Morning Prayer: Wednesday 23 Sep 2020 – Psalms (36) and Proverbs (22) ~ How excellent is your mercy, O God!

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 23 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

Preparation:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ my Lord. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 36

1 My heart shows me the wickedness of the ungodly; *
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own sight, *
until his abominable sin is found out.
3 The words of his mouth are unrighteous and full of deceit; *
he has left off behaving wisely and doing good.
4 He imagines mischief upon his bed, and has set himself in no good way; *
neither does he abhor anything that is evil.

5 Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains; your judgments are like the great deep; *
you, LORD, shall save both man and beast.

7 How excellent is your mercy, O God! *
The children of men shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of your house, *
and you shall give them drink from your pleasures as out of a river.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light shall we see light.

10 O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.
11 O let not the foot of the proud come against me, *
and let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down.

12 There have they fallen, all those who work wickedness; *
they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

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Psalm 36 – Exodus Road Band

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 22

4 Respect and serve the Lord!
Your reward will be wealth,
a long life, and honor.

12 The Lord watches over everyone
who shows good sense,
but he frustrates the plans
of deceitful liars.

__________

Consider:

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

Total depravity is not too strong a term to describe human wickedness. The sinner has “no fear of God.” Where that is wanting, how can there be any piety? And if there is no piety, there must be total want of right affections, and that is the very essence of depravity.

—William S. Plumer.

God’s Mercy

Divine mercy abides in its vastness of expanse, and matchless patience, all unaltered by the rebellions of man. When we can measure the heavens, then shall we bound the mercy of the Lord….

Far, far above all comprehension is the truth and faithfulness of God. He never fails, nor forgets, nor falters, nor forfeits his word. Afflictions are like clouds, but the divine truthfulness is all around them….

God’s dealings with men are not to be fathomed by every boaster who demands to see a why for every wherefore. The Lord is not to be questioned by us as to why this and why that. He has reasons, but he does not choose to submit them to our foolish consideration. Far and wide, terrible and irresistible like the ocean are the providential dispensations of God: at one time they appear as peaceful as the placid sea of glass; at another tossed with tempest and whirlwind, but evermore most glorious and full of mystery….

The Lord overshadows his people as a hen protects her brood, or as an eagle covers its young; and we as the little ones run under the blessed shelter and feel at rest. To cower down under the wings of God is so sweet. Although the enemy be far too strong for us, we have no fear, for we nestle under the Lord’s wing….

– Spurgeon

Q: Are you sheltering in place under the shadow of God’s wings?

Q: Are you seeking protection from the wickedness of godless people?

Q: Can you ask God to show them his mercy and lovingkindness?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal (William Laud)

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 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, especially the ungodly creating chaos in the streets. 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 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.

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“Kyrie Eleison” – the Vineyard Worship

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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: Tuesday 22 Sep 2020 – Psalms (31) and Proverbs (21) ~ My time is in your hand, O Lord

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 22 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

My hope has been in you, O LORD;
I have said, “You are my God.” My time is in your hand….

(Psalm 31:16-17)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 31

1 In you, O LORD, have I put my trust; *
let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Bow down your ear to me, *
make haste to deliver me,
3 And be my strong rock and house of defense, *
that you may save me.

4 For you are my strong rock and my castle; *
be also my guide, and lead me for your Name’s sake.
5 Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, *
for you are my strength.
6 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.

7 I have hated those who hold to worthless vanities, *
and my trust has been in the LORD.
8 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy, *
for you have considered my trouble, and have known my soul in adversities.
9 You have not shut me up in the hand of the enemy, *
but have set my feet where they may walk at liberty.

10 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with heaviness, and also my soul and my body.
11 For my life has grown old with heaviness, *
and my years with mourning.
12 My strength fails me because of my iniquity, *
and my bones are consumed.

13 I have become a reproof among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors; *
my acquaintances are afraid of me, and those who see me in the street shrink from me.
14 I am utterly forgotten, as a dead man, out of mind; *
I have become like a broken vessel.
15 For I have heard the whispering of the multitude, and fear is on every side, *
while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.

16 But my hope has been in you, O LORD; *
I have said, “You are my God.”
17 My time is in your hand; *
deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
18 Show your servant the light of your countenance, *
and save me for your mercy’s sake.

19 Let me not be confounded, O LORD, for I have called upon you; *
let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave.
20 Let the lying lips be put to silence, *
which cruelly, disdainfully, and despitefully speak against the righteous.

21 Oh, how plentiful is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, *
and which you have prepared for those who put their trust in you, even before the children of men!
22 You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who conspire against them; *
you keep them in your refuge from the strife of tongues.

23 Thanks be to the LORD, *
for he has shown me marvelously great kindness in a strong city.
24 But when I was afraid, I said in my haste, *
“I am cast out of the sight of your eyes.”
25 Nevertheless, you heard the voice of my prayer *
when I cried unto you.

26 O love the LORD, all you his saints, *
for the LORD preserves those who are faithful, and plenteously repays the proud.
27 Be strong, and he shall establish your heart, *
all you that put your trust in the LORD.

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Psalm 31 (You Are My Strength) – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 21

1 The Lord controls rulers,
just as he determines
the course of rivers.
2 We may think we are doing
the right thing,
but the Lord always knows
what is in our hearts.

30 No matter how much you know
or what plans you make,
you can’t defeat the Lord.
31 Even if your army has horses
ready for battle,
the Lord will always win.

__________

Consider:

My hope has been in you, O LORD; I have said, “You are my God.”
My time is in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
(Psalm 31:16-17)

“You are my God.” (vs 16)

So long as our faith, which is our shield, is safe, the battle may go hard, but its ultimate result is no matter of question…. (Spurgeon)

Nothing is more difficult, when we see our faith derided by the whole world, than to direct our speech to God only, and to rest satisfied with this testimony which our conscience gives us, that he is our God. (John Calvin)

“My time is in your hand.” (vs 17)

The sovereign arbiter of destiny holds in his own power all the issues of our life; we are not waifs and strays upon the ocean of fate, but are steered by infinite wisdom towards our desired haven…. It is [right] to desire escape from persecution if it be the Lord’s will; and when this may not be granted us in the form which we desire, sustaining grace will give us deliverance in another form, by enabling us to laugh to scorn all the fury of the foe. (Spurgeon)

Q: Can you say “O Lord, you are my God” with heartfelt conviction?
Q: What things are going on in your life that test this pledge of allegiance to God?

Q: Do you believe that God is sovereign over your life (your country)?
Q: How does that affect the way you live (your thoughts, your feelings, your actions)?

Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

+ To Please God Rather Than Men (Thomas à Kempis)

Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.

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“My Life is in Your Hands” – the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Monday 21 Sep 2020 – Psalms (30) and Proverbs (19) ~ joy comes in the morning

Morning Prayer, Monday, 21 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

“Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his,
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.
For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30:4-5)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 30

1 I will magnify you, O LORD, for you have lifted me up, *
and have not let my foes triumph over me.

2 O LORD my God, I cried unto you, *
and you have made me whole.

3 You, LORD, have brought my soul out of the Grave; *
you have saved my life from among those who go down to the Pit.

4 Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his, *
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime; *
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 In my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved; *
you, LORD, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.”

7 You turned your face from me, *
and I was distressed.

8 Then I cried unto you, O LORD, *
and came to my LORD most humbly.

9 What profit is there in my bloodshed, *
if I go down into the Pit?

10 Shall the dust give thanks unto you? *
Or shall it declare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me. *
O LORD, be my helper.

12 You have turned my lamentation into dancing; *
you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.

13 Therefore shall my heart sing of your praise without ceasing

__________

Joy Comes In The Morning – Tasha Layton | Church of the City

Praise You when I’m overwhelmed, Praise You in my brokenness
Praise You so I don’t forget Who You are Who You are
Praise You when I’ve lost my way, Praise You when I’m so afraid
Praise You ’cause You never change Who You are Who You are

Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning
Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning

Praise You when I’m empty-handed, Praise You when I feel abandoned
Praise You cause I’m not alone You see me You see me
Praise You when the road is long, Praise You when my faith is gone
Praise You ’cause You hear the song I’m singing I’m singing

I will fear no evil, I know You are with me
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are
Fighting all my battles, Lighting every shadow
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 19

11 It’s wise to be patient
and show what you are like
by forgiving others.

21 We may make a lot of plans,
but the Lord will do
what he has decided.

23 Showing respect to the Lord
brings true life—
if you do it, you can relax
without fear of danger.

__________

Consider:

“For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5)

David alludes to God’s chastisement of his people, e.g. the plague which fell on Jerusalem for David’s sins – a short judgement that was removed by repentance and atonement; followed by a season of God’s blessing and favor.

