Morning Prayer: 25 July – Psalm 132:1; Ruth 1:16; John 15:11-12 – on joy-filled 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 132:1

Lord , remember David and all that he suffered.

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

John 15:11-12

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Reflection

WESTON PRIORY

Whenever we go to New England we make a point of visiting Weston Priory in the Vermont hills. The peacefulness of the place itself, the wooden chapel, the beautiful songs of the brothers at prayer…

Peace I leave you with, My friends. ..
I have called you now…

and their involvement in the sanctuary movement and God’s heart for justice. ..

Because of our belief in God as Spirit
we choose to affirm and encourage
the prophetic voices
that recognize both the sin
and the need of our time.

Because of our belief in
the Church as community
we choose to have no superiors or
inferiors among us.

We choose to be a community
that dances and sings,
in spite of the tendencies of our times
to despair and cynicism.
(‘Renewal of baptismal vows’, Weston Priory)
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Be glad with dance and song,
let joy ring free:
God’s love renews our hope.
(Philip Franckiewicz, Weston )
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This renewal of hope is spoken of also in this description of life in another community.

This morning during the common prayer I suddenly became aware of the quality of my brothers and I am moved to the depths of my heart. They give their life – all their life. They pay dearly the price of their commitment. I know that better than any. Then I can no longer say if my admiration is for my brothers or for Christ who has to set his mark on thrm.
(Brother Roger of Taizé)
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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.) 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.

16th Ordinary Sunday: Exodus 34:5-7; Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-30 ~ help in our weakness

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Holy Spirit: Call us to worship and teach us to pray – that we might glorify the name of the Lord.

O God, patient and forbearing, You alone know fully the goodness of what You have made. Strengthen our spirit when we are slow and temper our zeal when we are rash, that in Your own good time You may produce in us a rich harvest from the seed You have sown and tended. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Exodus 34:5-7 (NLT)

Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 (NLT)

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
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All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
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But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 13:24-30 (NLT)

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’

“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.

“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”
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Intercessions:

Holy Spirit guide us as we bring our needs to the Father:

+ For all who try to live as Christians – that they may receive the grace and power required to rise above the evil around them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have never known faith – that the Good News of Your saving mercy may transform their lives….
Lord, hear us.

+ For people who are finding life difficult at the moment – that the kindness of believing friends may reassure them of God’s care….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the young, as they search for truth – that the seeds of faith sown in them may bear abundant fruit….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those whose earthly journey is over – that our forgiving God may welcome them to their eternal home….
Lord, hear us.

God of love and compassion, You do marvellous deeds: hear the cries of our hearts today, especially for those we love, and hasten to fulfill Your perfect will in all our lives – we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Founders Sunday: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 ~ faith of our fathers

FOUNDERS SUNDAY

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

Opening prayer:

Living, loving God, You crowned the faith of Peter and the tireless preaching of Paul with a share in Christ’s triumphant death. Renew our faith by the example of their lives and rekindle our zeal for proclaiming the gospel. 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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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 12:1-11 (NLT)

"The Apostles Peter and Paul" El Greco, 1587-92 Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia — “The Apostles Peter and Paul”
El Greco, 1587-92
Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
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In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
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Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 (NLT)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
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But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-19 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
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Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: You set us free from all our fears. Hear our prayers:

+ For church leaders throughout the world — that their lives may be marked by loving service and that they may always point people to Your Son Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, the author and finisher of our faith….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who feel unworthy of the name of Christian — that, remembering the failings of Peter and Paul, they may trust in God’s grace and mercy….
Lord, hear us.

+ For men and women who, like Paul, work as missionaries — that they may have his enthusiasm and persistence in spreading the Gospel….
Lord, hear us.

+ For fisherman and all those who, like Peter, work on the sea – that they may be preserved from every danger…..
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who, like Paul, find Christ late in their lives – that the enthusiasm of their conversion may last as long as they live….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who are named Peter and Paul — that the inspiration of the saints may encourage them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all our friends whose lives on earth are over – that having fought the good fight, they may receive the crown of righteousness….
Lord, hear us.

Almighty God, you called Peter and Paul to be our leaders in faith: hear the prayers we make on this their day of remembrance through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joy, Whene’er we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark, Were still in heart and conscience free; And blest would be their children’s fate, If they, like them should die for thee: Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will love, Both friend and foe in all our strife, And preach thee, too, as love knows how, By kindly words and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Corpus Christi Sunday: Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14-16; Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58 ~ bread from heaven

CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY

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

Opening prayer:

The bread you give, O God, is Christ’s flesh for the life of the world; the cup of His blood is Your covenant for our salvation. Grant that we who worship Christ in this holy mystery may reverence Him in the needy of this world by lives poured out for the sake of that Kingdom where He lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 (NLT)

“Bread and Wine” by Norwegian painter Kjersti Timenes, 2003.

“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
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Do not… forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors….”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (NLT)

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For he has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children within your walls.
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He sends peace across your nation and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat. He sends his orders to the world — how swiftly his word flies!
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He has revealed his words to Jacob, his decrees and regulations to Israel. He has not done this for any other nation; they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord!
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NLT)

When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:51-58 (NLT)

Eucharistic images ... I am the Bread of Life (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2010) — Eucharistic images … I am the Bread of Life (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2010)

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”

Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked.

So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”
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Intercessions:

Our Father in Heaven: hear the prayers of Your sons and daughters –

+ For all who come to the Lord’s Table— that the presence of Christ may be a palpable reality….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who rarely join Your people in worship – that Your loving embrace may draw them back….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who are hungry in a world of plenty — that Your people may share with those in need….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our faith communities — that we who break bread together may also care for each other….
Lord, hear us.

+ For people who are lonely — that believing friends may be sent to them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who suffer — in mind, body or spirit — that Jesus may bring them comfort, healing and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who have gone before us in faith – that they may be raised up at the last day….
Lord, hear us.

God of infinite generosity, You sent Your Son to share our burdens and our hopes, to be our life and strength: hear the prayers we offer in His name, who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen.
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Bread of the Angels Is made bread for mankind; Gifted bread of Heaven Of all imaginings the end; Oh, thing miraculous! This body of God will nourish the poor, the servile, and the humble.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Trinity Sunday: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52-56; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18 ~ Holy, Holy, Holy

TRINITY SUNDAY

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

Opening sentence:

On this Trinity Sunday, we worship the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end.

Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy”

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 (NLT)

So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.

Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness….”

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Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession.”
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A Reading from the Book of Daniel: Daniel 3:52-56 (DRA)

Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever: and blessed is the holy name of thy glory: and worthy to be praised, and exalted above all in all ages.

Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory: and exceedingly to be praised, and exceeding glorious for ever.

Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom, and exceedingly to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet each other with Christian love. All of God’s people here send you their greetings.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 3:16-18 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son….”

Intercessions:

To You, Great God, be the glory – Trusting in Your grace and confident of Your mercy, hear our prayers.

+ For all believers – that we may know and experience Your love in whatever circumstance we find ourselves today….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For people who search for the truth – that You may embrace them with love and draw them into Your family….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who seek peace and justice – that we may inspire the peoples of the earth to work together toward that end….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For our faith communities around the world – that our Christian witness may be visible in the kind way we treat each other….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who are brokenhearted, confused, lost, sick, weak or poor – that the generosity of your people might offer help and hope….
Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For our loved ones who have died and those who mourn their loss – that we may live with the certain hope of resurrection, amd give glory and praise to God for ever more….
Lord, hear my prayer.

God of infinite mercy, hear the prayers of your people — who give praise for all the good things that come from you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn “To God Be the Glory”

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

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