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:

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.

“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:

 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 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:

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 08 Oct 2020 – Psalms (61) and Proverbs (08) ~ lead me to the rock

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 08 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.

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever,
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.”
(Psalm 61:3-4)

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 61

1 Hear my cry, O God; *
give ear unto my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I will call upon you *
when my heart is in heaviness.

3 O set me upon the rock that is higher than I, *
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever, *
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.

5 For you, O God, have heard my vows, *
and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name.

6 You shall grant the king a long life, *
that his years may endure throughout all generations.

7 His throne shall abide before God for ever; *
O prepare your loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.

8 So will I always sing praise unto your Name, *
that I may daily perform my vows.

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“Psalm 61” (Lead Me To The Rock) – David Baloche

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 08 (The proverbs of Solomon)

6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
7 for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.

8 My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.

14 Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.

__________

Consider:

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever,
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.”
(Psalm 61:3-4)

“O set me upon the rock that is higher than I”

If we would find ourselves upon the rock, and enjoy the realization of being so, we must be dependent upon another’s hand. And that hand can do everything for us, even in our worst of times. When we are so blinded by the salt waves that dash in our eyes, so reeling in brain that we perhaps cannot think, much less make continuous efforts, there is a hand which can lead us, which can draw us out of the waters, which can set our feet upon the rock.

—Philip Bennett Power.

“The Rock” is Christ: He is “higher than we.”
And except as he is higher – as he is God – he could not be our Savior.

“Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever”

The best of all is that our residence with God is not for a limited period of time, but for ages; yes, for ages of ages, for time and for eternity: this is our highest and most heavenly privilege, “I will abide in your tabernacle for ever.”

There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger or a guest,
But like a child at home.

—Spurgeon

Prayer:

+ Holy Spirit, lead me to Jesus; bring me a friend who can help place my hand in His.

+ Holy Spirit, lead me to believers who can help me live securely in His presence.

+ Lord Jesus, hold me close to your heart and grant me your peace and rest.

+ 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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“A Mighty Fortress is our God” – T4G Live

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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: Wednesday 07 Oct 2020 – Psalms (59) and Proverbs (07) ~ merciful God, you are my refuge

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 07 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.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”
“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”
(Psalm 59:1, 17)

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 59

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; *
defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 O deliver me from the evildoers, *
and save me from the bloodthirsty.
3 For behold, they lie in wait for my soul; *
the mighty are gathered against me, without any offense or fault of mine, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without cause. *
Arise therefore to help me, and behold.
5 Rise up, O LORD God of hosts, O God of Israel, to visit all the nations, *
and be not merciful to those who offend with malicious wickedness.

6 They go to and fro in the evening; *
they howl like dogs, and run about through the city.
7 Behold, they boast with their mouths, and taunts are on their lips, *
for they say, “Who will hear us?”
8 But you, O LORD, shall hold them in derision, *
and you shall laugh all the nations to scorn.
9 My strength I will ascribe unto you, *
for you are the God of my refuge.
10 God shows me his plenteous goodness, *
and God shall let me look in triumph upon my enemies.

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget it, *
but scatter them abroad by your might, and put them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth, and for the words of their lips, they shall be taken in their pride, *
because their talk is cursing and lies.
13 Consume them in your wrath; consume them, that they may perish, *
and know that it is God who rules in Jacob, and unto the ends of the world.

14 In the evening they will return, *
howl like dogs, and run about through the city.
15 They will run here and there for meat *
and growl if they are not satisfied.

16 As for me, I will sing of your power, and will praise your mercy early in the morning, *
for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto you, O my strength, will I sing, *
for you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.

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“Psalm 59” (Deliver Me) – David- Ordinary Man…Extraordinary God

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 07 (The proverbs of Solomon)

2 Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.

4 Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

__________

Consider:

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”
“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”
(Psalm 59:1, 17)

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God.”

+ What sort of people were these enemies?

  • people with authority and the means to destroy him
  • people who delighted in designing ways to entrap him
  • people who relentlessly pursued his destruction
  • people who were violent, cruel and malicious
  • people who persisted, despite his innocence

+ Only God can deliver a believer from such people

When a habitation is beset by thieves, the good man of the house rings the alarm bell; and in these verses we may hear it ring out loudly, “deliver me,” “defend me,” “deliver me,” “save me.”   — Spurgeon

“For you, O God, are my refuge, and my merciful God.”

The wicked howl, but I sing and will sing…. Strength has been overcome by strength; not by the hero’s own prowess, but by the might of God alone. See how the singer girds himself with the almightiness of God, and calls it all his own by faith….

With full assurance he claims possession of God as his protection and security…. Mercy rises before him, undisturbed and impregnable, for he knows that he is safe in divine keeping… Away, away, ye adversaries of my soul, the God of my mercy will keep ye all at bay.   — Spurgeon

+ Pause for a moment to consider what is happening around you.

