25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20 Sep 2020: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Matthew 20:1-16 ~ God is merciful and compassionate.

The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, you have taught us that without love, all our deeds are worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
(Psalm 145: 8-9)

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“Psalm 145” – (Amen) – Jon Buller

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Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (NLT)

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Mercy

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”

“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”

Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

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Halleluyah -Exodus Road Band

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 20:1-16 (NLT)

Parable of the Vineyard Workers

“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.

“At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing.

“At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’

“They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’

“The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’

“That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’

“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’

“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

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Just As I Am, without One Plea – Koine

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Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church Universal. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

+ For the Church’s Mission

O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Spirit of Evangelism

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“I Stand Here” – Exodus Road Band

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Closing – Phil 1:27 (NLT)

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then… [you will] stand together with one spirit and one purpose, [and] fight together for the faith, which is the Good News.

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 19 Sep 2020 – Psalms (25) and Proverbs (18) ~ O Lord, let me not be ashamed…

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 19 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.

“My God, I have put my trust in you; O let me not be ashamed…”
(Psalm 25:1)

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 25

1 Unto you, O LORD, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in you; *
O let me not be ashamed, neither let my enemies triumph over me.

2 For all those who hope in you shall not be ashamed, *
but those who deal untruly shall be put to confusion.

3 Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me forth in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation; in you has been my hope all the day long.

5 Call to remembrance, O LORD, your tender mercies, *
and your loving-kindnesses, which have been from of old.

6 O remember not the sins and offenses of my youth, *
but according to your mercy think on me, O LORD, in your goodness.

7 Gracious and righteous is the LORD; *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

8 Those who are meek shall he guide in judgment, *
and those who are gentle shall he teach his way.

9 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

10 For your Name’s sake, O LORD, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.

11 Who is the one who fears the LORD? *
He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.

12 He shall dwell at ease, *
and his seed shall inherit the land.

13 The LORD reveals his secret counsel to those who fear him, *
and he will show them his covenant.

14 My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

15 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, *
for I am desolate and in misery.

16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged; *
O bring me out of my troubles.

17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.

18 Consider my enemies, how many they are, *
and how they bear a tyrannous hate against me.

19 O keep my soul and deliver me; *
Let me not be ashamed, for I have put my trust in you.

20 Let integrity and righteous dealing preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.

21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.

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Psalm 25 – Exodus Road Band

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 18

3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom are a stream
that flows from a deep fountain.

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Consider: “O let me not be ashamed…” (Psalm 25:1,19)

Psalm 25 is David’s prayer of trust and devotion to God

+ For pardon from sin
+ For direction in right living
+ For the favor of God
+ For deliverance from troubles
+ For protection from enemies
+ For salvation for the people of God

“If we make our confidence in God our stay, it shall not be our shame.”
(Matthew Henry)

Prayer:

Gracious God: I put my trust in you –

Forgive my sins… Lord, have mercy.
Direct my life… Lord, have mercy.
Show me your goodness…. Lord, have mercy.
Deliver me from trouble…. Lord, have mercy.
Protect me from harm…. Lord, have mercy.
Save me forever…. Lord, have mercy.

Gracious God: preserve me, body and soul;
my trust is in you.

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Build My Life – Pat Barrett

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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.

Morning Prayer: Friday 18 Sep 2020 – Psalms (23) and Proverbs (17) ~ I can lack nothing.

Morning Prayer, Friday, 18 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

The LORD is my shepherd; therefore I can lack nothing.
(Psalm 23:1)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; *
therefore I can lack nothing.

2 He shall feed me in green pastures *
and lead me forth beside the waters of
comfort.

3 He shall refresh my soul *
and bring me forth in the paths of
righteousness for his Name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff
comfort me.

5 You shall prepare a table before me, in the
presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my
cup shall be full.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.

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Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) – People & Songs

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 17

3 Silver and gold are tested
by flames of fire;
our thoughts are tested
by the Lord.

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Consider: “I can lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

I can lack nothing is both a declaration and a decision.

declaration: “I declare that all my needs are supplied by the LORD, my shepherd.”
decision: “I decide to not want more than what the LORD, my shepherd gives.”

