Morning Prayer: 4 August – Psalm 48:9-13; 1 Kings 8:55-58; Philippians 4:4-6 – on joy-filled labor

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 48:9-13

View in Jerusalem, Holy Land. Original steel engraving drawn by W. Turner, after a sketch by C. Barry, engraved by E. Finden. 1834. — View in Jerusalem, Holy Land.
Original steel engraving drawn by W. Turner, after a sketch by C. Barry, engraved by E. Finden. 1834.

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.

As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let all the towns of Judah be glad because of your justice.

Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.

1 Kings 8:55-58

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.

As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.

Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let all the towns of Judah be glad because of your justice. Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.

Philippians 4:4-6

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.

Reflection

IONA

Iona (Scottish Gaelic: Ì Chaluim Chille) is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the Ross of Mull on the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats. Its modern Gaelic name means “Iona of (Saint) Columba” (formerly anglicised “Icolmkill”). (Wikipedia)

Columba divided his monks into three classifications. There were the ‘Seniors’ who were engaged in intellectual activities, the conduct of worship, and the copying of manuscripts in the scriptorum. The ‘Working Broithers’ performed and taught the outdoor farm labour, fishing, and sealing on the shore of Erraid, a nearby island where seals congregated. The Juniors’ were young learners or novices, candidates for monastic vows. All had to work hard, and participate in the hours of worship.
(Edward W. Stinson)
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Columba’s monastic rule, eventually used by many similar communities, required that the monks own nothing but bare necessities, live in a place with but one door, centre conversation on God and God’s Testament, refuse idle words and true spreading of rumor and evil reports, and submit to every rule that governs devotion. They were to prepare always for death and suffering, offer forgiveness from the heart to everyone, pray constantly for anyone who has been a trouble, put almsgiving before all other duties, not eat unless hungry, or sleep unless tired, pray until tears came, and labour to the point of tears, as well, or if tears ‘are not free’, ‘until thy perspiration come often’.
(James H. Forest)
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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

_____________________________________

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.

18th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 ~ on God’s love

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Bountiful and compassionate God, You place in the hands of Your disciples the food of life. Nourish us at Your holy table, that we may bear Christ to others and share with them the gifts we have so richly received. 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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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 55:1-3 (NLT)

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink — even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk — it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David….”

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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145 (NLT)

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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NLT)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
_____

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes Chora Church and Museum Istanbul — Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
Chora Church and Museum
Istanbul

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT)

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary — you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

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Intercessions:

The Lord is kind and full of compassion – Lord, hear our prayers:

+ For all believers – that we may grow in appreciation of Your kindness….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who suffer persecution for their faith, particularly Iraqi Christians – that people of good will may defend them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who hunger and thirst in a world of plenty – that Christians may reflect Your generosity by continuing to share what they have….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all refugees, forced to abandon their homes in war-torn lands – that they may find generous provision and godly protection….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all weak and vulnerable people – that You might be their shield and defender through the good offices of Your people….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all people who are travelling, on holidays or on pilgrimage – that they may travel safely and come home refreshed….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who have died, especially through war and strife – that those grieving may realise that nothing can separate us from Your love….
Lord, hear us.

God our creator, You are close to all who call on You from their hearts: Continue to show us your compassion and love, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Morning Prayer: 2 August – Psalm 96:10-13; Genesis 28:11-12; Ephesians 6:18 – on stone pillows

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.

IONA

Psalm 96:10-13

Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.
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Genesis 28:11-12

‘Columba’s Pillow’ This simple, water-worn boulder with a ringed cross carved onto it was found by a crofter in 1870 at Clanh an Dìsirt (about a kilometre NE of the abbey). He had become so annoyed by his cartwheel constantly hitting the stone that he dug it up. It soon became known as ‘Columba’s Pillow’ – the stone on which Columba laid his head each night and which after his death marked his grave. — ‘Columba’s Pillow’
This simple, water-worn boulder with a ringed cross carved onto it was found by a crofter in 1870 at Clanh an Dìsirt (about a kilometre NE of the abbey). He had become so annoyed by his cartwheel constantly hitting the stone that he dug it up. It soon became known as ‘Columba’s Pillow’ – the stone on which Columba laid his head each night and which after his death marked his grave.

