Morning Prayer, Friday, 11 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 11
1 In the LORD I put my trust; *
how then can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird unto the hill;
2 For behold, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrow upon the string, *
that they may secretly shoot at those who are true of heart.
3 For the foundations will be cast down, *
and what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; *
the LORD’s throne is in heaven.
5 His eyes consider the poor, *
and his eyelids try the children of men.
6 The LORD tests the righteous, *
but the ungodly, and those who delight in wickedness, his soul abhors.
7 Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tempest; *
this shall be their portion to drink.
8 For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; *
the upright shall behold his face.
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(Refuge (Psalm 11): – My Soul Among Lions
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Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Proverbs 11
Here are some proverbs of Solomon:
11 When God blesses his people, their city prospers,
but deceitful liars can destroy a city.
14 A city without wise leaders will end up in ruin;
a city with many wise leaders will be kept safe.
31 If good people are rewarded here on this earth,
all who are cruel and mean will surely be punished.
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Consider: “The LORD tests the righteous” (Psalms 11:6)
None of the Lord’s children may hope to escape from trial, nor, indeed, in our right minds, would any of us desire to do so, for trial is the channel of many blessings. (Spurgeon)
Q: Do you believe that God blesses His people through trials? Has that been your experience?
Q: Can you envision blessings coming out of the COV-ID crisis? What might they be?
Q: Can you envision blessings coming out of the current civil unrest? What might they be?
When the advice of fear comes upon us, we can only arrive at the answer of faith by spending time with the LORD. When we think about our problems, the advice of fear often overwhelms us. When we pray about our problems, the answer of faith assures our hearts. (Guzik)
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Prayer:
+ For Our Enemies
O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.
+ For President Trump and All in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to President Trump, and to all in authority, the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
+ For Trust in Times of Worry
Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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God Of This City – Chris Tomlin
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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.
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