Morning Prayer: Wednesday 21 Oct 2020 – Psalms (86) and Proverbs (21) ~you are God alone

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 21 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Comfort the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.”
(Psalm 86:4-5)

Preparation:

Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 86”

1 Bow down your ear, O LORD, and hear me, *
for I am poor and in misery.
2 Preserve my life, for I am faithful; *
my God, save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord, *
for I will call daily upon you.
4 Comfort the soul of your servant, *
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.
6 Give ear, LORD, unto my prayer, *
and attend to the voice of my humble supplications.
7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, *
for you answer me when I call.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, *
nor are there any deeds like yours.
9 All nations that you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord, *
and shall glorify your Name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; *
indeed, you are God alone.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; *
O knit my heart to you, that I may fear your Name.
12 I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, *
and will praise your Name for evermore.
13 For great is your mercy toward me; *
you have delivered my life from the nethermost Pit.

14 O God, the proud have risen up against me, *
and the company of violent men have sought after my life, and have not set you before their eyes.
15 But you, O Lord God, are full of compassion and mercy, *
long-suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth.
16 O turn then unto me, and have mercy upon me; *
give your strength unto your servant, and help the son of your handmaid.
17 Show me some token of your favor, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, *
because you, LORD, have been my helper and comforter.

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Abounding In Love – Psalm 86 – Mike Janzen

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 21 (The proverbs of Solomon)

12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;
he will bring disaster on them.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.

30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan
can stand against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.

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Consider:

“Comfort the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.”
(Psalm 86:4-5)

Only God can put gladness into the heart, and make the soul rejoice; and it is the privilege of his servants to have joy, as well as peace, in believing.

Only God can comfort our souls when we pray in faith, and take care to keep up our communion with him.

Prayer is the nurse of spiritual joy.

__ Benson

God is merciful without measure; his goodness flows forth in abounding streams towards those who pray, and worship in spirit and truth – and call on his name.

__ Spurgeon

Q: Can you think of times when you have experienced the “joy of the Lord” in spite of difficult circumstances?

Q: How has prayer and communion with God strengthened and comforted you?

Q: Reflect for a moment on how you have experienced God’s mercy and goodness in your life?

Prayer:

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with me according to my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities; grant that I, who for my evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ 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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None – Elevation Worship

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: Tuesday 20 Oct 2020 – Psalms (85) and Proverbs (20) ~ Mercy and Truth shall flourish!

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 20 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“I will hearken to what the LORD God will say,
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
For his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.”
(Psalm 85:8-9)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 85”

1 LORD, you have been gracious to your land; *
you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the offence of your people *
and covered all their sins.

3 You have taken away all your displeasure *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

4 Restore us then, O God our Savior, *
and let your anger cease from us.
5 Will you be displeased at us for ever, *
and will you stretch out your wrath from one generation to another?
6 Will you not turn again and quicken us, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
and grant us your salvation.

8 I will hearken to what the LORD God will say, *
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
9 For his salvation is near to those who fear him, *
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Indeed, the LORD shall show goodness, *
and our land shall give its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and he shall direct his going in the way.

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“Psalm 85” – John Alexander Wilson

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 20 (The proverbs of Solomon)

24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,
exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.

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Consider:

We serve a jealous God, and therefore need to be constantly vigilant against evil.

Faith, however, knows that a saving God is always near at hand, but only to those who fear the Lord, and worship him with holy awe.

Whether it be a nation under adversity, or a single individual under chastisement, the message here is rich with encouragement to repentance, and renewed holiness.

That glory may dwell in our land.

The object of the return of grace will be a permanent establishment of a better state of things, so that gloriously devout worship shall be rendered to God continuously, and a glorious measure of prosperity shall be enjoyed in consequence.

Israel was glorious whenever she was faithful—her dishonor always followed her disloyalty; believers also live glorious lives when they walk obediently, and they only lose the true glory of their faith when they fall from their steadfastness.

In these two verses, we have an intimation of the coming of THE WORD OF GOD to the nations in times of deep apostacy and trouble, when faithful hearts would be looking and longing for the promise which had so long tarried. By his coming, salvation is brought near and glory, even the glory of the presence of the Lord, dwells among men.

__ Spurgeon

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Prayer

+ 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, preserve our trust in you from failure; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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Kyrie Eleison – Vineyard Worship

Blessing

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

Morning Prayer: Monday 19 Oct 2020 – Psalms (84) and Proverbs (19) ~ rejoice in the living God

Morning Prayer, Monday, 19 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
For the LORD God is a light and defense;
the LORD will give grace and honor,
and no good thing shall he withhold from those who live a godly life.”
(Psalm 84:11-12)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 84”

1 How lovely are your dwellings, *
O LORD God of hosts!
2 My soul has a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the LORD; *
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3 Indeed, the sparrow has found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, *
even your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they who dwell in your house; *
they will be always praising you.

5 Blessed is the one whose strength is in you, *
in whose heart are your ways,
6 Who going through the valley of misery uses it for a well; *
indeed, the early rains fill the pools with water.
7 They will go from strength to strength, *
and the God of gods shall be seen by them in Zion.

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.

9 Behold, O God, our defender, *
and look upon the face of your Anointed.

10 For one day in your courts *
is better than a thousand;
11 I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God *
than dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
12 For the LORD God is a light and defense; *
the LORD will give grace and honor, and no good thing shall he withhold from those who live a godly
life.
13 O LORD God of hosts, *
blessed is the one who puts his trust in you.

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How Lovely / Ma Yedidot (Psalm 84) – James Block

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 19 (The proverbs of Solomon)

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
and then are angry at the Lord.

23 Fear of the Lord leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm.

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Consider:

Today, we find ourselves living in a season of darkness and danger –

Politicians and the media deceive the public, and godless people run rampant in the streets.
Pandemic has killed thousands, creating a climate of fear and isolation; “the experts” give conflicting messages.

But it’s the restrictions placed on public worship that are most devastating to believers. Online church services are no substitute for communal worship.

souls are longing to assemble with others for nourishment
spirits are longing to sing God’s praises for restoration
minds are longing for the truth of God’s word for guidance
hearts are longing for the comfort of God’s presence for assurance

In short, we are longing for the help and healing and hope that Jesus freely gives us when we gather together in his name. It’s in this context that we read today’s psalm.

Q: How are you satisfying your soul’s longing for God during these troubled times?

Q: What has happened to your worshiping community? How are you coping?

Q: When public worship is fully restored, what changes will become permanent?

Q: What are you learning about God… about about worship and prayer… about yourself?

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Prayer

+ O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

+ Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of me, your servant, and when I shall depart, speak to my spirit these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember me, your servant who trusts in you, when my tongue cannot speak, when the sight of my eyes fails, and when my ears are stopped. Let my spirit always rejoice in you and be joyful about my salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for me. Amen.

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Rejoice in the Lord: The Hamilton Family

Blessing

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

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18 Oct 2020: Mal 3:6-12, Matt 22:15-22 ~ Return & give to God what belongs to God.

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18 Oct Sep 2020

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

Opening:

“Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
(Matthew 22:21)

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” Psalm 96″ – Vertical Worship

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Malachi 3:6-12 (NLT)

A Call to Repentance

6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

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Return to Me – Michael Anthony Curtis

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:15-22 (NLT)

Taxes for Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.

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“Confession Song” – Crossroads Community Church

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Prayer:

+ For your Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church around the world. 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 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.

+ For your Coming Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen

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“Yes I Will” – Vertical Worship

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Closing – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4-10 (NLT)

+ We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you…. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers….

+ And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about… how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 17 Oct 2020 – Psalms (83) and Proverbs (17) ~ Arise, O God!

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 17 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

16 Cover [your enemies’] faces with shame, O LORD,
that they may seek your Name.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD,
are alone the Most High over all the earth.
(Psalm 83:16-18)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 83”

1 Hold not your tongue, O God; keep not silent, *
but rouse yourself, O God.
2 For behold, your enemies murmur, *
and those who hate you have lifted up their head.
3 They have conspired secretly against your people *
and taken counsel against your cherished ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out, that they may be no more a people, *
and that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
5 For they have brought their heads together with one consent *
and are aligned against you:
6 The tents of the Edomites and the Ishmaelites, *
the Moabites and Hagarenes,
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek, *
the Philistines with those who dwell at Tyre.
8 Assyria also has joined with them, *
and has helped the children of Lot.

9 But do to them as you did to the Midianites, *
to Sisera and to Jabin at the brook of Kishon,
10 Who perished at Endor *
and became as dung on the earth.
11 Make their princes like Oreb and Zeëb; *
indeed, make all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves *
the pastures of God as our possession.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust *
and like stubble before the wind,
14 Like the fire that burns up the woods *
and like the flame that consumes the mountains.
15 Pursue them even with your tempest, *
and make them afraid with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, *
that they may seek your Name.
17 Let them be disgraced and dismayed ever more and more; *
let them be put to shame and perish.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD, *
are alone the Most High over all the earth.

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Psalm 83 – Hold not thy tongue, O God – Anglican Parish Psalter

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 17 (The proverbs of Solomon)

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,
but they will be severely punished.

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Consider:

Arise, O God

Here the appeal is to EL., the Mighty One. He is entreated to act and speak, because his nation suffers and is in great jeopardy. How entirely the psalmist looks to God; he asks not for “a leader bold and brave,” or for any form of human force, but casts his burden upon the Lord, being well assured that his eternal power and Godhead could meet every difficulty of the case. (Spurgeon)

Is the Lord silent? Then be not thou silent; but cry unto him till he breaks the silence. (Starke)

shame your enemies

Fill their hearts with terror and make them ashamed

of their hostility towards the people of God

of their foolish hostility towards God himself

They did what they could to put God’s people to shame, but the shame will at length return upon themselves.
(Matthew Henry)

that they may seek your Name

that shame might lead to their conversion
that unrepentance might lead to righteous judgement
that judgement might glorify the Most High God

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When you pray, keep in mind that you are speaking to Yahweh (“I am”)

The self-existent self-sufficient Being, that has all power and perfection in himself.
The most high God, sovereign Lord of all, above all gods, above all kings, above all that exalt themselves and pretend to be high.
The most high God, sovereign not only over the land of Israel, but over all the earth, even those nations of the earth that do not know him or own him; for his kingdom rules over all.

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Prayer

+ Gracious Father, I pray for your holy Church around the world. 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.

+ 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. 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.

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Let God Arise: Praise and Harmony

Blessing

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

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