Author: Art Chartier

Morning Prayer: Saturday 26 Sep 2020 – Psalms (43) and Proverbs (26) ~ send out your light and truth

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 26 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

O send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me…
(Psalm 43:3)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 43

1 Give judgment for me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people; *
O deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.
2 For you are the God of my strength; why have you put me far from you? *
And why do I go about with heaviness, while the enemy oppresses me?

3 O send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, *
and bring me to your holy hill, and to your dwelling;
4 That I may go to the altar of God, even to the God of my joy and gladness; *
and on the harp will I give thanks to you, O God, my God.

5 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul, *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
6 O put your trust in God, *
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

__________

“Send Out Your Light” – Sandra McCracken – Live from Brooklyn, NY

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 26

4 Don’t make a fool of yourself
by answering a fool.
5 But if you answer any fools,
show how foolish they are,
so they won’t feel smart.

24 The pleasant talk
of an enemy
hides more evil plans
25 than can be counted—
so don’t believe a word!
26 Everyone will see through
those evil plans.

__________

Consider:

O send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me…
(Psalm 43:3)

“Deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.”

+ There are ungodly people who, being destitute of religious principle, will not scruple to injure us, when they can thereby gratify their passions or advance their worldly interests.

+ There are deceitful people who will put on the garb of friendship, and acquire our confidence and esteem, and then treacherously cheat us out of our property, or our reputation, or our peace.

+ There are unjust people, who by fraud or by violence, would rob us of our dearest rights and most valuable possessions, and not only reduce our powers and opportunities of doing good, but even diminish our means of comfortable subsistence.

+ And there are oppressors, who taking advantage of our weakness or dependence, and trampling alike on the maxims of equity and humanity, may exact from us unreasonable services, impose upon us heavy burdens and cruel restraints, and ply us with insults, and harassments, and deprivations, from which we can make no escape, and for which we can find no redress.

—Andrew Thomson, D.D. (1826).

Q: Can you put contemporary names and faces on the people described in the above quote?

Q: How are they affecting your peace of mind?

“Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me.”

Apart from the “Light and Truth” of God we are helplessly and hopelessly lost. The Psalmist prayed for that which God has given us in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Q: What has Jesus said or taught that reminds you that he is with you and for you?

Q: What can you do to remind yourself of God’s love, and enter into His presence?

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 from 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, sustain our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+ For Mercy

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.

+ For Guidence

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

“All the Way Back” – Mark & Sarah Tillman

__________

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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 25 Sep 2020 – Psalms (42) and Proverbs (25) ~ put your trust in God

Morning Prayer, Friday, 25 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

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me? O put your trust in God….
(Psalm 42:6-7)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 42

1 As the deer desires the water brooks, *
so longs my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, even for the living God; *
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, *
while all day long they say to me, “Where now is your God?”

4 When I think upon these things, I pour out my heart, *
when I remember how I went with the multitude, and brought them into the house of God,
5 With the voice of praise and thanksgiving *
among those who keep holy day.
6 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul, *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
7 O put your trust in God, *
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is heavy within me; *
therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, and from Mizar among the hills of Hermon.
9 One deep calls to another in the noise of your waterfalls; *
all your waves and storms have gone over me.

10 The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; *
and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer to the God of my life.

11 I will say to God my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? *
Why am I full of heaviness, while the enemy oppresses me?”
12 My bones are broken asunder, *
while my enemies mock me to my face,
13 While all day long they say to me, *
“Where now is your God?”

14 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul, *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
15 O put your trust in God, *
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

__________

“Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call” – Joshua Huff

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 25

4 Silver must be purified
before it can be used
to make something of value.
5 Evil people must be removed
before anyone can rule
with justice.

26 When a good person gives in
to the wicked,
it’s like dumping garbage
in a stream of clear water.

__________

Consider:

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me? O put your trust in God….
(Psalm 42:6-7)

[Psalm 42] is the cry of a man far removed from the outward ordinances and worship of God, sighing for the long loved house of his God; and at the same time it is the voice of a spiritual believer, under depressions, longing for the renewal of the divine presence, struggling with doubts and fears, but yet holding his ground by faith in the living God.

— Spurgeon

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul?

 It is not God nor the devil that cast thee down; but Why dost thou cast thyself down? to create more trouble on thyself than either God doth inflict or the devil tempt thee to.

