Morning Prayer: Tuesday 13 Oct 2020 – Psalms (66) and Proverbs (13) ~ Be joyful in God!

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 13 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

God of goodness and kindness, you invite all peoples to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us your saving grace to keep unstained the robe of our baptism until that day when you welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. 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 joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing praises to the honor of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
Say to God, “How wonderful are your works; *
through the greatness of your power shall your enemies cower before you.”

(Psalm 66:1-2)

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 66

1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing praises to the honor of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say to God, “How wonderful are your works; *
through the greatness of your power shall your enemies cower before you.
3 For all the world shall worship you, *
sing to you, and praise your Name.”

4 O come and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot; *
therefore in him let us rejoice.
6 He rules with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

7 Bless our God, you peoples, *
and make the voice of his praise to be heard,
8 Who holds our soul in life, *
and does not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us, as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare *
and laid trouble upon our backs.
11 You allowed men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of plenty.

12 I will go into your house with burnt offerings *
and will pay you my vows,
13 Even those which I promised with my lips *
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
14 I will offer you burnt sacrifices of fattened beasts, with the incense of rams; *
I will offer bullocks and goats.

15 Come here and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
16 I called to him with my mouth, *
and gave him praises with my tongue.
17 If I had inclined toward wickedness with my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me.
18 But God has heard me *
and considered the voice of my prayer.
19 Blessed be God who has not refused my prayer, *
nor turned his mercy from me.

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Shout For Joy (Psalm 66) – Joshua Generation Church

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 13 (The proverbs of Solomon)

6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.

9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

16 Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

__________

Consider:

(Psalm 66:1-2)

Be joyful in God, all you lands

If praise is to be wide spread, it must be vocal; exulting sounds stir the soul and cause a sacred contagion of thanksgiving…. The languages of the lands are many, but their praises should be one, addressed to one only God.

“All worship be to God only,” should be the motto of all true believers. The name, nature, and person of God are worthy of the highest honor. “Make his praise glorious.”

__ Spurgeon

your enemies cower before you

Power brings a man to his knee, but love alone wins his heart…. All men must even now prostrate themselves before God, but a time will come when they shall do this cheerfully; to the worship of fear shall be added the singing of love.

The nature and works of God will be the theme of earth’s universal song, and he himself shall be the object of the joyful adoration of our emancipated race.

__ Spurgeon

Q: What impels you to worship God? Is it fear, or love, or something else?

Q: When you do worship God, what do you think, or sing, about?

Q: Would you describe your worship as joyful? Why / why not?

Prayer:

+ For Joy in God’s Creation

O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Human Family

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.

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“Jubilate Deo” – by Peter Anglea performed by Rivertree Singers

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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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Monday 12 Oct 2020 – Psalms (64) and Proverbs (12) ~ hear my voice, O God

Morning Prayer, Monday, 12 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.”

“7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *
and they shall be wounded.”

And all shall fear and tell what God has done, *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
(Psalm 64:1,7,9)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 64

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the wicked, *
and from the tumult of evildoers,
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword, *
and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words,
4 That they may secretly shoot at the one who is blameless; *
suddenly do they shoot him, and fear not.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose, *
and discuss among themselves how they may lay snares, and say that no one shall see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practice a cunning plot; *
for the human heart and mind are very deep.

7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *
and they shall be wounded.
8 Indeed, their own tongues shall make them fall, *
so that all who see them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all shall fear and tell what God has done, *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the LORD and put their trust in him, *
and all who are true of heart shall be glad

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“Psalm 64” – Smokie Norful

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 12 (The proverbs of Solomon)

5 The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
but the words of the godly save lives.

7 The wicked die and disappear,
but the family of the godly stands firm.

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

__________

Consider:

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.”

“7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *
and they shall be wounded.”

And all shall fear and tell what God has done, *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
(Psalm 64:1,7,9)

the enemy – duplicitous and deadly

+ they conspire secretly, to entrap him and slander him
+ they lie maliciously, to wound him and ruin his reputation
+ they wait in ambush, to surprise him and attack him
+ they encourage each other in their wickedness
+ they conceal their true intent with lies and deceit

” Diligently they consider, invent, devise, and seek for wicked plans to wreak their malice. These are no common villains, but explorers in iniquity, inventors and concoctors of evil.”
__ Spurgeon

God’s intervention – sudden and devastating

+ their slander shall recoil.
+ their curses shall come home to roost.
+ their tongue shall cut their throats.
+ their punishment shall be made public
+ their friends shall abandon them

They were looking to surprise the saint, but, lo! they are taken at unawares themselves; they desired to inflict deadly wounds, and are smitten themselves with wounds which none can heal…. Those who crowded around a powerful persecutor, and cringed at his feet, are among the first to desert him in the day of wrath.
__ Spurgeon

fear and rejoicing – God’s justice

All shall be filled with awe by the just judgments of God…. It shall become the subject of general conversation. So strange, so pointed, so terrible shall be the Lord’s overthrow of the malicious, that it shall be spoken of in all companies… so that even the most illiterate can understand.

The victory of the oppressed shall be the victory of all upright men; the whole host of the elect shall rejoice in the triumph of virtue. While strangers fear, the children are glad in view of their Father’s power and justice. That which alarms the evil, cheers the good. Lord God of mercy, grant to us to be preserved from all our enemies, and saved in thy Son with an everlasting salvation.
__ Spurgeon

Q: Will we watch this psalm be enacted during the confirmation hearings of Amy Coney Barrett?

Q: Will God intervene on her behalf and turn the tables on her persecutors?

Q: Who will come to her defense? We’ll see, as the next few weeks unfold.

Prayer:

+ For the U.S Congress

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office in the U.S. Congress, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the U.S. Supreme Court

Almighty God, you sit on your throne giving righteous judgment: We humbly ask you to bless the U.S. Supreme Court; give the justices 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.

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“See A Victory” – Elevation Worship

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Blessing:

__________

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

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct 2020: Isa 25:1-9, Matt 22:1-14 ~ many are called, but few are chosen

The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct Sep 2020

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

Opening:

“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:14)

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“This is our God” – Hillsong

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 25:1-9 (NLT)

1 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.
2 You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins.
Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble.
Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear
and will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore, strong nations will declare your glory;
ruthless nations will fear you.

4 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat.
For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
are like a storm beating against a wall,
5 or like the relentless heat of the desert.
But you silence the roar of foreign nations.
As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat,
so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

6 In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will spread a wonderful feast
for all the people of the world.
It will be a delicious banquet
with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.
7 There he will remove the cloud of gloom,
the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.
8 He will swallow up death forever!
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
against his land and people.
The Lord has spoken!

9 In that day the people will proclaim,
“This is our God!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

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Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness & Mercy) – Shane & Shane ft Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)

Parable of the Great Feast

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Prayer:

+ For your Church (William Laud)

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 your People

O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful: Sanctify us by your abiding presence. Bless those who minister in holy things. Enlighten the minds of your people more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel. Bring erring souls to the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ; and those who are walking in the way of life, keep steadfast to the end. Give patience to the sick and afflicted, and renew them in body and soul. Guard those who are strong and prosperous from forgetting you. Increase in us your many gifts of grace, and make us all fruitful in good works. This we ask, O blessed Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son we worship and glorify, one God, world without end. 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. 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 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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“This Kingdom” – Sydney Opera House
During the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, David Evans was asked to sing this song as a finale on the BBC program “Songs of Praise,” which was broadcast from the world famous Sydney Opera House.

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Closing – Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 10 Oct 2020 – Psalms (63) and Proverbs (10) ~ Your loving-kindness is better than life itself.

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 10 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness,
that through your protection it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Your loving-kindness is better than life itself…”
(Psalm 63:4)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 63

1 O God, you are my God; *
early will I seek you.
2 My soul thirsts for you, my flesh also longs after you, *
in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
3 Thus I have looked upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and glory.
4 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall praise you.
5 As long as I live I will magnify you, *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, *
when my mouth praises you with joyful lips.

7 When I remember you on my bed, *
I meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 Because you have been my helper, *
therefore under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand has upheld me.

10 Those who seek to destroy my life *
shall go down into the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *
that they may be a portion for jackals.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God; all those who swear by him shall be commended, *
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

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“Psalm 63” – Brentwood Baptist Church Choir & Orchestra

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 10 (The proverbs of Solomon)

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

21 The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation.

30 The godly will never be disturbed,
but the wicked will be removed from the land.

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Consider:

“Your loving-kindness is better than life itself…”
(Psalm 63:4)

God’s lovingkindness “denotes the Divine Love condescending to His creatures, more especially to sinners, in unmerited kindness.”

It is frequently associated with forgiveness, and is practically equivalent to “mercy” e.g. “showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me”; “slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.”

Being such an essential and distinctive quality of God, the prophets taught that it should also characterize His people.

__ International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

_____

Life is dear, but God’s love is dearer. To dwell with God is better than life at its best; life at ease, in a palace, in health, in honor, in wealth, in pleasure; yes, a thousand lives are not equal to the eternal life which abides in Jehovah’s smile. In him we truly live, and move, and have our being.

__ Spurgeon

+ all life is transient, God’s mercy is everlasting

+ all creatures share life, only the chosen receive lovingkindness

Q: Do you consider yourself as one of the chosen?

Q: Why do you think God chose you, or not?

Q: Do you seek a better life, or a deeper relationship with God?

Q: How does that work itself out in your life?

Prayer:

+ Teach me to seek you, and as I seek you, show yourself to me; for I cannot seek you unless you show me how, and I will never find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you by desiring you, and desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. Amen.
(Anselm of Canterbury)

+ 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.
(Julian of Norwich)

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“Called Me Higher” – ReGen Harmony

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Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 09 Oct 2020 – Psalms (62) and Proverbs (09) ~ my hope is in God alone

Morning Prayer, Friday, 09 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“In God is my help and my glory;
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.“
(Psalm 62:7)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 62

1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
2 He truly is my strength and my salvation; *
he is my defense, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assail a man to crush him, all of you together, *
as if you were a tottering wall or a broken fence?
4 Their plan is only to bring down the one whom God has exalted; *
their delight is in lies; they bless with their mouth, but curse with their heart.

5 Nevertheless, for God alone my soul in silence waits, *
for my hope is in him.
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation; *
he is my defense, so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my help and my glory; *
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.
8 O put your trust in him always, you people; *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.

9 As for the children of men, they are but a breath; *
the children of men are deceitful; upon the scales, they are altogether lighter than a breath.

10 O trust not in oppression; put not vain hopes in robbery; *
if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11 One thing has God spoken; indeed, two things have I heard him say: *
that power belongs to our God;
12 And that you, O Lord, are merciful, *
for you reward everyone according to his work.

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“Psalm 62” – Aaron Keyes

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 09 (The proverbs of Solomon)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

11 Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

__________

Consider:

“In God is my help and my glory;
he is the rock of my might, and in him is my trust.”
(Psalm 62:7)

my hope is in God alone

+ Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honor may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure marks of an enlightened soul.

+ God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe.

+ Faith is an abiding duty, a perpetual privilege. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark. Adversity is a fit season for faith; but prosperity is not less so. God at all times deserves our confidence. We at all times need to place our confidence in him.

__ Spurgeon

Q: What “honors” have you received during your lifetime? What personal achievements do they reflect?
Q: Do you consider your “salvation” an honor? How does that compare with your achievement honors?

Faith and trust go together.

Q: When you are feeling overwhelmed, in whom, or what, do you trust?
Q: How do you find rest for your soul?

Prayer:

+ Most loving Father, you will me to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all my cares on the One who cares for me. Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto me in your Son, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

+ O God of peace, who has taught me that in returning and rest I shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be my strength: By the might of your Spirit lift me, I pray, to your presence, where I may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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“n Christ Alone “ – Celtic Worship

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Blessing:

__________

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

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