Tag: Bible Reading

Morning Prayer: 30 July – Psalm 134:2; Joshua 5:13-15; Matthew 28:17 – on reverent worship

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 134:2

worship_thumb

Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.

Joshua 5:13-15

When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?”

“Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”

At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.

Matthew 28:17

When they saw him, they worshiped him — but some of them doubted!

Reflection

Lindisfarne castle at sunset, boats at low tide
Lindisfarne castle at sunset, boats at low tide

LINDISFARNE

Down the wide open road
the pilgrim travels on,
his face towards the sun,
beyond the open road he
travels on.

And the waves steal the footprints
of the summer from the sand;
beneath the silver moon
the North wind blows the
fading leaves again.
(Chris Simpson, ‘Seasons’)
_____

And now perhaps our travels will bring us again to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne like so many, pilgrims and tourists alike. Most will venture over only between the tides when the island is an island in name only. The tide comes in and the place becomes quieter. With tourists and holiday-maker less in evidence. Islander and island speak, and smile, then leave us to thoughts of our own. It has always been that way.
_____

Here was a sequence both of access and
inaccessibility. There were hours when the tide
closed it for prayer.
(Ronald Blythe)
_____

The tide did now its flood-mark gain
and girdled in the Saint’s domain;
for, with the flow and the ebb, its style
varies from continent to isle;
dry-shod, o’er sands, twice every day,
the pilgrims to the shrine find way;
twice every day the waves efface
of staves and sandaled feet the trace.
(Walter Scott)

__________


__________

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 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.

Morning Prayer: 29 July – Psalm 134:1; Isaiah 49:8-9; John 2:5 – on serving God

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

Nave of Clonfert Cathedral
Nave of Clonfert Cathedral

Psalm 134:1

Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.

Isaiah 49:8-9

This is what the Lord says:

“At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare….”

John 2:5

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Reflection

CLONFERT

The oratory at the ‘Emmanuel House of Providence.’
The oratory at the ‘Emmanuel House of Providence.’

Nearby the ancient Clonfert Cathedral, old farm-buildings have been rebuilt and new buildings have been erected to serve the needs of Emmanuel House of Providence. In the land where Brendan walked and prayed, the work of prayer and evangelizing goes on today. The bell above the main house, and the beautiful circular oratory, are what draw your attention. The laughter of the children and their running feet on the gravel. A car arrives with a middle-aged couple who walk to the silent oratory, writing the name of a troubled friend in the book of prayer-intentions. A whole camp for young people or for families, a school retreat or prayer-meeting. A cross of reconciliation.

I asked Ken Wise to put into words what his visit to Clonfert had been like:

When you walked through the gates you knew you had come to a different place, a very godly place. It’s not just friendliness, there’s a presence there. We went not knowing what to expect. It seemed to be that God’s presence was all round the place. I admit I was apprehensive, but when we got there it was totally different.

_____

How wonderful it is to walk with God
along the road that holy men have trod.
How wonderful to hear Him say:
Fear not, have faith
’tis I who lead the way.
(Theodore H. Kitching)
__________


__________

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 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.

Morning Prayer: 28 July – Psalm 133; Isaiah 30:15; Mark 9:1-8, 14-19 – on resting in Jesus

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 133

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Isaiah 30:15

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it….”

Mark 9:1-8, 14-19

Transfiguration of Christ by Paolo Veronese, 1555-1556
Transfiguration of Christ
by Paolo Veronese, 1555-1556

Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.
_____

When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.

“What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.

One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”

Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Reflection

ROSLIN

In the village of Roslin in Midlothian you will eventually find the Community of Transfiguration. A condemned property with minimal facilities and an enclosure with several wooden huts, and one larger hut which serves as a chapel. It is ironically appropriate, for was it not on the mount of transfiguration that Peter wanted to build huts to remain there in the reflected glory of the face of Jesus? It is possible to visit Roslin on retreat, for a day or longer on your own in one of the huts, shut in with God and with yourself.
_____

The things that come out of a man are they that defile him, and to get out of them a man must go into himself, be a convict, and scrub the floor of his cell.
(George MacDonald)
_____

I undervalue my silence too much. Too often I move from action into silence instead of the other way about.
(R. Morrison)
_____

When you come down from the mountain air, be on your guard against catching cold.
(Hugh Redwood)
_____

At Roslin, the other usual visitors are wayfarers who are fed and given shelter in the house.
_____

… thanking him for his kindly hospitality, I went on my way; where to, I did not know myself.
(The Way of a Pilgrim)
__________


__________

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 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.

