Morning Prayer, Monday, 21 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

“Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his,
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.
For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30:4-5)

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 30

1 I will magnify you, O LORD, for you have lifted me up, *
and have not let my foes triumph over me.

2 O LORD my God, I cried unto you, *
and you have made me whole.

3 You, LORD, have brought my soul out of the Grave; *
you have saved my life from among those who go down to the Pit.

4 Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his, *
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime; *
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 In my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved; *
you, LORD, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.”

7 You turned your face from me, *
and I was distressed.

8 Then I cried unto you, O LORD, *
and came to my LORD most humbly.

9 What profit is there in my bloodshed, *
if I go down into the Pit?

10 Shall the dust give thanks unto you? *
Or shall it declare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me. *
O LORD, be my helper.

12 You have turned my lamentation into dancing; *
you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.

13 Therefore shall my heart sing of your praise without ceasing

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Joy Comes In The Morning – Tasha Layton | Church of the City

Praise You when I’m overwhelmed, Praise You in my brokenness
Praise You so I don’t forget Who You are Who You are
Praise You when I’ve lost my way, Praise You when I’m so afraid
Praise You ’cause You never change Who You are Who You are

Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning
Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning

Praise You when I’m empty-handed, Praise You when I feel abandoned
Praise You cause I’m not alone You see me You see me
Praise You when the road is long, Praise You when my faith is gone
Praise You ’cause You hear the song I’m singing I’m singing

I will fear no evil, I know You are with me
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are
Fighting all my battles, Lighting every shadow
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 19

11 It’s wise to be patient
and show what you are like
by forgiving others.

21 We may make a lot of plans,
but the Lord will do
what he has decided.

23 Showing respect to the Lord
brings true life—
if you do it, you can relax
without fear of danger.

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Consider:

“For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5)

David alludes to God’s chastisement of his people, e.g. the plague which fell on Jerusalem for David’s sins – a short judgement that was removed by repentance and atonement; followed by a season of God’s blessing and favor.

The life of a Christian is filled up with interchanges of sickness and health, weakness and strength, want and wealth, disgrace and honor, crosses, and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, mirth and mourning; all honey would harm us, all wormwood would undo us; a composition of both is the best way in the world to keep our souls in a healthy constitution. It is best and most for the health of the soul that the south wind of mercy, and the north wind of adversity, do both blow upon it; and though every wind that blows shall blow good to the saints, yet certainly their sins die most, and their graces thrive best, when they are under the drying, nipping north wind of calamity, as well as under the warm, cherishing south wind of mercy and prosperity.

—Thomas Brooks.

Q: What season of life are you in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: How then might you pray?

Q: What season do you think the world is in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: Do you think the COVID pandemic has anything to do with God’s wrath?
Q: What would usher in a season of God’s favor?

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.

+ For Social Justice

Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

+ For Peace in 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.

+ For the Media

Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Your Plans For Us – Eleventh Hour Worship

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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.