Morning Prayer: Tuesday 15 Sep 2020 – Psalms (15) and Proverbs (14) ~ who may enter God’s presence?

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

https://youtu.be/R6Svj51zysk?t=05?rel=0
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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: Monday 14 Sep 2020 – Psalms (14) and Proverbs (13) ~ the folly of fools

Morning Prayer, Monday, 14 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

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

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 14

1 The fool has said in his heart, *
“There is no God.”

2 They are corrupt and have become abominable in their doings; *
there is none that does good, no, not one.

3 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, *
to see if there were any who would understand and seek after God.

4 But they have all gone astray; they have altogether become abominable; *
there is none that does good, no, not one.

5 Have they no knowledge, all those workers of evil, *
who eat up my people as bread, and call not upon the LORD?

6 There were they brought into great fear, even where no fear was; *
for God is in the generation of the righteous.

7 Though you have made a mockery of the counsel of the poor, *
yet they put their trust in the LORD.

8 Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Zion? *
When the LORD restores his captive people, then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

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Psalm 14: (O Savior, Come) – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 13

Some proverbs of Solomon:

2 You will be well rewarded for saying something kind,
but all some people think about is how to be cruel and mean.

5 A good person hates deceit,
but those who are evil cause shame and disgrace.

10 Too much pride causes trouble.
Be sensible and take advice.

14 Sensible instruction is a life-giving fountain
that helps you escape all deadly traps.

20 Wise friends make you wise,
but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.

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Consider:

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

“The Hebrew word for fool in this psalm is nabal, a word which implies an aggressive perversity….” (Kidner)

Sin is the disease of mankind, and it appears here to be malignant and epidemic. (Matthew Henry)

1. Malignant: Contempt for God
2. Epidemic: Human nature is debased

The folly of fools:

wicked and profane; hardened in sin
corrupt and hateful; do great harm
practice and enjoy their criminality
ruin God’s people without remorse
know nothing about God

The assurance of the wise:

God’s presence
God’s protection
God’s comfort
God’s deliverance

The second coming of Christ, will finally extinguish the dominion of sin and Satan… and will be the joy, of [God’s people] indeed. With the assurance of that we should, in singing this, comfort ourselves and one another, with reference to the present sins of sinners and sufferings of saints. (Matthew Henry)

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Prayer:

+ For the Unrepentant

Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe especially those creating chaos in our streets. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For a Virtuous Heart (Thomas Aquinas)

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally I may embrace you. Amen.

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Victory Is Yours – Bethel Music

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Blessing:

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

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13 Sep 2020: Sirach* 27:30-28:7, Psalm 103:1-14, Matt 18:21-35 ~ Mercy received / Mercy given!

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O God most high, you are slow to anger and rich in compassion. Keep alive in us the memory of your mercy, that our angers may be calmed and our resentments dispelled. May we discover the forgiveness promised to those who forgive and become a people rich in mercy. 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.

May I never forget the good things The Lord does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
(Psalm 103: 2-4)

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“God of Grace and God of Glory” – First Plymouth Church, Lincoln Nebraska

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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 Apocrypha: Sirach 27:30- 28:7 (Anglicised (NRSVA)

Anger and Vengeance

27:30 Anger and wrath, these also are abominations,
yet a sinner holds on to them.

28:1 The vengeful will face the Lord’s vengeance,
for he keeps a strict account of their sins.

2 Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done,
and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.

3 Does anyone harbor anger against another,
and expect healing from the Lord?

4 If someone has no mercy towards another like himself,
can he then seek pardon for his own sins?

5 If a mere mortal harbors wrath,
who will make an atoning sacrifice for his sins?

6 Remember the end of your life, and set enmity aside;
remember corruption and death, and be true to the commandments.

7 Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor;
remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.

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“Psalm 103” (Bless The Lord) – Slavic Center Tacoma

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

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Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive – Koine

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Prayer to Forgive Others – Kathryn Shirey

O Heavenly Father, as you have forgiven me, help me to forgive those who have sinned against me. For we are all sinners and we all fall short of your glory.

Help me to let go of the anger, resentment, bitterness, and hurt to forgive those who have hurt me. I need your help, O Lord, for the hurts are great and it’s hard to forgive.

Help me to fill my heart with love, because you first loved us. Lead me to live a life of love and forgiveness, learning to see others through your eyes, Lord. I leave my hurting heart at your feet, Lord, and ask for your help to heal my heart and lead me to forgiveness.

O Lord, help me to forgive those who have sinned against me, or against those I hold most dear; I ask through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

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His Mercy Is More – The Acappella Company

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Closing – Romans 14:7-8 (NLT)

We don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord.
So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 12 Sep 2020 – Psalms (12) and Proverbs (12) ~ “I will rise up,” says the LORD

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 12 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:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 12

1 Help me, O LORD, for there is no godly one left; *
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men.

2 They speak falsely, every one with his neighbor; *
they flatter with their lips and deceive with a double heart.

3 The Lord shall root out all deceitful lips *
and the tongues that speak proud things,

4 Which have said, “With our tongue will we prevail; *
our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

5 “Now because of the trouble of the needy *
and because of the deep sighing of the poor,

6 I will rise up,” says the LORD, *
“and will give help to every one who longs for it.”

7 The words of the LORD are pure words, even as silver that is tried in the furnace, *
and as gold that is purified seven times in the fire.

8 Preserve us, O Lord, and save us *
from this perverse and evil generation.

9 The ungodly walk on every side *
when wickedness is exalted among the children of men.

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Psalm 12 (The Promises Of The LORD) – Karl Kohlhase

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 12

Some proverbs of Solomon:

5 Good people have kind thoughts,
but you should never trust the advice of someone evil.

6 Bad advice is a deadly trap,
but good advice is like a shield.

8 Good sense is worthy of praise,
but stupidity is a curse.

23 Be sensible and don’t tell everything you know—
only fools spread foolishness everywhere.

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Consider:

“I will rise up,” says the LORD, “and will give help to every one who longs for it.”
(Psalm 12:6)

“If ‘vileness is set on high among the sons of men,’ it is because the sons of men prefer it to the stern purity of goodness.
A corrupt people will crown corrupt men and put them aloft.” (Maclaren)
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“Think of God arising in his might… nothing stands before him when he once arises. Poor, sick, needy, sorrowing, sighing child of God, it is you who can bring him into this marvelous state of activity.” (Spurgeon)

“to every one who longs for it”

The “longing of the needy” here is a deep sighing and sorrow, a “groaning” under the weight of oppression and persecution. It’s a cry for relief from lying, deceitful, wicked people who have been placed in positions of authority.

The Psalmist says that God will arise in response to the groaning of his people.

Q: Do you think of this current generation as evil or perverse? Why/why not?

Q: Is wickedness exalted in this nation? What form does it take?

Q: Do you think of prayer as a form of “groaning” before God”

Q: Have you groaned before God on behalf of your country.

Q: What would you like to see happen if God were to arise in response to groaning prayer?

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Prayer: For Our Nation

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage:

+ We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will.

+ Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct.

+ Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

+ Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues.

+ Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth.

+ In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, revive an unfailing trust in you;

All of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle

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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: Friday 11 Sep 2020 – Psalms (11) and Proverbs (11) ~ The LORD tests the righteous

Morning Prayer, Friday, 11 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

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:

__________

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

https://youtu.be/aD-7LcQVNac?rel=0
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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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