  • Q: Are there enemies in your household?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your church?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your community?
  • Q: Are there enemies in your country?
  • Q: Are there enemies around the world?

+ Who will sound the alarm, if not you?
+ Who will sing their defeat, if not you?
+ Who will pray for them. if not you?

Prayer:

+ For our enemies

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.

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“Raise A Hallelujah” – Bethel Music

__________

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 06 Oct 2020 – Psalms (57) and Proverbs (06) ~ my heart is firmly fixed, O God

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 06 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.

“My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and give praise.

(Psalm 56:7)

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 57

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul trusts in you, *
and under the shadow of your wings shall be my refuge, until this tribulation has passed.
2 I will call unto the Most High God, *
even unto the God who shall fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me; he shall confound those who trample on me. *
God shall send forth his mercy and truth.

4 My soul is among lions that devour the people; *
their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They have laid a net for my feet, and brought down my soul; *
they dug a pit before me, but have fallen into the midst of it themselves.

7 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my soul; awake, lute and harp; *
I myself will awaken the dawn.
9 I will give thanks unto you, O Lord, among the peoples, *
and I will sing praises unto you among the nations.
10 For the greatness of your mercy reaches unto the heavens, *
and your truth unto the clouds.

11 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.

__________

“Psalm 57”  – Oakwood University Aeolians

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 06 (The proverbs of Solomon)

12 What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,
13 signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
14 Their perverted hearts plot evil,
and they constantly stir up trouble.
15 But they will be destroyed suddenly,
broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

16 There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
18 a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
19 a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

__________

Consider:

“My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and give praise.”
(Psalm 56:7)

“My heart is firmly fixed, O God”

“O God, my heart is fixed.” I am resolved to trust thee, to serve thee, and to praise thee. Twice does he declare this to the glory of God who thus comforts the souls of his servants.

“I will sing and give praise”

 Vocally and instrumentally will I celebrate thy worship. With lip and with heart will I ascribe honor to thee….  Believer, make a firm decree that your soul in all seasons shall magnify the Lord.

—Spurgeon

Trusting God is a choice, just as worshiping God is a choice.

But it is not simply an act of the will, as David notes.

Trust and Worship arise out of a heart fixed on God –

His mercy… His truth… His protection… His deliverance… His purpose… His Son!

Q: What is your heart fixed on?

Prayer:

+ For Holy Thought

O God, without whose beauty and goodness my soul is unfed, without whose truth my reason withers: Consecrate my life to your will, giving me such purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time I may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.

_____

+ 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.

__________

“Be Exalted Oh God” – Maranatha! Vocal Band

__________

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 05 Oct 2020 – Psalms (56) and Proverbs (05) ~ now I can walk before God

Morning Prayer, Monday, 05 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.

“For you have delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”
(Psalm 56:13)

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 56

1 Be merciful to me, O God, for my adversaries are treading me down; *
they are daily fighting and troubling me.
2 My enemies go about hounding me daily, *
for there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
3 Nevertheless, though I am sometimes afraid, *
yet I put my trust in you.
4 In God whose word I praise, in God I trust and fear not, *
for what can flesh do to me?

5 They daily distort my words; *
all that they imagine is to do me evil.
6 They all gather together and lie in wait, *
and mark my steps, while they seek after my life.
7 Shall they escape despite their wickedness? *
O God, in your displeasure cast them down.

8 You record my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle. *
Are not these things noted in your book?

9 Whenever I call upon you, then shall my enemies be put to flight; *
this I know, for God is on my side.
10 In God, whose word I praise, *
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11 In God have I put my trust; *
I will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me?

12 Unto you, O God, will I pay my vows; *
unto you will I give thanks.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, *
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

__________

“Psalms 56” (So Gracious Oh God – Moving Mountain Worship

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 05 (The proverbs of Solomon)

18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

21 For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.
22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.
23 He will die for lack of self-control;
he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

__________

Consider:

“For you have delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”
(Psalm 56:13)

“that I may walk before God in the light of the living”

Q: What is the purpose of God’s deliverance?

  • from adversaries and enemies,
  • from liars and deceivers,
  • from our sins that hold us captive”

Q: Why did God send His one and only Son to save our souls?

In Psalm 56:13, David offers an answer –

To walk in the presence of God is partly under his eyes, his guidance and care… where God is present, where he is worshipped by his people and scatters his blessings…. In particular it signifies to live in a safe and prosperous state, whose well known emblem is light.
—Hermann Venema.

_____

We cannot restrict this phrase to the light of mortal life; David’s vows bound him to walk in the light of spiritual life, and also in the light of eternal life, of which by faith he was a partaker… and to the light of glory in the world to come, as the real and final object of the believer’s conversation here on earth.
—W. Wilson, D.D.

Q: Has God delivered your soul from death?
Q: Is your life a daily sacrifice to God?
Q: Does your life reflect the light of Christ?

Prayer:

+ For Quiet Confidence

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

__________

“In Your Presence” – Paul Wilbur

__________

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.