— Christopher Love

O put your trust in God

The word which is here rendered, [“trust”] denotes that expectation which is founded on faith in God, and which leads the soul to wait upon him.

—Henry March.

__________

Q: What’s troubling you? What’s disquieting your inner self?

Q: Can you remember a time when your worship was filled with praise and thanksgiving? What’s changed?

Q: How can you restore your joy? How can you worship with others? How can you worship in the presence of God?

__________

Though private prayer be a brave design
Yet public hath more promises, more love:
And love’s a weight to hearts, to eyes a sign.
We all are but cold suitors; let us move
Where it is warmest. Leave thy six and seven;
Pray with the most: for where most pray, is heaven.

—George Herbert, in “The Temple.”

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 from 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, sustain our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+ For the Discouraged and Downcast

O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For Desiring God (Francis Xavier)

O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.

__________

“Hallelujah” – 7 Hills 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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 24 Sep 2020 – Psalms (37) and Proverbs (24) ~ wait patiently for the Lord

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 24 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

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
For evildoers shall be rooted out, but those who wait patiently for the LORD,
they shall inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:7,9)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 37

1 Fret not yourself because of the ungodly, *
neither be envious of those who are evildoers.
2 For they shall soon be dried up like the grass, *
and be withered even as the green herb.

3 Put your trust in the LORD, and do good; *
dwell in the land, and surely you shall be fed.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, *
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way unto the LORD and put your trust in him, *
and he shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall make your righteousness as clear as the light *
and your just dealing as the noonday.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; *
do not grieve yourself over the one whose way prospers, over the one who carries out evil counsels.
8 Refrain from wrath, and let go of anger; *
fret not yourself, lest you be moved to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be rooted out, *
but those who wait patiently for the LORD, they shall inherit the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the ungodly shall be clean gone; *
you shall look for their place, and they shall not be there.
11 But the meek-spirited shall possess the land *
and shall be refreshed with an abundance of peace.

12 The ungodly plot against the just *
and gnash at them with their teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at them in scorn, *
for he sees that their day is coming.
14 The ungodly have drawn out the sword and have bent their bow *
to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay those who walk aright.
15 Their sword shall go through their own heart, *
and their bow shall be broken.

16 The little that the righteous has *
is better than great riches of the ungodly.
17 For the arms of the ungodly shall be broken, *
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the godly, *
and their inheritance shall endure for ever.
19 They shall not be confounded in perilous times, *
and in the days of famine they shall have enough.

20 As for the ungodly, they shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be consumed as in a fiery furnace; *
even as smoke shall they vanish away.

21 The ungodly borrow and do not repay, *
but the righteous are merciful and generous.
22 Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *
but those who are cursed by him shall be rooted out.

23 The LORD orders a man’s steps; *
he makes his footsteps sure and preserves him on his path.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be cast down, *
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now I am old, *
yet I never saw the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging bread.
26 The righteous is ever merciful in lending, *
and his seed shall be blessed.

27 Flee from evil, and do that which is good, *
and dwell in the land for ever.
28 For the LORD loves that which is right; *
he forsakes not those who are godly, and they are preserved for ever.
29 The unrighteous shall be punished; *
as for the seed of the ungodly, it shall be rooted out.
30 The righteous shall inherit the land *
and dwell therein for ever.

31 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, *
and his tongue talks of judgment.
32 The law of his God is in his heart, *
and his footsteps shall not falter.

33 The ungodly lie in wait for the righteous *
and seek occasion to slay him.
34 The LORD will not leave him in their hand, *
nor allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

35 Hope in the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you so that you shall possess the land; *
when the ungodly perish, you shall see it.

36 I myself have seen the ungodly in great power, *
and flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
37 I went by, and behold, they were gone; *
I sought them, but their place could nowhere be found.

38 Mark the blameless, and take heed of the upright, *
for there is a future for the peaceable.
39 As for the transgressors, they shall perish together, *
and the end of the ungodly is that they shall be rooted out at the last.

40 But the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD, *
who is also their strength in the time of trouble.
41 And the LORD shall stand by them and save them; *
he shall deliver them from the ungodly and shall save them, because they put their trust in him.

__________

Psalm 37 – Wait Patiently

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 24

10 Don’t give up and be helpless
in times of trouble.

19 Don’t let evil people
worry you
or make you jealous.
20 They will soon be gone
like the flame of a lamp
that burns out.

