Month: August 2020

Wednesday Morning Prayer: 26 Aug 2020 -Psalm 118, Philippians 3:1-21 ~ stay focused and press on

Wednesday Morning Prayer, 26 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God,
through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
(Philippians 3:13-14 )

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Scripture: Psalm 118:1, 5-9 (NLT)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
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In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in people.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

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 Psalm 118: 5, 21, 17, 22, 28 (“I will praise You, for You answered me”) – MIQEDEM

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 3:9-14 (NLT)

God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

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Reflection:

“I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.” (Philippians 3:12b (CEV)

stay focused

“It is a deception to live either in the past or in the future; God wants us to press on in the present, because the present is where eternity touches us now.” (Guzik)

press on

to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal…. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire. (Strong’s)

perfection

“Just as a little child is a perfect human being, but still is far from perfect in all his development as man, so the true child of God is also perfect in all parts, although not yet perfect in all the stages of his development in faith.” (Muller)

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Prayer:

+ Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me as your child. I want to live my life the way that you have ordained, and run the race that you have set before me. Help me to press on towards the goal of my calling in Christ Jesus, trusting in Him to overcome every problem, disappointment and challenge I may face, to Your praise and glory, AMEN.

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“Press On” – Selah

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Closing: 

“”Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”  (Philippians 3:13-14)

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

Tuesday Morning Prayer: 25 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:129-152, Philippians 2:12-18 ~ live as children of God

Tuesday Morning Prayer, 25 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”
(Philippians 2:15)

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Scripture: Psalm 119:130, 133-134, 137-138, 142-143, 147 (NLT)

The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
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Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
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O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
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Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
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I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

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Teach Me Thy Way – Calvary Chapel Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 2:12-18 (NLT)

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

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Reflection:

“shine like bright lights”

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”
(Philippians 2:15)

Christians are lights in the world; the only question is, “How brightly do they shine?” (David Guzik)

+ Don’t complain and argue with God –  like rebellious Israel during the wilderness sojourn.
+ Don’t complain and argue with other believers – like those who rail accusations accusations against them.

When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, ‘Let Luther call me devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.’ Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy.” (Spurgeon)

“Not lights merely, but luminaries, heavenly bodies. But this can hardly be satisfactorily given in an English version.” (Alford)

+ Lights are used to make things evident.
+ Lights are used to guide.
+ Lights are used as a warning.
+ Lights are used to bring cheer.
+ Lights are used to make things safe.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family; give me a reverent and obedient heart, that I may honor you.

+ Please forgive my complaining, or arguing, whether against you or other believers….

+ Fill me with the energy and desire to live and love as Jesus did….
+ Fill me with your Spirit to help me do what I can’t do by myself….

Please help me live as your child, as a bright light in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

+ That I may demonstrate the truth of your Word….
+ That I may guide those who are lost….
+ That I may warn those who live dangerously….
+ That I may encourage those are downcast….
+ That  I may bring others to Jesus….

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family; give me a reverent and obedient heart, that I may share in the joy of serving you. Through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord. Amen.

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“Shine” – Matt Redman

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Closing: Philippians 2:15

“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people”

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

Monday Morning Prayer: 24 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:89-94, Philippians 2:1-11 ~ empty yourself

Monday Morning Prayer, 24 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“You must have the same [humble] attitude that Christ Jesus had”
(Philippians 2:5)

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Scripture: Psalm 119:89-94 (NLT)

Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me!

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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)

Have the Attitude of Christ

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Reflection:

“He gave up his divine privileges” (emptied himself)

We can imagine that it was possible for the Son of God to become man and pay for the sins of the world without this great humiliation. He might have added the humanity of a 33-year old man to his deity. He might have appeared before man only in His transfigured glory, and taught men what they needed to hear from Him. He might have suffered for the sins of man in a hidden place of the earth far from the eyes of man, or on the dark side of the moon for that matter. Yet He did not; He humbled Himself, and did it for the surpassing greatness of our salvation and His work for us. (David Guzik)

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: I belong to Christ Jesus; fill me with His Spirit, that my attitude may reflect His attitude –

+ Give me a tender and compassionate heart….
+ Give me a genuine concern for the interests of others….
+ Give me a servant’s heart….
+ Give me an obedient heart….
+ Give me a joy-filled heart….

Heavenly Father: Empty me of my pride of place, position, and privilege; give me the heart of Jesus, that I might live and love as He did – all to Your glory. Amen.

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“”Live Like That”” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Closing: Philippians 2:5-7

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges (emptied himself)….”

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

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020: Isa 51:4-6, Matt 16:13-20, Ps 138, Rom 11:25-36, ~ “Who do you say I am?”

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Living God, you sent your Son among us to reveal your wisdom and make known your ways. Increase our faith, that we may confess Jesus as your Son, take up his work on earth, and trust his promise to sustain the Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Then [Jesus] asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
(Matthew 16:15-16)

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Come Thou Almighty King – The Prestonwood Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 51:4-6 (NLT)

“Listen to me, my people.
Hear me, Israel,
for my law will be proclaimed,
and my justice will become a light to the nations.
My mercy and justice are coming soon.
My salvation is on the way.
My strong arm will bring justice to the nations.
All distant lands will look to me
and wait in hope for my powerful arm.
Look up to the skies above,
and gaze down on the earth below.
For the skies will disappear like smoke,
and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing.
The people of the earth will die like flies,
but my salvation lasts forever.
My righteous rule will never end!

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Mighty To Save – Laura Story

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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Psalm 138 (“You Answered Me”) Tony Alonso

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Prayer

For Your Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

For Our Congregations

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in our local congregations the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For A Spirit of Evangelism

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Rescue the Perishing – Altar of Praise Chorale

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Closing – Romans 11:25,-30-32 (NLT)

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ….

Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

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

Saturday Morning Prayer: 22 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:49-50, Philippians 1:27-30 ~ live as citizens of heaven

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.