Tag: Jesus Christ

Praying the Psalms: Wed, 25 Jul – Psalm 22 ~ My God, why have you forsaken me?

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

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 Reading: Psalm 22 (NLT)

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying,

“Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”

Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.

O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.

I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.

I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.

Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: Break into the darkness of our suffering, and shine the light of a new glorious day – even as you raised your Son, Jesus Christ, from “man of sorrows” to “King of endless glory.”

Hear the cries of your people in great distress –

+ who pray to you without ceasing
+ who suffer derision and mocking
+ whose enemies plot their destruction
+ whose strength is exhausted
+ who feel abandoned and alone

Still, Lord, they hold onto you –

+ their hearts yearn for you
+ their hope for deliverance is in you
+ they trust in you to save them

O Lord our God: Your Son, Jesus Christ, understands their heartache and suffering –

+ He, too, asked, “My God, why have you abandoned me?”
+ He, too, experienced our human weakness and vulnerability
+ He, too, suffered reproach, scorn and treachery
+ He, too, experienced physical pain and suffering even unto death

O Lord our God: Pour out your Spirit on your suffering people –

+ Lead them out of their darkness into your glorious light
+ Comfort them now; relieve their pain and and heal their wounds
+ Fill them with the strength and power of your risen Son
+ Remind them of their eternal destiny of heavenly glory

O Lord our God: Turn the heartfelt cries of your people into songs of worship and joy, we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, for the honor and glory of your Name. Amen.
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“My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Psalm 22)” – Diocese of St. Benedict


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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Praying the Psalms: Tue, 24 Jul – Psalm 21 ~ rejoice in your King

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

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 Reading: Psalm 21 (NLT)

How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because you give him victory. For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.

You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.

You will capture all your enemies. Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you. You will throw them in a flaming furnace when you appear. The Lord will consume them in his anger; fire will devour them. You will wipe their children from the face of the earth; they will never have descendants. Although they plot against you, their evil schemes will never succeed. For they will turn and run when they see your arrows aimed at them. Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.
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Morning Prayer

King Jesus, Son of God: We rejoice in your victory over sin and death –

+ You are the Father’s beloved Son – in perfect accord with Him
+ You are the Father’s beloved Son – in complete surrender to Him
+ You are the Father’s beloved Son – the visible image of Him

King Jesus, Son of Man: You alone delivered us from sin –

+ The Father’s justice was your heart’s desire
+ The Father’s justice was your willing sacrifice
+ The Father’s justice was your gift to our broken world

Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory: Come to us in strength and power –

+ That all the powers of evil may be placed under your feet
+ That all opposition to your Kingdom may be overthrown
+ That all your people may joyously sing your praises, now and forever

Even so, come quickly, King Jesus. Amen.
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“Psalm 21 (Tune: Exultation)” – Free Church of Scotland

O LORD, in your strength how the king is exultant!
How great is his joy in the triumphs you bring!
To him you have granted his heart’s deepest longing;
you answered the plea from the lips of the king.

You welcomed him richly with blessings of goodness;
a crown of fine gold you have placed on his head.
He asked you for life, and you gave him it freely—
abundance of days, that his years should not end.

Through triumphs you gave his renown is exalted,
and you have bestowed on him splendour and grace.
You surely have granted him blessings eternal;
you filled him with joy by the light of your face.

For the king puts his trust in the LORD high above;
unshaken he stands through the LORD’s steadfast love.

Your hand will lay hold upon all your opponents;
your right hand will seize all the foes in your path.
You’ll set them ablaze with your glorious appearance;
you’ll swallow them up in the fire of your wrath.

From earth you will utterly wipe out their offspring.
They plot wicked schemes, but will never prevail.
Because when you aim with your bow at the ready
you’ll make them turn back and their courage will fail.

Be exalted, O LORD, in the strength of your arm;
we will praise your great might to the sound of a psalm.
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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Praying the Psalms: Mon, 23 Jul – Psalm 20 ~ In times of trouble

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

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 Reading: Psalm 20 (NLT)

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.

  • May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
  • May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
  • May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
  • May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.
  • May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
  • May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.
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Morning Prayer

Sovereign Lord: Our nation is in trouble – we are a deeply divided people, without reason or common sense, without trust in you to hold us together. Use this time of strife to reveal our true character.

+ That we might be driven to seek your face, in prayer and practice
+ That we might be strengthened to persevere in our trials and distress
+ That we might be cheered by our trust in your gracious purpose for us

Sovereign Lord: Bring together people of faith and goodwill who will further your Kingdom purpose to help us become one people under your rule and reign.

+ That we might comfort and encourage one another
+ That we might worship you in Spirit and Truth – one God – Father, Son, and Spirit
+ That we might lead our nation into a season repentance and restoration

Sovereign Lord: Prepare your people for the coming victory of right over wrong and good over evil; prepare us for the coming of your Son in glory.

