Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

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.

Psalm 127:1

Unless the lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Exodus 35:30-36:1

Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.

“The lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the lord has commanded.”

John 15:26

“But I will send you the Advocate — the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me….”

Reflection

IONA

FROM THE MORNING SERVICE AT IONA ABBEY
Almighty and Everlasting God, who of old didst fill the builders of Thy tabernacle with Thy Spirit, in wisdom, in understanding, and in beauty, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, Thy grace and blessing to us Thy servants: enlighten, purify, direct and sanctify us: accept and establish our work for the honour of Thy house and service: grant us the powerful aid of Thy Holy Spirit in all our undertakings, that we may promote Thy glory and further Thy Kingdom: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—–

God asks, ‘ Who will go for me?
Who will extend my reach?
And who, when few will listen
will prophesy and preach?
And who, when few bid welcome,
will offer all they know?
And who, when few dare follow,
will walk the road I show?’

John L. Bell & Graham Maule,
‘The Wild Goose of Iona’

—–

Please pray today for the work of the Iona Community in Glasgow, and elsewhere in the world.

__________

__________

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

_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) Our Scripture readings and reflections will be taken from the Aidan Daily Readings (Celtic Daily Prayer) during the month of August. On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.