Morning Prayer: Friday 23 Oct 2020 – Psalms (91) and Proverbs (23) ~ “The LORD is my refuge!”

Morning Prayer, Friday, 23 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

I will say unto the LORD, “You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I will trust.”
(Psalm 91:2)

Preparation:

Holy Spirit, breath of God and fire of love, I cannot pray without your aid: Kindle in me the fire of your love, and illumine me with your light; that with a steadfast will and holy thoughts I may approach the Father in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in eternal union. Amen.

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 91”

1 Whoever dwells under the defense of the Most High *
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say unto the LORD, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I will trust.”
3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall defend you under his wings, and you shall be safe under his feathers; *
his faithfulness and truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Of the pestilence that walks in darkness, *
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall beside you, and ten thousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
8 Indeed, with your eyes you shall behold *
and see the reward of the ungodly.

9 Because you have said, “The LORD is my refuge,” *
and have made the Most High your stronghold,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
that you hurt not your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample under your feet.

14 “Because he has set his love upon me, therefore I will deliver him; *
I will lift him up, because he has known my Name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will hear him; *
indeed, I am with him in trouble; I will deliver him and bring him honor.
16 With long life I will satisfy him, *
and show him my salvation.”

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Psalm 91 (2003 Classic) | New Creation Worship

[When the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak hit Singapore in 2003, the church was encouraged by the teaching on Psalm 91 by Senior Pastor Joseph Prince. By the grace of God, no regular attendee from our church suffered death from the disease as the supernatural protection of God covered the church.

This song, inspired by the truths found in Psalm 91, became a declarative song of God’s protection over our lives. In the season of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak, this classic song was presented at our English services on Sunday, 23 February 2020 to remind us of Jesus’ faithfulness.]

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 23 (Sayings of the Wise)

9 Don’t waste your breath on fools,
for they will despise the wisest advice.

17 Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
18 You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.

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Consider:

I will say unto the LORD, “You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I will trust.”
(Psalm 91:2)

To take up a general truth and make it our own by personal faith is the highest wisdom. It is but poor comfort to say ‘the Lord is a refuge,’ but to say he is my refuge, is the essence of consolation. Those who believe should also speak—”I will say,” for such bold avowals honor God and lead others to seek the same confidence.

Behold this day the Lord is to us instead of walls and bulwarks! Our ramparts defy the leagured hosts of hell. Foes in flesh, and foes in ghostly guise are alike balked of their prey when the Lord of Hosts stands between us and their fury, and all other evil forces are turned aside. Walls cannot keep out the pestilence, but the Lord can.

We have trusted in God, let us trust him still. He has never failed us, why then should we suspect him? To trust in man is natural to fallen nature, to trust in God should be as natural to regenerated nature. Where there is every reason and warrant for faith, we ought to place our confidence without hesitancy or wavering. Dear reader, pray for grace to say, “In Him will I trust.”

__ Spurgeon

Prayer:

Lord God, you are my refuge and my stronghold:
my God in whom I will trust.

+ I trust you – to save me from hidden dangers…

+ I trust you – to save me from deadly diseases…

+ I trust you – to protect me from nightly fears…

+ I trust you – to protect me from daily assaults…

+ I trust you – to protect my family…

+ I trust you – to protect my home…

+ I trust you – to protect my church…

+ I trust you – to protect my country…

Lord God: you surround me with loving-kindness;
my life is in your hands. In you I trust.

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“Psalm 91” – Renew Collective

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.

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 22 Oct 2020 – Psalms (90) and Proverbs (22) ~ teach us to number our days

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 22 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“Teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.“
(Psalm 90:12)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 90”

1 Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth and the world were made, *
you are God from everlasting, and world without end.

3 You turn man back to the dust; *
you say, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, *
even as a day that is past.
5 You scatter them as a night-watch that comes quickly to an end; *
they are even as a dream and fade away.
6 They are like the grass, which in the morning is green, *
but in the evening is dried up and withered.
7 For we consume away in your displeasure *
and are afraid at your wrathful indignation.
8 You have set our misdeeds before you, *
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
9 For when you are angry, all our days are gone; *
we bring our years to an end, as a tale that is told.

10 The days of our life are seventy years, and though some be so strong that they come to eighty years, *
yet is their span but labor and sorrow; so soon it passes away, and we are gone.
11 But who regards the power of your wrath, *
and who considers the fierceness of your anger?
12 So teach us to number our days, *
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

13 Turn again, O LORD, and tarry not; *
be gracious unto your servants.
14 O satisfy us with your mercy in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15 Comfort us again, according to the measure of the days that you have afflicted us, *
and for the years in which we have suffered adversity.
16 Show your servants your work *
and their children your glory.
17 And may the grace of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands; O prosper our handiwork.

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Psalm 90 (A Thousand Years) – James Block

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 22 (The Wisdom of Solomon)

1. Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord made them both.

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Consider:

“Teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.“
(Psalm 90:12)

We are more anxious to count the stars than our days, and yet the latter is by far more practical.

Men are led by reflections upon the brevity of time to give their earnest attention to eternal things; they become humble as they look into the grave which is so soon to be their bed, their passions cool in the presence of mortality, and they yield themselves up to the dictates of unerring wisdom; but this is only the case when the Lord himself is the teacher; he alone can teach to real and lasting profit.