” The wicked always want, but the righteous never;
a sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction,
but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content.”
(Spurgeon)

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Prayer:

+ Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us at tasks that demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us. We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he conquered death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

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Surely Goodness & Mercy – Shane & Shane / Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 17 Sep 2020 – Psalms (19) and Proverbs (16) ~ the heavens speak God’s glory

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 17 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day speaks to another, *
and one night gives knowledge to another.

3 There is neither speech nor language, *
and their voices are not heard;

4 But their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their words to the ends of the world.

5 In them he has set a tent for the sun, *
which comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run his course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost part of the heavens, and runs about to the end of it again, *
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; *
the testimony of the LORD is sure, and gives wisdom to the simple.

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the LORD is pure, and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; *
sweeter also than honey, than the drippings from the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them is your servant taught, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
O cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they get the dominion over me; *
so shall I be undefiled, and innocent of great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in your sight, *
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

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Psalm 19 ( – Poor Bishop Hooper

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 16

The Lord Has the Final Word

1 We humans make plans,
but the Lord has the final word.

2 We may think we know what is right,
but the Lord is the judge of our motives.

3 Share your plans with the Lord,
and you will succeed.

9 We make our own plans,
but the Lord decides where we will go.

33 We make our own decisions,
but the Lord alone
determines what happens.

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Consider: “The heavens speak God’s glory”

Though all preachers on earth should grow silent, and every human mouth cease from publishing the glory of God, the heavens above will never cease to declare and proclaim his majesty and glory. They are for ever preaching; for, like an unbroken chain, their message is delivered from day to day and from night to night. At the silence of one herald another takes up his speech. One day, like the other, discloses the same spectacles of his glory, and one night, like the other, the same wonders of his majesty. Though nature be hushed and quiet when the sun in his glory has reached the zenith on the azure sky—though the world keep her silent festival, when the stars shine brightest at night—yet, says the psalmist, they speak; ay, holy silence itself is a speech, provided there be the ear to hear it.

—Augustus T. Tholuck (1799 –1877)

+ Resolve to make the time, and find a place – to be blessed by this holy silence.

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Prayer:

Christ, as a light
illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield
overshadow me.
Christ under me;
Christ over me;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;
in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light;
Christ as a shield;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.

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Let the Words of My Mouth – Fernando Ortega

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 16 Sep 2020 – Psalms (16) and Proverbs (15) ~ In God I trust!

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 16 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O my soul, you have said unto the LORD,
“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” (Psalm 16:2)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 16

1 Preserve me, O God, *
for in you have I put my trust.

2 O my soul, you have said unto the LORD, *
“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

3 All my delight is upon the saints who are on the earth, *
and upon those who excel in virtue.

4 But those who run after another god *
shall have great trouble.

5 Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, *
neither make mention of their names with my lips.

6 The LORD himself is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup; *
you shall maintain my lot.

7 The boundaries have fallen for me in pleasant places; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

8 I will thank the LORD for giving me counsel; *
my heart also chastens me in the night season.

9 I have set the LORD always before me; *
he is at my right hand; therefore I shall not fall.

10 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. *
My flesh also shall rest in hope.

11 For you shall not leave my soul in the grave, *
neither shall you allow your Holy One to see corruption.

12 You shall show me the path of life; in your presence is the fullness of joy, *
and at your right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

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Psalm 16 (Fullness of oy – Shane and Shane

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 15

More Wisdom from Solomon

3 The Lord sees everything,
whether good or bad.

11 If the Lord can see everything
in the world of the dead,
he can see in our hearts.

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Consider: “In God I trust!” (Psalm 16)

Q: What does it mean to trust in God – to be devoted entirely to God’s care?

Protection – God watches over me to keep me safe.
Dependence – God alone is my provider and sustainer.
Faithfulness – God alone is my Master and Lord.
Community – I am connected to other believers.
Heritage – I am a beloved child of God; He knows my name.
Inheritance – I am a blessed child of God, satisfied and content.
Life – I can rejoice now and forever in eternity.

Q: Can you say: “You are my Lord; I trust in You?”

Prayer:

For a Child at Baptism

Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless him and guide him, and keep him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Of Self-dedication (William Temple)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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(He knows my name) – Dani Driggs

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Blessing:

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

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