17th Ordinary Sunday: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-17; Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-46 ~ give us understanding hearts

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

God of eternal wisdom, You alone impart the gift of right judgement. Grant us an understanding heart, that we may value wisely the treasure of Your Kingdom and gladly forgo all lesser gifts to possess Your Kingdom’s incomparable joy. 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.
__________


__________

A Reading from the Old testament: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-17 (NLT)

That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
_____

“Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

IMG_0683

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies — I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have. And I will also give you what you did not ask for — riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.

Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. “Please, my lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house….”
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 (NLT)

Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!
_____

Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
_____

Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.
_____

Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
_____

Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
__________

Psalm 119:57-60 (1650 Scottish Metrical Psalter, Belmont)

Thou my sure portion art alone, which I did choose, O Lord:
I have resolved, and said, that I would keep thy holy word.

With my whole heart I did entreat thy face and favor free:
According to thy gracious word be merciful to me.

I thought upon my former ways, and did my life well try;
And to thy testimonies pure my feet then turned I.

I did not stay, nor linger long, as those that slothful are;
But hastily thy laws to keep myself I did prepare.
__________

A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:28-30 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
__________

Parable of the Hidden Treasure Rembrandt (c. 1630)
Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Rembrandt (c. 1630)

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT)

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”
__________

Intercessions:

God of wisdom and love – hear our prayers:

+ That all believers may be inspired to continue along Your Kingdom’s  narrow path leading to the treasure that awaits them in eternity….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all those who govern nations may may seek God’s wisdom and administer justice as true servants of their people….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who search for answers to their questions may receive the gift of true wisdom and understanding as revealed in the person of Christ….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those on pilgrimage to far off places may know the Lord’s presence and peace on their journey….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who are visiting family and friends during this holiday season may experience love, joy, and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those whose life on earth is over may realize the indescribable joy of heaven….
Lord, hear us.

+ That we may receive Your help in our times of trouble and difficulty, particularly for the needs that are on our hearts right now….
Lord, hear us.

God of wisdom and love, your will is wonderful indeed: hear our prayers and help us live by Your precepts, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

__________

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

Morning Prayer: 26 July – Psalm 132:2-9; Zecheriah 8:1-3; John 12:20-25 – on passionate living

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 132:2-9

He made a solemn promise to the lord . He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the lord , a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah; then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.

Let us go to the sanctuary of the lord ; let us worship at the footstool of his throne. Arise, O lord , and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symbol of your power. May your priests be clothed in godliness; may your loyal servants sing for joy.

Zechariah 8:1-3

Then another message came to me from the lord of Heaven’s Armies:

“This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong; I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem!

“And now the lord says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the lord of Heaven’s Armies will be called the Holy Mountain.”

John 12:20-25

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.”

Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”

Reflection

TAIZÉ

image

Thou art the Way, none other dare I follow.
(Arch R. Wiggins)
_____

My failure to understand msde me sad, and by the way of comforting myself I read my Bible. In this way I followed the main road for five days.
(The Way of a Pilgrim)
_____

Each year thousands of pilgrims makr their way to Taizé in France, most of them young people, and a large proportion not Christians in any recognized sense. Their time there is carefully prescribed, but non-directive. Their conversations, the communal prayer, and the ecumenical life of the brothers all have a profound impact.
_____

Some people come to Taizé in a last attempt to find something in the Church. Are my words giing to drive yhem away for good, and without hope?…

And to find some kind of reply, I search deep within myself for some word, some image. And maybe it is I who is most surprised by the words I utter…

It is the thirst that I sense in the young people on the hill. For them, as for every generation, it is strong to the point of anguish…
(Brother Roger of Taizé)
_____

I went with the crowd. The bells started. The footsteps hastened. Outside the church various young people stood about with large signs, saying ‘Silence’ in a variety of languages, swinging from their necks. People gathered up worn sheets of music from a small table. In many languages on panels outside the church there was this notice:

Be reconciled all who enter here; parents and children, husbands and wives, believers and those who cannot believe, Christians and their fellow Christians.

(Jennifer Lash, On Pilgrimage)
__________


__________

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 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.