Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 08 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord God, grant me grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with a pure heart and mind to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

Preparation:

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 my Lord. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 8

1 O LORD our Governor, how excellent is your Name in all the world; *
you have set your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have ordained strength, because of your enemies, *
that you might still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, even the works of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars, which you have ordained,

4 What is man, that you are mindful of him, *
the son of man, that you visit him?

5 You made him little lower than the angels, *
to crown him with glory and honor.

6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands,*
and you have put all things in subjection under his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, *
even the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD our Governor, *
how excellent is your Name in all the world!

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( In All The Earth (Psalm 8) – John Alexander Wilson

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 8:1, 22-36 

Wisdom Speaks

I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment….

From the beginning, I was with the Lord. I was there before he began to create the earth. At the very first, the Lord gave life to me. When I was born, there were no oceans or springs of water. My birth was before mountains were formed or hills were put in place. It happened long before God had made the earth or any of its fields or even the dust.

I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea. I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky and created the springs that fill the ocean. I was there when he set boundaries for the sea to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations to support the earth. I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side. I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.

Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you. But if you don’t find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death.

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Consider:  

Psalm 8: Why are people so important to God?

David wondered why such a big, great God would be mindful of such small beings.

Three essential truths about humanity:
when these truths are denied or neglected, man is never what God made him to be.

– God made man in His image.
– God made man the crown of His creation.
– God made man the ruler over His creation.

Proverbs 8: Christ is the Wisdom of God

Wisdom here is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word and Christ in the heart, not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed in us. It is the word of God, the whole compass of divine revelation; it is God the Word, in whom all divine revelation centers; it is the soul formed by the word; it is Christ formed in the soul; it is religion in the purity and power of it. Glorious things are here spoken of this excellent person, this excellent thing. (Spurgeon)

Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.
By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” (Proverbs 8:34-35)

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Prayer:

+ For Joy in God’s Creation

O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Stewardship of Creation

O merciful Creator, your loving hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence, and give us grace to honor you with all that  you have entrusted to us; that we, remembering the account we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ For All Sorts and Conditions of Men

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly pray for all sorts and conditions of men; that you would be pleased to make your ways known to them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

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Good To Be Alive: Jason Gray

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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.