The life of a Christian is filled up with interchanges of sickness and health, weakness and strength, want and wealth, disgrace and honor, crosses, and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, mirth and mourning; all honey would harm us, all wormwood would undo us; a composition of both is the best way in the world to keep our souls in a healthy constitution. It is best and most for the health of the soul that the south wind of mercy, and the north wind of adversity, do both blow upon it; and though every wind that blows shall blow good to the saints, yet certainly their sins die most, and their graces thrive best, when they are under the drying, nipping north wind of calamity, as well as under the warm, cherishing south wind of mercy and prosperity.

—Thomas Brooks.

Q: What season of life are you in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: How then might you pray?

Q: What season do you think the world is in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: Do you think the COVID pandemic has anything to do with God’s wrath?
Q: What would usher in a season of God’s favor?

Prayer:

+ 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.

+ For Social Justice

Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

+ For Peace in Social Conflict

Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Media

Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Your Plans For Us – Eleventh Hour Worship

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Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 19 Sep 2020 – Psalms (25) and Proverbs (18) ~ O Lord, let me not be ashamed…

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 19 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Gracious God: without You I am unable to please You.
Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may rule and direct my heart in all things;
through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“My God, I have put my trust in you; O let me not be ashamed…”
(Psalm 25:1)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 25

1 Unto you, O LORD, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in you; *
O let me not be ashamed, neither let my enemies triumph over me.

2 For all those who hope in you shall not be ashamed, *
but those who deal untruly shall be put to confusion.

3 Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me forth in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation; in you has been my hope all the day long.

5 Call to remembrance, O LORD, your tender mercies, *
and your loving-kindnesses, which have been from of old.

6 O remember not the sins and offenses of my youth, *
but according to your mercy think on me, O LORD, in your goodness.

7 Gracious and righteous is the LORD; *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

8 Those who are meek shall he guide in judgment, *
and those who are gentle shall he teach his way.

9 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

10 For your Name’s sake, O LORD, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.

11 Who is the one who fears the LORD? *
He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.

12 He shall dwell at ease, *
and his seed shall inherit the land.

13 The LORD reveals his secret counsel to those who fear him, *
and he will show them his covenant.

14 My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

15 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, *
for I am desolate and in misery.

16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged; *
O bring me out of my troubles.

17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.

18 Consider my enemies, how many they are, *
and how they bear a tyrannous hate against me.

19 O keep my soul and deliver me; *
Let me not be ashamed, for I have put my trust in you.

20 Let integrity and righteous dealing preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.

21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.

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Psalm 25 – Exodus Road Band

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 18

3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom are a stream
that flows from a deep fountain.

__________

Consider: “O let me not be ashamed…” (Psalm 25:1,19)

Psalm 25 is David’s prayer of trust and devotion to God

+ For pardon from sin
+ For direction in right living
+ For the favor of God
+ For deliverance from troubles
+ For protection from enemies
+ For salvation for the people of God

“If we make our confidence in God our stay, it shall not be our shame.”
(Matthew Henry)

Prayer:

Gracious God: I put my trust in you –

Forgive my sins… Lord, have mercy.
Direct my life… Lord, have mercy.
Show me your goodness…. Lord, have mercy.
Deliver me from trouble…. Lord, have mercy.
Protect me from harm…. Lord, have mercy.
Save me forever…. Lord, have mercy.

Gracious God: preserve me, body and soul;
my trust is in you.

__________

Build My Life – Pat Barrett

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Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 18 Sep 2020 – Psalms (23) and Proverbs (17) ~ I can lack nothing.

Morning Prayer, Friday, 18 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

The LORD is my shepherd; therefore I can lack nothing.
(Psalm 23:1)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; *
therefore I can lack nothing.

2 He shall feed me in green pastures *
and lead me forth beside the waters of
comfort.

3 He shall refresh my soul *
and bring me forth in the paths of
righteousness for his Name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff
comfort me.

5 You shall prepare a table before me, in the
presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my
cup shall be full.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.

__________

Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) – People & Songs

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 17

3 Silver and gold are tested
by flames of fire;
our thoughts are tested
by the Lord.

__________

Consider: “I can lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

I can lack nothing is both a declaration and a decision.

declaration: “I declare that all my needs are supplied by the LORD, my shepherd.”
decision: “I decide to not want more than what the LORD, my shepherd gives.”

” The wicked always want, but the righteous never;
a sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction,
but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content.”
(Spurgeon)

__________

Prayer:

+ Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us at tasks that demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us. We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he conquered death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

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Surely Goodness & Mercy – Shane & Shane / Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Blessing:

__________

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

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