At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.

Ephesians 6:18

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Reflection

IONA

Columba and his brothers lived in simple huts, praying for each other, and for those far and wide whose lives they were to influence.
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A central hut upon a rising ground served as Columba’s cell. He watched in prayer for the small company assembled round, and for the mighty int’rests everywhere, which claimed his anxious heart. The stone was here which served him as a couch for needful sleep.
(Richard Meux Benson)
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Columba, disdaining the luxury of straw, used to lie on a stone, with another rounded stone for a pillow. A stone with a Celtic cross on it is preserved in Iona Cathedral and legend says that this stone is the very stone used by Columba for his pillow.
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Remember the holy places, the Cathedral, full of gracious light, and the stillness of the stone, with its carven capitals, its timeworn arches, its store of patterned grave stones, and the hard pillow where Columba laid his head.
(Margaret Cropper)
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Canticle:

Blessing

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

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Morning Prayer: 1 August – Psalm 137:4-6; Deuteronomy 3:23-27; Philippians 2:8-11 – on enthronement

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.

IONA

Psalm 137:4-6

But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land?

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp. May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I fail to remember you, if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.

Deuteronomy 3:23-27

“At that time I pleaded with the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do? Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’

“But the Lord was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough!’ he declared. ‘Speak of it no more. But go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River….’

Philippians 2:8-11

[Christ] humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Reflection

In February 1992 twelve men went together to the island of Iona to pray. This month we ask you to journey there with us in prayer. Iona was home to Aidan; and Oswald lived there for years also, but chiefly it is Columba’s story we will recall.
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Dun I is the homeland mountain, that brooded over the first church, and huts of Columba’s brothers.
(Margaret Cropper)
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We walked up to the top of Dun I to pray and there we sang “Jesus, we enthrone You,” and discovered someone else had laid out small stones there on the ground, declaring JESUS IS LORD.

Next day we stood with Ken from Belfast, near the place where Columba landed and looked to be sure he could no longer see his native Ireland, and there again we prayed and sang, ‘Jesus, Lord of all, Name above all names’.
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Cul ri Erin, tyne back turned towards Ireland;
farewell to the known and dear,
advance to the unknown, with its formidable hazards,
its damp demands.
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Canticle:

Blessing

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

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Morning Prayer: 31 July – Psalm 134:3; Genesis 32:29-31; Philippians 3:10 – on knowing Christ

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.

Pilgrimage

Psalm 134:3

May the Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.

Genesis 32:29-31

“Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.

Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.

Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, perfect charity, sense and knowledge so that I may do Your holy and true will. Amen. Prayer of St Francis before the cross — Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the
darkness of my heart
and give me, Lord,
a correct faith,
a certain hope,
perfect charity,
sense and knowledge
so that I may do Your
holy and true will.
Amen.
Prayer of St Francis
before the cross

Philippians 3:10

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death….

Reflection

LA VERNA

Never forget: ‘If a man wishes to come after Me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in My footsteps.’
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Hold Thou my feet,
let there be no returning
along the path which Thou
hast bid me tread.
(Arch R. Wiggins)
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Francis wished with all his heart to stand beneath the cross of Christ, assuring Him of his love, that he would be there with Him, ever present on the hill of Calvary throughout the ages till the Risen Christ returned in all His glory and the cross would be no more! It was with such an intention that Francis had made his final journey to the top of La Verna, that holy mountain far to the north of Assisi. There on that mountain he had asked in fear and trembling that Christ would let him experience and share some of His sufferings on the cross. It was as if his whole life had begun and ended there. La Verna was the impossible Dream and eternal journey come true. And yet it remained only as a memory, except for the wounds of Jesus in his feet and hands and side. And they, of course, made all the difference between the poor man who walked up the mountain and the poor man who limped down.
(Murray Bodo)
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Canticle:

Blessing

+ 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 July. 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.

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