+ That we might sort out our priorities and first seek your everlasting Kingdom
+ That we might live confidently and joyfully – certain of your deliverance
+ That we might trust you to answer us and bring total victory

Sovereign Lord: Draw us close to you that we might join the heavenly chorus –

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
and from the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God.

Revelation 7:9-11 (NLT)

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“Safe (Psalm 20)” – The Shiyr Poets

May the Lord answer you | When you are in distress
May the name of Jacob’s God keep you safe
May he send you his help | From Zion’s sacred place
May God remember every sacrifice

May he grant your heart’s desires
And may all your plans succeed
We’ll sing for joy in your victory
Our banners raise in the name of God
Of our God

Now I know the Lord will save | His anointed one
From his holy heaven he will answer him
Some they trust in chariots | In their military might
But we will trust in the name of God
Of our God

Some have stumbled and fallen
We rise we stand tall
Some have stumbled and fallen
We rise we stand tall

O Lord rescue the king | Your strong arm keep him safe
May you answer when we call upon your name

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress
May the name of Jacob’s God keep you safe
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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – 22 July – Mark 6:30-34 ~ sheep without a shepherd

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God, from far and near you gather your people into one flock. Safeguard the unity of your flock through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd, that all your scattered children may find in him the guidance and nourishment they seek. 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.
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“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”


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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:30-34 (NLT)

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Good Shepherd: Gather us into your fold, we need your protection and tender care. In your kindness, hear our prayers on behalf of your people –

+ For all who pastor your people – that they may be good shepherds after your example….
+ For all who care for animals – that they may be rewarded for their husbandry….
+ For all who feel lost – that you may find them, teach them, and lead them home….
+ For all who work hard in their parishes – that they make time for rest and recreation….
+ For all who help others to pray and reflect – that the Spirit may guide them into all truth….
+ For all who have asked our prayers – that our care may remind them of your love for them….
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may dwell in your presence forever….

O God, our Shepherd, your goodness and kindness help us every day: Hear our prayers and be with us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Savior Like a Shepherd” – Fernando Ortega


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Blessing – Psalm 23:6

May your goodness and unfailing love pursue us all the days of our lives, and may we live in the house of the Lord forever. 

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

Praying the Psalms: Sat, 21 Jul – Psalm 19 ~ The voice of God

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

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 Reading: Psalm 19 (NLT)

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.

  • The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
  • 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.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: The heavens proclaim your glory for everyone to see –

+ The sun and moon reveal your glory by day and by night
+ The changing seasons and weather reveal your power
+ The infinite solar systems in outer space reveal your majesty

Nevertheless, some hear, and others don’t. Some recognize your presence and working, while others resist – denying that there is anything more in play than natural cause and effect. Lord our God, open the eyes of unbelievers to see your glory.

O Lord our God: Your Word proclaims Truth for the saving of our souls –

+ Your Word reveals your character
+ Your Word reveals your saving grace
+ Your Word reveals your Son our Savior
+ Your Word reveals your mercy and the forgiveness of sin
+ Your Word reveals your wisdom for godly living

O Lord our God: You alone deserve our highest praise and thoughtful attention –

+ For you enlighten our minds and make us wise
+ For you revive our senses and open our hearts
+ For you cause mourners to sing and captives to leap for joy
+ For you fill the brokenhearted with gladness and hope
+ For you show the penitent the way to peace

O Lord our God: May our lives reflect your glory and honor you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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“Voice Of The Skies (Psalm 19)” – The Shiyr Poets

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God

Day after day | Night after night
The voice of the skies proclaim | The art of your hands
Without a sound | Without a word
The voice of the skies goes out | To the edge of the world

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God

For the sun a celestial pavilion
Like a couple just wed from their canopy come
The rising of the sun to warm the world
Then the sun completes its circuit
Like a champion running his course with delight
Nothing in the world escapes it’s heat

The law of the Lord is perfect
The law of the Lord revives the soul
The Lord’s commands are sure delighting the heart
The fear of the Lord is blameless
The fear of the Lord gives light to the eyes
The teachings of the Lord make the foolish wise

To be desired | Much more than gold
Sweeter than honey from the honeycomb
Your servant is warned | Of danger and woe
For all who keep your word there’s great reward

For who can discern their own heart
Cleanse me from these hidden faults of mine
Keep me your servant from willful sin
Let them not be master over me
Then I will be blameless
I will be innocent
I will be free from sin

May the words | Of my mouth
May every heartfelt thought be pleasing to you
O Lord My Rock | Redeemer of all
May the life I live be pleasing to you
May the life I live be pleasing to you

The heavens declare the glory
The heavens declare the glory of
The heavens declare the glory of God
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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

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!