Morning Prayer: 06 Jun – Proverbs 6:16-19 ~ seven things God hates

Peanut Gallery: During the month of June we are reading through the Book of Proverbs, one chapter per day. “Growing in Character” is the theme; each day we will look for practical advice on living a wise and godly life in this present age.

I recommend that you begin by reading through the entire chapter for the day yourself (a link will be included, see below.) There is something for everyone in the Book of Proverbs. I will focus on what speaks to me in the chapter and follow that theme for the day. But the verse that speaks to me, on any particular day, may be different from the wisdom God has for you… and you don’t want to miss out.

Growing in Character: Proverbs 6

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
_____

Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
__________

A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 6:16-19 (NLT)

There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests:
+ haughty eyes,
+ a lying tongue,
+ hands that kill the innocent,
+ a heart that plots evil,
+ feet that race to do wrong,
+ a false witness who pours out lies,
+ a person who sows discord in a family.
__________

A reading from the Epistles: Galatians 5:16, 24-25 (NLT)

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
_____

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
__________

A reading from the Gospels: John 16:8-11 (NLT)

When the Holy Spirit comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
__________

Reflection:

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: Proverbs 6:16-19 – Here is a list of things hateful to God. Those sins are in a special manner provoking to God, which are hurtful to the comfort of human life. These things which God hates, we must hate in ourselves; it is nothing to hate them in others. Let us shun all such practices, and watch and pray against them; and avoid, with marked disapproval, all who are guilty of them, whatever may be their rank.

Haughtiness, conceitedness of ourselves, and contempt of others — a proud look. Pride is at the bottom of much sin and gives rise to it… they overvalue themselves and undervalue all about them.
Falsehood, and fraud, and dissimulation. Nothing more sacred than truth, nor more necessary to conversation than speaking truth.
Cruelty and blood-thirstiness. The devil was, from the beginning, a liar and a murderer… so hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God, because they have in them the devil’s image and do him service.
Subtlety in the contrivance of sin, wisdom to do evil, a heart that… and knows how to carry on a covetous, envious, revengeful plot, most effectually. The more there is of craft and management in sin the more it is an abomination to God.
Vigor and diligence in the prosecution of sin — feet that are swift in running to mischief, as if they were afraid of losing time or were impatient of delay in a thing they are so greedy of.
False-witness bearing is one of the greatest mischiefs… and against which there is least defence. There cannot be a greater affront to God (to whom in an oath appeal is made) nor a greater injury to our neighbor (all whose interests in this world, even the dearest, lie open to an attack of this kind) than knowingly to give a false testimony.
Making mischief between relations and neighbors, and using all wicked means possible, not only to alienate their affections one from another, but to irritate their passions one against another. The God of love and peace hates him that sows discord among brethren, for he delights in concord. Those that by tale-bearing and slandering, by carrying ill-natured stories, aggravating every thing that is said and done, and suggesting jealousies and evil surmises, blow the coals of contention, are but preparing for themselves a fire of the same nature.

__________

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

Holy Trinity Sunday: Dt 4:32-34, 39-40; Ps 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22; Rom 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-20 ~ the rich mystery of God’s inner life

Holy Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate the most Holy Trinity, the rich mystery of God’s inner life. This remains a mystery beyond all understanding for us while we live in this world, even though the veil which covers it is lifted ever so little. The Bible assures us that not only is our God a personal God, but that God exists as three interactive, loving Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, while yet remaining one divine reality, one God.

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Full of joy on this morning, we adore and glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
_____

Father almighty, You sent the Spirit of Your Son into our hearts: fill us with Your Spirit, that we may be Your heirs and co-heirs with Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 (NLT)

“Now search all of history, from the time God created people on the earth until now, and search from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything as great as this ever been seen or heard before? Has any nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire — as you did — and survived? Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the Lord your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes.
_____

“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22 (NLT)

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
_____

For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
_____

But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
_____

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:14-17 (NLT)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

The fresco at Holy Trinity Church in Lorain, photographed after Wednesday morning mass, August 26, 2009.

__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him — but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
__________

__________

Intercessions:

God our Father, You revealed the great mystery of Your godhead to mankind when You sent into the world the Word who is Truth and the Spirit who makes us holy. Lord Jesus Christ, You sent the Paraclete from the Father’s side to be your witness: make us also Your witnesses before men.

+ Holy Father, of ourselves we are nothing. Give us the Holy Spirit – may He strengthen us in our weakness and intercede for us before Your face.

+ Son of God, You asked the Father to send the Comforter to Your people – may He, the Spirit of truth, remain with us always.

+ Come, Holy Spirit, and give us an abundance of Your fruits – make us loving, joyful, peaceful, patient and kind; give us integrity, forbearance, gentleness, faith, modesty, temperance and chastity.

Help us to grow in Your Truth and worship You in Spirit: three Persons, eternal in glory, one God, infinite in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

__________

Benediction:

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. (Rev 1:8)

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

Morning Prayer: 30 May – Psalm 19:8-11; Mark 11:27-33 ~ joy to the heart

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you.
_____

God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love, and self-control.

+ Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – in Christ we have been given every spiritual blessing.
+ By the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary brought Christ into the world – may Christ be born again today in the hearts of men.
+ Father, may Your Spirit lead us forward out of solitude – may He lead us to open the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the Word of light, to reap together the harvest of life.
+ Let our striving for Your Kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear – may the universe be alive with the Spirit, and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed.

Father, send us your Spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 19:8-11 (NLT)

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

__________

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16a-17c)
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 11:27-33 (NLT)
–

Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
__________

__________

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:

May 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: 29 May – Galatians 2:19-20; Mark 11:11-26 ~ Christ lives in me

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Lord Jesus, come to us today.
_____

Christ is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation, and the first to be born from the dead. All things are to be reconciled through Him because He made peace by His death on the cross.

+ We have been baptized into Your death- may I be cleansed of greed and envy, and clothed in the strength and gentleness of Your love.
+ We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit who has been given to us – confirm me in Your service, and help me to bear witness to You in the society in which I live.
+ Before You suffered, You longed to eat the passover with your disciples – as I take part in Your eucharist, may I share in Your resurrection.
+ You continue to work in Your faithful people – create through us a new world where injustice and destruction will give way to growth, freedom and hope.

Lord God, bestow a full measure of Your grace on me, as You work within me to keep me in the path of Your commandments, may I receive consolation in this present life and eternal joys in the next. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Letters: Galatians 2:19-20 (NLT)

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law — I stopped trying to meet all its requirements — so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
__________

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. (John 15:16)
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 11:11-26 (NLT)

So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.

When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because he people were so amazed at his teaching.

That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city

The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

__________

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 28 May – Psalm 33:2-9; Mark 10:46-52 ~ now that’s awesome

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Early in the morning I will think of You, O Lord. You have been my help.
_____

It is the Father’s will that we should see Him in the face of His beloved Son. Holy is Your name.

+ Christ greeted me with good news – may the world hear it through me, and find hope.
+ I praise and thank You, Lord of heaven and earth – You are the hope and joy of all people in every age.
+ May Christ’s coming transform Your people – renew our youth and vigor in the service of all.
+ I pray for Christians who suffer for their belief – sustain them in their hope.

Grant me, Lord, a true knowledge of salvation, so that, freed from fear and from the power of my foes, I may serve You faithfully all the days of my life. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Psalms: 33:2-9 (NLT)

Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
__________

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. (John 8:12)
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)

He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man Walter Rane — He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man
Walter Rane

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
__________

__________

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: