Category: Life in America

Morning Prayer: 16 November – Psalm 5 ~ surround us with Your shield of love

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 5 NLT

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated in the colors of France - news in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated in the colors of France – news in Rio de Janeiro

O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.

O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
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Prayer:

As the new day begins let us praise Christ, in whom is the fullness of grace and the Spirit of God.

We praise You, Lord, and we thank You for all Your blessings. Give us peace of mind and generosity of heart; grant us health and strength to do Your will. May Your love be with us during the day; guide us in our work. Be with all those who have asked our prayers, and grant them all their needs.

Spread Your protection over all who take refuge in You, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.

Lord, be the beginning and end of all that we do and say. Prompt our actions with Your grace, and complete them with Your all-powerful help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“O Worship The King, All Glorious Above”


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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Sunday, 15 November: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32 ~ God, my guard and my guide on the path of life

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Prayer:

Your creation, O God, runs its appointed course, as from the ends of the earth You gather a people You call Your own. Confirm us in the strength of Your abiding word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may without fear rejoice to behold His appearing. 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.
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Hymn: “God You are my God” – Desperation Band


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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3 (NLT)
[Daniel gives a prophecy of the end of time, when the virtuous will be rewarded.]

Andrei Rublev Archangel Michael early XV century, ie 1410 From the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.
Andrei Rublev Archangel Michael early XV century, ie 1410 From the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

“At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 16:5, 8-11 (NLT)

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
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I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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“Psalm 16 – The Path of Life” – Diocese of St. Benedict


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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 (NLT)
[What many priests did in former times, Christ does now: he has achieved our perfection.]

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
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And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:24-32 (NLT)
[Jesus repeats Daniel’s prophecy, adding that only the Father knows when the end will come.]

“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume this weekend, Chile's Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber.
Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume, Chile’s Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
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Hymn: “Jesus is Coming Again”


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Intercessions:

The Lord is at our side to support us, let us approach His throne of grace with confidence.

+ For all Christians – that we may be found ready, when the Savior comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear of death – that Your consoling Word may be their support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, and their families – that they may put their trust in You, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prison officers and all who maintain our jails – that they may show sensitivity and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer, in body, mind or spirit – that Your powerful presence may help them to stand firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the bereaved – that in this season of remembrance they find healing and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, and for all the victims of terrorism in Paris – that they and all our beloved dead may awake to everlasting life…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord, You are our portion and cup, You support us all our days: hear our prayers for all your people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark


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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

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

Morning Prayer: 14 November – Psalm 8; 2 Peter 3:13-15 ~ waiting for what God promised

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 8 NLT

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.

You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.

Psa 8.3-6

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
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Morning Reading: 2 Peter 3:13-15 NLT

We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.
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Prayer:

Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: in Christ You have given us every spiritual blessing.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, may Christ be born today in the hearts of men. Father, may Your Spirit lead us forward out of solitude: may He lead us to open the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the Word of light, to reap together the harvest of life. Let our striving for Your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear: may the universe be alive with the Spirit, and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed.

All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day: at this return of the morning hour, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of Your coming. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Come to me” – Bethel Loft Sessions


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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 13 November – Psalm 50:23; Psalm 51:7, 9-12; Galatians 2:19-20 ~ Christ lives in me

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 50:23; Psalm 51:7, 9-12 NLT

“Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
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Compassion William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1897 Private Collection
Compassion
William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1897
Private Collection

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow….

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
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Morning Reading: Galatians 2:19-20 NLT

When I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law — I stopped trying to meet all its requirements — so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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Prayer: Christ is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation, and the first to be born from the dead. All things are to be reconciled through him because he made peace by his death on the cross.

– Lord Jesus, come to us today.

We have been baptized into Your death: may we be cleansed of greed and envy, and clothed in the strength and gentleness of Your love. We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit who has been given to us; confirm us in Your service, and help us to bear witness to You in the society in which we live. You continue to work in Your faithful people: create through us a new world where injustice and destruction will give way to growth, freedom and hope.

– Lord Jesus, come to us today.
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“Christ In Me Arise” – Trevor Thomson


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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 12 November – Psalm 147:1-11 ~ hope in God’s love

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
__________

Morning Reading: Psalm 147:1-11 NLT

Praise the Lord!

How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

psalm-147_11

The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.

Sing out your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God with a harp.

He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.

No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
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Prayer:

Hallowed be Your name.

Heavenly Father: open our eyes that we may see You in the face of Your beloved Son. Christ greeted us with good news: may the world hear it through us, and find hope.

We praise and thank You, Lord of heaven and earth; You are the hope and joy of men in every age. May Christ’s coming transform the Church; and renew its youth and vigor in the service of men. We pray for Christians who suffer for their belief: sustain them in their hope.

Fill us with Your Spirit and strengthen our hearts with Your grace, that we might be willing to lay down our lives in Your service.

Hallowed be your name.
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“Psalm 147:1-11” – Scottish Psalter 1650 (A Capella)

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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen