Month: December 2018

Praying the Psalms: Wed, 12 Dec – Psalm 142 ~ You are my refuge.

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 142 (NLT) – A psalm of David, regarding his experience in the cave. A prayer.

I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.

Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, entrapped by the wicked –

+ for they are being overwhelmed by cruel enemies…
+ for they are desperate for safe places to hide…
+ for they are abandoned without prospect of rescue…
+ for they are imprisoned in hopelessness…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people, rejected by the apathetic –

+ for you alone are our ever-present helper in times of trouble…
+ for you alone love us with never-ending loving-kindness…
+ for you alone are the beginning and end of our lives…
+ for you alone are our refuge from sin and death…

O Lord our God: Hear the cries of your people and come quickly to help us, as merciful Savior and righteous Judge, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
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“Psalm 142” (To God I Make My Sorrow Known) – Isaac Watts / Edwin M. Willmington

To God I made my sorrows known, From God I sought relief;
In long complaints before his throne, I poured out all my grief.
My soul was overwhelmed with woes, My heart began to break;
My God, who all my burden knows, He knows the way I take.

On every side I cast mine eye, And found my helpers gone;
While friends and strangers passed me by, Neglected or unknown.
Then did I raise a louder cry, And called thy mercy near,
“Thou art my portion when I die; Be thou my refuge here.”

Lord, I am brought exceeding low, Now let thine ear attend,
And make my foes who vex me know, I’ve an almighty Friend.
From my sad prison set me free, Then shall I praise thy name,
And holy men shall join with me, Thy kindness to proclaim.
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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: Tue, 11 Dec – Psalm 141 ~ O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry!

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 141 (NLT) – A psalm of David.

O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.

Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.

But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds. When their leaders are thrown down from a cliff, the wicked will listen to my words and find them true. Like rocks brought up by a plow, the bones of the wicked will lie scattered without burial.

I look to you for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me. Keep me from the traps they have set for me, from the snares of those who do wrong. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, but let me escape.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Come quickly, and help us escape from the seductions of the wicked –

+ Guard our mouths, that we may respond kindly and gently to provocations…
+ Guard our hearts, that we may remain faithful and true to our coming King…
+ Guard our souls, that we may escape entrapment and temptation…

O Lord our God: Come quickly, and help us escape from the seductions of the wicked –

+ That we may present ourselves pure and holy to our coming King…
+ That we may live as citizens and heirs of his coming Kingdom…
+ That we may be prepared to welcome him, like a bride awaits her true love…

O Lord our God: Come quickly, and help us, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our coming King who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
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“Psalm 141” – Spasenie

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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, 10 Dec – Psalm 140 ~ Listen, O Lord, to our cries for mercy!

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 140 (NLT) – For the choir director: A psalm of David.

O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude

O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way. Interlude

I said to the Lord, “You are my God!” Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle. Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. Interlude

Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape. Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.

But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor. Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: In your mercy, come quickly to help us –

+ Protect us from our great enemy, the devil, who seeks to destroy us…
+ Protect us from his violent and cruel schemes to assault our souls…
+ Protect us from his tricks to ambush and entrap us in sin and death…

O Lord our God: In your mercy, come quickly to help us –

+ Deliver us from the godlessness around us that we may be spiritually alert…
+ Deliver us from the spiritual darkness around us that we may live in your light…
+ Deliver us from the seduction of evil around us that we may live by your grace and truth…

O Lord our God: In your mercy, come quickly to help us –

+ Thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus Christ, to save us…
+ Thank you for rescuing us from sin and death through faith in him…
+ Thank you for assuring us of his return in glory to judge the living and the dead…

O Lord our God: In your mercy, come quickly to help us – we ask in the name of 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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“Psalm 140” (Cry for Mercy) – Robbie Seay Band

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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.

Second Sunday of Advent – 09 Dec – Luke 3:1-6 ~ Prepare the way!

Second Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

God of our salvation, you straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin. Make our conduct blameless, keep our hearts watchful in holiness, and bring to perfection the good you have begun in us. We ask 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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“Prepare the Way of the Lord” – Jeremy Riddle

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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6 (NLT)

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty and merciful God: Our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed –

+ Prepare our hearts to receive the coming of your Son with hope and joy…
+ Renew our minds that we may be transformed by the truth of your Word…
+ Refresh us in faith and love as we enter into your presence in worship…
+ Make us one in faith and baptism, that we may pursue peace together…
+ Rescue those who are oppressed and persecuted by wicked people…
+ Sustain those who are living on the margins and give them hope…
+ Heal those who are sick, and comfort those who mourn…

Almighty and merciful God: Let neither our daily work nor the cares of this life prevent us from hastening to meet your Son. Enlighten us with your wisdom and lead us into his company. We ask 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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“Prepare the Way, O Zion/Come, Thou, Long Expected Jesus” – The Miserable Offenders

Prepare the way, O Zion! Your Christ is drawing near
Let every hill and valley, A level way appear;
Greet one who comes in glory, Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came, In God’s most holy name.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O, blest is Christ that came, in God’s most holy name.

Fling wide you gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace.
His tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before him, their voices will adore him.
O, blest is Christ that came, in God’s most holy name.
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Blessing – Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

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

Praying the Psalms: Sat, 08 Dec – Psalm 139 ~ wonderfully made and forever loved

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 139 (NLT) – For the choir director: A psalm of David.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night — but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
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Morning Prayer

Almighty God: To you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid –

+ You created us in your image, and knit us together inside our mothers…
+ You have been with us ever since, working out your plan for our lives…
+ You know how we think, what we feel, and what we have done or left undone…
+ You know our sins, and our failures to live up to your expectations…
+ You know our fears and anxieties, and our hopes for the future…
+ And, through it all, you have surrounded us with your presence…
+ You have loved us, and held us close to your heart…

Almighty God: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Psalm 139” (Far Too Wonderful) – Shane & Shane

You wrote the story of my life | You go before you fall behind, yeah
Before a breath beyond my death | You are with me all the way
To everlasting

Oh I can’t run, I can’t hide | Even darkness is a light
From the lowest place to the highest praise
You are worthy
Amazing love how can it be | Far too wonderful for me
There’s only one thing left to say
You are worthy, oh

Search me God and know my heart | Try me, know my anxious thoughts, yeah
Find the weaknesses in me and lead me in the way
Everlasting

You formed me in my mothers womb | You know my frame, my flesh, and bone
Oh, how wonderfully made
Oh I can’t describe it’s way too hard | You see me through and through
And call me loved
What a wonderful grace, oh
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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.