Morning Prayer: 15 May – Psalm 131:1; Judges 7:4-7; Philippians 4:5 ~ on diligence

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.

Morning readings

May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 131:1 ESV

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.”

Judges 7:4-7 ESV

And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.”

So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.”

And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.”

Philippians 4:5 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand….

Reflections

BE EVER SOBER, EVER CHASTE, EVER MODEST

The words of the letter here remind us of Jesus’ remarks about the happy servant who is found sober and diligently going about the Master’s business when his Master returns unexpectedly. It is not exam technique that is required here, but preparation for continuous assessment.

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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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

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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.) Having completed reading through the Gospel of John, our Scripture readings and reflections will be taken from the Finan Daily Readings (Celtic Daily Prayer). We will continue with the Finan readings until Pentecost Sunday, June 8th.

On Sundays, I’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: 14 May – Psalm 41:1; Ezekiel 3:8-9; Matthew 12:17-21 ~ on gentleness and firmness

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.

Morning readings

May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 41:1 ESV

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him….

Ezekiel 3:8-9 ESV

“Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”

Matthew 12:17-21 ESV

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Reflections

BE GENTLE TO THE WEAK, FIRM TO THE STUBBORN, STEADFAST TO THE PROUD, HUMBLE TO THE LOWLY

Columbanus in his letter instructs the young disciple how to behave towards different sorts of people or how to behave towards the same people when they are in a different stage or have a peculiar attitude.

With the weak it is appropriate to be gentle, encouraging and strengthening to them, following the example of Christ who would not crush a bruised reed. When someone is stubborn it is important not to give way to them, but remain firm and immovable. They will not then overpower you and get their own way; instead they recognize that you will not be intimidated by their attitude. Your face will be strong enough to meet their gaze fair and square without becoming angry and obstinate in turn. When they back down or become reasonable you will have won their respect. A proud person is one who sets a wrong value on themselves, constructing a fearfully exaggerated self-image as out-an-out success or hardened failure. TheY project a belief, but you are.

Their self-image fluctuates: you remain constant, yet are growing slowly. Their attitude changes to show their “best side”; your focus remains steady. Circumstances may help to humble us, but can equally make us resentful, bitter and proud; it is all our choice how we respond, whether we choose to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God or are resistant.

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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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.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

On Sundays, I’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: 13 May – Psalm 15:1-2, 4; Proverbs 8:13; Matthew 5:6 ~ on Kingdom relationships

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.

Morning readings

May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Beatitudes Righteousness

Psalm 15:1-2, 4 ESV

“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart… in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord….”

Proverbs 8:13 ESV

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Matthew 5:6 ESV

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Reflections

BE FRIENDLY WITH MEN OF HONOUR, STIFF WITH RASCALS

C.S. Lewis in his Reflections on the Psalms says that provided someone is rich and powerful it seems people will treat them as a celebrity – far from disapproving of their misdeeds, the noteriety adds to their charm, and instead of shunning them even Christians can be drawn into admiring such people.

What is our behaviour? Whose approval matters to us? What is the standard against which we measure people and their behaviour? Do you think as citizens of another Kingdom? Or just use Christian jargon on the outside?

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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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.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

On Sundays, I’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: 12 May – Psalm 17:2; Deuteronomy 32:34-36; Colossians 3:13-14, 17 ~ on work and slack

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.

Morning readings

May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 17:2 ESV

From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!

Deuteronomy 32:34-36 ESV

“‘Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up in my treasuries? Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’ For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free….”

Colossians 3:13-14, 17 ESV

… bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
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And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflections

Be Up And Doing To Make Progress, Slack To Take Revenge, Careful In Word, Eager In Work

It should never be said of Christians that as workers they are half-hearted, careless, tardy, irresponsible, whiney, or negligent. Behaviour like that embarrasses God. It brings reproach on Him. At work Christians should epitomize character qualities like self-discipline, perseverance, and initiative. They should be self-motivated, prompt, organized, and industrious. Their efforts should result in work of the very highest quality. Why? Because they are not just laying bricks; they’re building a wall for God’s glory… They’re not just driving a tractor; they’re ploughing a straight furrow for God’s glory… Christians must strive every day to be beyond reproach in all their marketplace dealings and practices. — Bill Hybels

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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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.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

On Sundays, I’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.

4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14, 36-41; Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10 ~ a rich and satisfying life

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Today’s The Day Katie m. Berggren,, 2012 — Today’s The Day
Katie m. Berggren,, 2012

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. (Psalm 71:5-7)
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Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 2:14, 36-41 (NLT)

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.
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River Baptism

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Peter 2:20-25 (NLT)

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:1-10 (NLT)

sheep-hear-shepherd

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Intercessions:

The Good Shepherd does not allow the sheep to wander in harm’s way. Lord Jesus, hear my prayers –

+ For all Shepherd’s and Pastors of God’s flock, that they may be true shepherds after the example of Jesus….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all people of every nation, that they may live their lives with courage and find true peace in Jesus Christ….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all vocations, they we may live as called and chosen people according to Your plan and purpose….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all those who respond to God’s call through the ordained, married, single, or religious life, that they may experience true contentment and witness to Your presence as messengers of joy and hope….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who labor among the poor, hungry, homeless, and grieving, that they may be shepherds who offer courage, mercy and hope….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all Christian families, that our homes may be filled with the spirit of your love, as we follow the voice of the Good Shepherd….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all those in our military and foreign service, and for government workers serving our country throughout the world, that they might honor You above all else….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all those who are seriously ill, hospitalized, homebound, or recently deceased and for their loved ones….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all those who weigh heavy on our hearts today….
Lord, hear my prayer.

Thank You, Merciful God, for Shepherding us that we might live rich and satisfying lives. Grant these petitions according to Your gacious purpose through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

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

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