Morning Prayer: Thursday 15 Oct 2020 – Psalms (75) and Proverbs (15) ~ God is the Judge!

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 15 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.

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
(Psalm 75)

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 75

1 Unto you, O God, do we give thanks; *
indeed, unto you do we give thanks.

2 Those who call upon your Name *
declare your wondrous works.
3 “Surely at the time which I appoint, *
I, the Lord, will judge according to what is right.
4 The earth shakes with fear, and all that dwell therein; *
but I, even I, have made firm its pillars.

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
And to the ungodly, ‘Do not lift up your horn!
6 Do not lift up your horn on high, *
nor speak with a stiff neck.’”
7 For help comes neither from the east nor from the west, *
nor yet from the wilderness or the mountains.
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
9 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is foaming; *
it is fully mixed, and he pours it out.
10 As for the dregs of it, *
all the ungodly of the earth shall drink them and drain them out.

11 But I will magnify the God of Jacob *
and praise him for ever and ever.
12 All the horns of the ungodly will I break, *
but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

__________

Psalm 75 (Unto Thee) – Jessi Colter

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 15 (The proverbs of Solomon)

1 A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3 The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.

__________

Consider:

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
(Psalm 75)

I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’

The Lord bids the boasters boast not, and commands the mad oppressors to stay their folly. How calm is he, how quiet are his words, yet how divine the rebuke. If the wicked were not insane, they would even now hear in their consciences the still small voice bidding them cease from evil, and forbear their pride.

Would to God that all proud men would obey the word here given them; for, if they do not, he will take effectual means to secure obedience, and then woe will come upon them….

—Spurgeon

For it is God who is the Judge

Even now he is actually judging. His seat is not vacant; his authority is not abdicated; the Lord reigns evermore…. Empires rise and fall at his bidding. A dungeon here, and there a throne, his will assigns.

—Spurgeon

When nations or individuals are prosperous, and glorious, and powerful, they usually ascribe all to themselves or to fortune. But it is God who has raised them to eminence. When they boast he can humble them. In these verses God is considered as the governor of the world, punishing the wicked, and pouring out judgment on his enemies. The calamities of war, pestilence, and famine, are all ministers of providence to execute wrath.

—Alexander Carson.

God puts down one and lifts up another.

Q: What do you think God is saying to the world through the COVID pandemic?

Q: What is God saying to your tribe or nation?

Q: What is God saying to you?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal

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 a Spirit of Evangelism

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; 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.

+ For the Coming of God’s Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen

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“Genevan Psalm 75” – Kent Dykstra (Praise Him With Stringed Instruments)

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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 14 Oct 2020 – Psalms (67) and Proverbs (14) ~ let all the nations praise you

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 14 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.”

(Psalm 67:5-6)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 67

1 May God be merciful unto us, and bless us, *
and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us.

2 Let your way be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
indeed, let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad, *
for you shall judge the peoples righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7 God shall bless us, *
and all the ends of the world shall fear him.

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“Psalm 67” – A Song for All Peoples – Steven Faux (Ugandan dancing)

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 14 (The proverbs of Solomon)

34 Godliness makes a nation great,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.

__________

Consider:

“Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.”

(Psalm 67:5-6)

Let all the peoples praise you, O God

There will be a time “when the nations (all the peoples) shall be converted and brought to praise God…. They will call God their God.

__ Matthew Henry

Nations never will be glad till they follow the leadership of the great Shepherd; they may shift their modes of government from monarchies to republics, and from republics to communes, but they will retain their wretchedness till they bow before the Lord of all…. Whole nations will do this when Jesus reigns over them in the power of his grace.

__ Spurgeon

Then… God shall give us his blessing

There are a people in the world that can, upon good grounds, call God their God.
Believers have reason to glory in their relation to God and the interest they have in him.
Those who through grace call God their own may with a humble confidence expect a blessing from him.
If he be our God, he will bless us with special blessings.

The blessing of God, as ours in covenant, is that which sweetens all our creature-comforts to us, and makes them comforts indeed; then we receive the increase of the earth as a mercy indeed when with it God, even our own God, gives us his blessing.

__ Spurgeon

Q: Does your nation claim God as “their God?” On what grounds?

Q: Would you describe your nation as being Judeo-Christian?

Q: What role does Christ have in your nation’s claims/identity?

Q: What is the dominant religious orientation in your nation?

Q: How is it all working out?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church around the World. 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 Peace in the World

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the United States of America

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 this land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here from many kindreds and tongues.

Grant the spirit of wisdom to those whom, in your Name, we entrust with 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, preserve our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

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“Doxology” – Alton Eugene – Maverick City Music

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Blessing:

__________

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

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:

“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:

__________

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.

__________

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

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Blessing:

__________

+ 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

__________

“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)

__________

“This is our God” – Hillsong

__________

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!”

__________

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.”

__________

“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets

__________

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

__________

“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

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