Morning Prayer: 24 November – Psalm 65; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 ~ children of the light and of the day

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 65 NLT

What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.

Forgiven - overwhelmed no more
Forgiven – overwhelmed no more

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!

Morning Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 NLT

Happy children silhouettes on summer meadow running and jumping

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
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Prayer:

Bless our Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His rising to new life has freed the world from fear. Lord, lead us to the truth.

+ Lord Jesus, as this day begins we remember that You are risen, and therefore we look to the future with confidence.
+ Lord Jesus, we offer You our prayer this morning, take to Yourself our cares, our hopes, and our needs.
+ Lord Jesus, deepen in us our love for You today, so that in all things we may find our good, and the good of others.
+ Lord Jesus, we pray that through our own troubles, we may learn to feel the sufferings of others; help us to show them Your compassion.
+ Lord Jesus, bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Heavenly Father, the source and origin of all fatherhood, You kept the martyrs of past and present faithful to the cross of your Son even to the shedding of their blood. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, enable us to spread Your love among our brothers and sisters, that we may be called and may truly be Your children. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“You Crown The Year (Psalm 65:11)” – Hillsong Live


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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

Sunday, 22 November: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37 ~ Jesus is King today, tomorrow and forever

Celebration: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Today we acclaim Jesus Christ as our King, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer Him praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of His Kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.
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Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, You have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away. Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and, as a royal and priestly people, serve You humbly in our brothers and sisters. Grant 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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Hymn: “O worship the King”


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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 7:13-14 (NLT)
[Daniel’s prophetic vision shows Jesus (son of man) becoming king in heaven.]

The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré, ca. 1868 [Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.] The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002. Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.
The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism
Gustave Doré, ca. 1868
[Christ, carrying a Cross, surrounded by a host of angels, forming a circle, swords ready to attack, sweeping above pagan gods of every kind.]
The Joey and Tobey Tanenbaum Collection, 2002.
Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.
As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 93:1-2, 5 (NLT)

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.

Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past.
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Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.
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“Psalm 93: Lord is King, He is Robed in Majesty!” Bill Monaghan


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A Reading from the Letters: Revelation 1:5-8 (NLT)
[Jesus, ruler of the kings of the earth, will come in glory.]

He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him — even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!

Jesus alpha omega Jerusalem

“I am the Alpha and the Omega — the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come — the Almighty One.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 18:33-37 (NLT)
[Jesus debates his kingship with Pilate, and commits his followers to stand on the side of truth.]

“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked him.

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
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Hymn: “Jesus is King”


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Intercessions:

King Jesus: hear our prayers –

+ For all believers – that we may endeavor to make the justice, truth, love and peace of the Kingdom of God a reality…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who lead nations – that people in positions of power may seek truth and justice for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For citizens of all the countries on earth – that we may work together for justice and peace for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For ourselves – that our lives may show that You, King Jesus, rule our hearts…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and sorrowful – that in our friendship and love they may experience Your healing mercies…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those injured and bereaved in the Paris and Mali attacks – that You, King Jesus, may be close to them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, those whose lives were so cruelly taken in Paris and Mali, and all the dead whom we remember in our hearts – that they may share Your glory, King Jesus…. Lord, hear us.

O God, You rule Your people with love and compassion: hear our prayers and give us the help we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Thou, Oh Lord” – Parkway Worship Ministry


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Benediction:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

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

Morning Prayer: 20 November – Isaiah 45:1, 22-25; Ephesians 4:29-32 ~ Let all the world look to me for salvation!

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Isaiah 45:1, 22-25 NLT

This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one, whose right hand he will empower. Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear. Their fortress gates will be opened, never to shut again.
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Twilight over Cathedral Notre Dame and River Seine, Paris France
Twilight over Cathedral Notre Dame and River Seine, Paris France

“Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.

I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.”

The people will declare, “The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.” And all who were angry with him will come to him and be ashamed. In the Lord all the generations of Israel will be justified, and in him they will boast.

Morning Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32 NLT

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You. Through Your cross and resurrection You offer freedom and hope to those ready to receive them. Lord, show us Your loving-kindness.

+ We are children of the day: help us to live in the light of Your presence.
+ Guide our thoughts, our words, our actions: so that what we do today may be pleasing to You.
+ Help us to avoid wrongdoing:show us Your mercy and love.
+ Through Your passion and death You have won life for us: give us the strength of Your Holy Spirit.
+ Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Lord God, You hold out the light of Your Word to those who do not know You. Strengthen our hearts through faith, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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” “Laudate Dominum”” – Barbara Bonney (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

Praise the Lord, all nations; Praise Him, all people. For He has bestowed His mercy upon us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and forever, and for generations of generations. Amen.
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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

Morning Prayer: 18 November – Psalm 36 ~ pour out Your love and justice

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 36 NLT

Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.

shadow of wings

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts. Don’t let the proud trample me or the wicked push me around.

Look! Those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down, never to rise again.
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Prayer:

Give thanks and praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ, who was not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters.

Help us to live the new life of Easter, so that all may know through us the power of Your love. Every day is a proof of Your love: as You bring us to this new day, make us new in mind and in heart. Teach us to see You present in everyone; help us to recognize You most of all in those who suffer. May our lives today be filled with Your compassion; give us the spirit of forgiveness and a generous heart.

God our Savior, by grace through faith You have made us children of light. Hear our prayer that we may always walk in that light and work for the truth as Your faithful witnesses. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Your Love Oh Lord” – Third Day


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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

Morning Prayer: 16 November – Psalm 5 ~ surround us with Your shield of love

A Season of Thanksgiving

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 5 NLT

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated in the colors of France - news in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated in the colors of France – news in Rio de Janeiro

O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.

O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
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Prayer:

As the new day begins let us praise Christ, in whom is the fullness of grace and the Spirit of God.

We praise You, Lord, and we thank You for all Your blessings. Give us peace of mind and generosity of heart; grant us health and strength to do Your will. May Your love be with us during the day; guide us in our work. Be with all those who have asked our prayers, and grant them all their needs.

Spread Your protection over all who take refuge in You, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.

Lord, be the beginning and end of all that we do and say. Prompt our actions with Your grace, and complete them with Your all-powerful help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“O Worship The King, All Glorious Above”


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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