Morning Prayer: Thursday, 19 Nov 2020
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening:
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Overturn our captivity, O LORD,
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)
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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Song of Ascents (Ps 126) – KSM Israel
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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)
“Psalm 126”
1 When the LORD overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.
5 Overturn our captivity, O LORD, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
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Proverbs 19
21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
23 Fear of the Lord leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm.
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Consider:
“Overturn our captivity, O LORD,
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)
Restore us, O LORD!
As Israel of old prayed that he would bring all their brethren scattered abroad in captivity back to their own land in one full stream, multitudinous, joyous, mighty, like the waters of Nile or Euphrates pouring over the parching fields of the south in the hot, dry summertime; so now should the members of Christ’s church ever pray “that all that profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.”
—J. W. Burgon, in “A Plain Commentary,” 1859.
Sow in tears but Reap in joy
- They sow in faith: “He that believeth on God,” this is the seeding; “shall have everlasting life” (John 5:24); this is the harvest.
- They sow in obedience: “If you keep my commandments,” this is the seeding; “you shall abide in my love” (John 15:10); this is the harvest.
- They sow in repentance; “Blessed are they that mourn,” this is the seeding: “for they shall be comforted” (Mat 5:4); this is the harvest.
- They sow in renouncing the world; “We’ve given up everything,” this is the seeding; “they will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” (Mat 19:27-28); this is the harvest.
- They sow in charity; “Blessed is he that cares for the poor;” this is the seeding: “the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1); this is the harvest.
—Thomas Adams.
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Prayer:
+ For the Church
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church. 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 all People
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 God’s Will
O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Amen.
+ For Satisfaction
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.
+ For God’s 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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Psalm 126 – Sojourn Music
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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.
The Peanut Gallery 