Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Gracious God: without You I am unable to please You.
Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may rule and direct my heart in all things;
through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1)

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 15

1 LORD, who shall dwell in your tabernacle? *
Or who shall rest upon your holy hill?

2 Whoever leads an uncorrupt life, *
and does that which is right, and speaks the truth from his heart.

3 He has not spoken deceitfully with his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbor, *
and has not slandered his neighbor.

4 In his eyes the wicked is rejected, *
and he makes much of those who fear the LORD.

5 He swears to his neighbor and disappoints him not, *
though it were to his own hindrance.

6 He has not given his money for usury, *
nor taken a bribe against the innocent.

7 Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.

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Psalm 15 (Your Holy Hill) – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 14   

Some proverbs of Solomon:

2 By living right, you show that you respect the Lord;
by being deceitful, you show that you despise him.

5 An honest witness tells the truth;
a dishonest witness tells nothing but lies.

7 Stay away from fools, or you won’t learn a thing.

9 Fools don’t care if they are wrong,
but God is pleased when people do right.

15 Don’t be stupid and believe all you hear;
be smart and know where you are headed.

16 Only a stupid fool is never cautious—
so be extra careful and stay out of trouble.

21 It’s wrong to hate others,
but God blesses everyone who is kind to the poor.

26 If you respect the Lord, you and your children have
a strong fortress and a life-giving fountain
that keeps you safe from deadly traps.

31 If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator;
if you are kind to them, you show him respect.

34 Doing right brings honor to a nation,
but sin brings disgrace.

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Consider: “LORD, who shall dwell in your tabernacle?”

The word translated dwell carries the idea of receiving the hospitality of a tent-dwelling host.

In the gracious hospitality of the antique world, a guest was sheltered from all harm; his person was inviolable, his wants all met. So the guest of Jehovah is safe, can claim asylum from every foe and share in all the bountiful provision of His abode.” (Maclaren)

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In answer to the question, the character of the person is described who alone can dwell in God’s holy hill. In perfection this holiness is found only in the Man of Sorrows, but in a measure it is wrought in all his people by the Holy Spirit. (Spurgeon)

Q: Where do you need God’s help in shaping your character?

• Do you live a blameless life, always doing what’s right?
• Do you refuse to gossip about your neighbors or their friends?
• Do you promote their best interests, even at your own expense?
• Do you avoid blatant sinners, associating instead with believers?
• Do you keep your commitments, especially to other believers?
• Do you avoid blatant sinners, choosing instead to associate with believers?
• Do you honor God with your finances?

Q: Is there something else you need to confess before entering God’s presence?
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Prayer:

Confession:

Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Absolution:

Almighty God, my heavenly Father, who in your great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to you, have mercy on me, pardon and deliver me from all my sins, confirm and strengthen me in all goodness, and bring me to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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Awake My Soul (Christ Is Formed In Me)– Phillips, Craig & Dean

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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.