__________

Consider:

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
For evildoers shall be rooted out, but those who wait patiently for the LORD,
they shall inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:7,9)

“Be still before the Lord”

“Hold thee still” (so it may be translated). And this is the hardest precept that is given to man; insomuch that the most difficult precept of action sinks into nothing when compared with this command to inaction.

—Jerome.

“Wait patiently for him”

God is worth waiting for. “He never is before his time, he never is too late.” In a story we wait for the end to clear up the plot; we ought not to prejudge the great drama of life, but stay till the closing scene, and see to what a end the whole arrives.

“For evildoers shall be rooted out”

There is no good, but much evil, in worrying your heart about the present success of graceless plotters: be not enticed into premature judgments—they dishonor God, they weary yourself. Determine, let the wicked succeed as they may, that you will treat the matter with indifference, and never allow a question to be raised as to the righteousness and goodness of the Lord. What if wicked devices succeed and your own plans are defeated! there is more of the love of God in your defeats than in the successes of the wicked.

_____

Passion, according to Bunyan’s parable, has his good things first, and they are soon over; Patience has his good things last, and they last for ever.

—Spurgeon

Q: Do you find it difficult to do nothing – to be still before God?
Q: What hinders you? What helps you?

America is in turmoil over a Nomination to the Supreme Court, and the upcoming elections.

Q: What do you expect to happen between now and when it all ends?
Q: Can you trust God for the final outcome?
Q: What can you do to wait patiently in the meantime?

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

+ For Our President and Members of Congress

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 Members of Congress 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 Courts of Justice

Almighty God, you sit on your throne giving righteous judgment: We humbly ask you to bless all courts of justice and all magistrates in this land; give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that fearing no power but yours alone, they may discern the truth and impartially administer the law; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve as US President and Members of Congress. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

__________

“Be Still” – the Hillsong 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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 23 Sep 2020 – Psalms (36) and Proverbs (22) ~ How excellent is your mercy, O God!

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 23 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

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 36

1 My heart shows me the wickedness of the ungodly; *
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own sight, *
until his abominable sin is found out.
3 The words of his mouth are unrighteous and full of deceit; *
he has left off behaving wisely and doing good.
4 He imagines mischief upon his bed, and has set himself in no good way; *
neither does he abhor anything that is evil.

5 Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains; your judgments are like the great deep; *
you, LORD, shall save both man and beast.

7 How excellent is your mercy, O God! *
The children of men shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of your house, *
and you shall give them drink from your pleasures as out of a river.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light shall we see light.

10 O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.
11 O let not the foot of the proud come against me, *
and let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down.

12 There have they fallen, all those who work wickedness; *
they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

__________

Psalm 36 – Exodus Road Band

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 22

4 Respect and serve the Lord!
Your reward will be wealth,
a long life, and honor.

12 The Lord watches over everyone
who shows good sense,
but he frustrates the plans
of deceitful liars.

__________

Consider:

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

Total depravity is not too strong a term to describe human wickedness. The sinner has “no fear of God.” Where that is wanting, how can there be any piety? And if there is no piety, there must be total want of right affections, and that is the very essence of depravity.

—William S. Plumer.

God’s Mercy

Divine mercy abides in its vastness of expanse, and matchless patience, all unaltered by the rebellions of man. When we can measure the heavens, then shall we bound the mercy of the Lord….

Far, far above all comprehension is the truth and faithfulness of God. He never fails, nor forgets, nor falters, nor forfeits his word. Afflictions are like clouds, but the divine truthfulness is all around them….

God’s dealings with men are not to be fathomed by every boaster who demands to see a why for every wherefore. The Lord is not to be questioned by us as to why this and why that. He has reasons, but he does not choose to submit them to our foolish consideration. Far and wide, terrible and irresistible like the ocean are the providential dispensations of God: at one time they appear as peaceful as the placid sea of glass; at another tossed with tempest and whirlwind, but evermore most glorious and full of mystery….

The Lord overshadows his people as a hen protects her brood, or as an eagle covers its young; and we as the little ones run under the blessed shelter and feel at rest. To cower down under the wings of God is so sweet. Although the enemy be far too strong for us, we have no fear, for we nestle under the Lord’s wing….

