Praying the Psalms
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening – (Northumbria Community)
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 41 (NLT)
Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
- The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.
- The Lord protects them and keeps them alive.
- He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies.
- The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.
“O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask. They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. “He has some fatal disease,” they say. “He will never get out of that bed!” Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
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Morning Prayer
O Lord our God: you have always kept the poor and needy close to your heart; give us a generous spirit that we might do the same.
+ Give us eyes to see the truly needy among us…
+ Give us discernment to know how best to use our resources…
+ Give us gratitude to give as freely as we have received…
+ Give us purity of heart to give without expectation of reward…
O Lord our God: thank you for the blessings we have received –
+ For the strength of character derived from self-denial…
+ For the encouragement of those who have felt abandoned…
+ For your justice and relief in times of trouble…
O Lord our God: forgive our sins and shortcomings –
+ For we have failed in love and duty…
+ For we have given to others with strings attached…
+ For we expect to be treated better than your Son, Jesus Christ…
O Lord our God: have mercy on us and in your kindness restore us in body, mind, and spirit that we may perfectly serve you and worthily glorify your name – through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you,one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 41” – Choir of St. John’s, Elora
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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
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