Saturday Morning Prayer, 22 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,
conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”
(Philippians 1:27)

Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture: Psalm 119:49-50 (NLT)

Remember your promise to me;
it is my only hope.
Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.

Psalm 119:49-50,147 (I Hope In Your Word) – Hosanna Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:27-30 (NLT)

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

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Reflection:

Live as Citizens of Heaven (Christopher L. Scott)

It was a great privilege for the Philippians to be considered Roman citizens. However, it was even more of a privilege that they were able to be citizens of heaven. While we are citizens of heaven, we still live on earth. There is a tension to be managed here. We need to live the values and goals of the heavenly life while also existing here on the sinful and materialistic world. These are two sets of values and cultures that clash. Thus, we need to depend on the Spirit and focus on living as citizens of heaven here on earth.

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Prayer: Anima Christi 

+ Soul of Christ, sanctify me
+ Body of Christ, save me
+ Blood of Christ, inebriate me
+ Water from the side of Christ, wash me

O good Jesus, hear me

+ Within Thy wounds hide me
+ Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
+ From the malicious enemy defend me
+ In the hour of my death call me

And bid me to come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
And with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen.

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“To live is Christ” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Closing: Philippians 1:20-22

I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ.

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