– Spurgeon

Q: Are you sheltering in place under the shadow of God’s wings?

Q: Are you seeking protection from the wickedness of godless people?

Q: Can you ask God to show them his mercy and lovingkindness?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic 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 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 the ungodly creating chaos in the 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 Mercy

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.

__________

“Kyrie Eleison” – the Vineyard 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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Tuesday 22 Sep 2020 – Psalms (31) and Proverbs (21) ~ My time is in your hand, O Lord

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 22 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

My hope has been in you, O LORD;
I have said, “You are my God.” My time is in your hand….

(Psalm 31:16-17)

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 31

1 In you, O LORD, have I put my trust; *
let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Bow down your ear to me, *
make haste to deliver me,
3 And be my strong rock and house of defense, *
that you may save me.

4 For you are my strong rock and my castle; *
be also my guide, and lead me for your Name’s sake.
5 Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, *
for you are my strength.
6 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.

7 I have hated those who hold to worthless vanities, *
and my trust has been in the LORD.
8 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy, *
for you have considered my trouble, and have known my soul in adversities.
9 You have not shut me up in the hand of the enemy, *
but have set my feet where they may walk at liberty.

10 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with heaviness, and also my soul and my body.
11 For my life has grown old with heaviness, *
and my years with mourning.
12 My strength fails me because of my iniquity, *
and my bones are consumed.

13 I have become a reproof among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors; *
my acquaintances are afraid of me, and those who see me in the street shrink from me.
14 I am utterly forgotten, as a dead man, out of mind; *
I have become like a broken vessel.
15 For I have heard the whispering of the multitude, and fear is on every side, *
while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.

16 But my hope has been in you, O LORD; *
I have said, “You are my God.”
17 My time is in your hand; *
deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
18 Show your servant the light of your countenance, *
and save me for your mercy’s sake.

19 Let me not be confounded, O LORD, for I have called upon you; *
let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave.
20 Let the lying lips be put to silence, *
which cruelly, disdainfully, and despitefully speak against the righteous.

21 Oh, how plentiful is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, *
and which you have prepared for those who put their trust in you, even before the children of men!
22 You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who conspire against them; *
you keep them in your refuge from the strife of tongues.

23 Thanks be to the LORD, *
for he has shown me marvelously great kindness in a strong city.
24 But when I was afraid, I said in my haste, *
“I am cast out of the sight of your eyes.”
25 Nevertheless, you heard the voice of my prayer *
when I cried unto you.

26 O love the LORD, all you his saints, *
for the LORD preserves those who are faithful, and plenteously repays the proud.
27 Be strong, and he shall establish your heart, *
all you that put your trust in the LORD.

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Psalm 31 (You Are My Strength) – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 21

1 The Lord controls rulers,
just as he determines
the course of rivers.
2 We may think we are doing
the right thing,
but the Lord always knows
what is in our hearts.

30 No matter how much you know
or what plans you make,
you can’t defeat the Lord.
31 Even if your army has horses
ready for battle,
the Lord will always win.

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Consider:

My hope has been in you, O LORD; I have said, “You are my God.”
My time is in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me. 
(Psalm 31:16-17)

“You are my God.” (vs 16)

So long as our faith, which is our shield, is safe, the battle may go hard, but its ultimate result is no matter of question…. (Spurgeon)

Nothing is more difficult, when we see our faith derided by the whole world, than to direct our speech to God only, and to rest satisfied with this testimony which our conscience gives us, that he is our God. (John Calvin)

“My time is in your hand.” (vs 17)

The sovereign arbiter of destiny holds in his own power all the issues of our life; we are not waifs and strays upon the ocean of fate, but are steered by infinite wisdom towards our desired haven…. It is [right] to desire escape from persecution if it be the Lord’s will; and when this may not be granted us in the form which we desire, sustaining grace will give us deliverance in another form, by enabling us to laugh to scorn all the fury of the foe. (Spurgeon)

Q: Can you say “O Lord, you are my God” with heartfelt conviction?
Q: What things are going on in your life that test this pledge of allegiance to God?

Q: Do you believe that God is sovereign over your life (your country)?
Q: How does that affect the way you live (your thoughts, your feelings, your actions)?

Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy 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 hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

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.

+ To Please God Rather Than Men (Thomas à Kempis)

Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.

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“My Life is in Your Hands” – the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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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.