on level ground Lord | For You are my God
Your Spirit is good, It is good

Revive me, revive me | Not for me,
But for Your Name | In Your mercy deliver me from my enemies
Revive me

I remember days of old | Your works I meditate oh Lord
I consider all the works of Your hands | I lift up my hands to you
My soul longs
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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.