Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 02 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

“Our holy God lives forever in the highest heavens, and this is what he says:
Though I live high above in the holy place,
I am here to help those who are humble and depend only on me.
Isaiah 57:15 (CEV)

Preparation:

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in 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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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations so furiously rage together? *
And why do the peoples devise a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers
take counsel together, *
against the Lord and against his Anointed:

3 “Let us break their bonds asunder *
and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; *
the Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath *
and terrify them in his great anger:

6 “I myself have set my King *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”

7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; *
he said to me, “You are my Son; this day have I
begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give you the nations
for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.

9 You shall bruise them with a rod of iron *
and break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Be wise now, O you kings; *
be warned, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord in fear, *
and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled. *
Blessed are all those who put their trust in him.
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Kiss The Son – Rick Pino

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom Speaks

Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather. She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people, “How much longer
will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won’t you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge? Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think. You completely ignored me and refused to listen; you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

“So when you are struck by some terrible disaster, or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun. You will ask for my help, but I won’t listen; you will search, but you won’t find me. No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the Lord. You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

“Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.”

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Consider:

Q: How do you view the current civil unrest across America? Protests/riots – what’s the difference?
Q: Do you believe that God is still in control, in spite of the current chaos?
Q: What do you think is God’s purpose in allowing all this to happen?
Q: Could God be warning America to listen and learn from him?
Q: What do you believe God is saying to America? To you?
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Prayer:

+ For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ In Times of Social Conflict

Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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” Rescue” – Lauren Daigle

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Blessing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, 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.