__ Spurgeon

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Improve Time in time, while the Time doth last.
For all Time is no time, when the Time is past.

—From Richard Pigot’s “Life of Man,” 1866.

Q: When you consider the brevity of life,

- what comes to mind?
- what is your greatest concern?
- what are your priorities?

Q: How can you apply God’s wisdom to finish well?

Prayer:

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5)

+ Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of me, your servant, and when I shall depart, speak to my spirit these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember me, your servant who trusts in you, when my tongue cannot speak, when the sight of my eyes fails, and when my ears are stopped. Let my spirit always rejoice in you and be joyful about my salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for me. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 90) – Josephine Cheong, Singapore

Blessing

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 21 Oct 2020 – Psalms (86) and Proverbs (21) ~you are God alone

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 21 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“Comfort the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.”
(Psalm 86:4-5)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 86”

1 Bow down your ear, O LORD, and hear me, *
for I am poor and in misery.
2 Preserve my life, for I am faithful; *
my God, save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord, *
for I will call daily upon you.
4 Comfort the soul of your servant, *
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.
6 Give ear, LORD, unto my prayer, *
and attend to the voice of my humble supplications.
7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, *
for you answer me when I call.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, *
nor are there any deeds like yours.
9 All nations that you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord, *
and shall glorify your Name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; *
indeed, you are God alone.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; *
O knit my heart to you, that I may fear your Name.
12 I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, *
and will praise your Name for evermore.
13 For great is your mercy toward me; *
you have delivered my life from the nethermost Pit.

14 O God, the proud have risen up against me, *
and the company of violent men have sought after my life, and have not set you before their eyes.
15 But you, O Lord God, are full of compassion and mercy, *
long-suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth.
16 O turn then unto me, and have mercy upon me; *
give your strength unto your servant, and help the son of your handmaid.
17 Show me some token of your favor, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, *
because you, LORD, have been my helper and comforter.

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Abounding In Love – Psalm 86 – Mike Janzen

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 21 (The proverbs of Solomon)

12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;
he will bring disaster on them.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.

30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan
can stand against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.

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Consider:

“Comfort the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, Lord, are good and gracious, *
and of great mercy to all those who call upon you.”
(Psalm 86:4-5)

Only God can put gladness into the heart, and make the soul rejoice; and it is the privilege of his servants to have joy, as well as peace, in believing.

Only God can comfort our souls when we pray in faith, and take care to keep up our communion with him.

Prayer is the nurse of spiritual joy.

__ Benson

God is merciful without measure; his goodness flows forth in abounding streams towards those who pray, and worship in spirit and truth – and call on his name.

__ Spurgeon

Q: Can you think of times when you have experienced the “joy of the Lord” in spite of difficult circumstances?

Q: How has prayer and communion with God strengthened and comforted you?

Q: Reflect for a moment on how you have experienced God’s mercy and goodness in your life?

Prayer:

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with me according to my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities; grant that I, who for my evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ my Lord. Amen.

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None – Elevation Worship

Blessing

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Tuesday 20 Oct 2020 – Psalms (85) and Proverbs (20) ~ Mercy and Truth shall flourish!

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 20 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“I will hearken to what the LORD God will say,
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
For his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.”
(Psalm 85:8-9)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 85”

1 LORD, you have been gracious to your land; *
you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the offence of your people *
and covered all their sins.

3 You have taken away all your displeasure *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

4 Restore us then, O God our Savior, *
and let your anger cease from us.
5 Will you be displeased at us for ever, *
and will you stretch out your wrath from one generation to another?
6 Will you not turn again and quicken us, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
and grant us your salvation.

8 I will hearken to what the LORD God will say, *
for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.
9 For his salvation is near to those who fear him, *
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Indeed, the LORD shall show goodness, *
and our land shall give its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and he shall direct his going in the way.

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“Psalm 85” – John Alexander Wilson

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 20 (The proverbs of Solomon)

24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,
exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
his throne is made secure through love.

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Consider:

We serve a jealous God, and therefore need to be constantly vigilant against evil.

Faith, however, knows that a saving God is always near at hand, but only to those who fear the Lord, and worship him with holy awe.

Whether it be a nation under adversity, or a single individual under chastisement, the message here is rich with encouragement to repentance, and renewed holiness.

That glory may dwell in our land.

The object of the return of grace will be a permanent establishment of a better state of things, so that gloriously devout worship shall be rendered to God continuously, and a glorious measure of prosperity shall be enjoyed in consequence.

Israel was glorious whenever she was faithful—her dishonor always followed her disloyalty; believers also live glorious lives when they walk obediently, and they only lose the true glory of their faith when they fall from their steadfastness.

In these two verses, we have an intimation of the coming of THE WORD OF GOD to the nations in times of deep apostacy and trouble, when faithful hearts would be looking and longing for the promise which had so long tarried. By his coming, salvation is brought near and glory, even the glory of the presence of the Lord, dwells among men.

__ Spurgeon

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Prayer

+ Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will.

Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth.

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, preserve our trust in you from failure; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Kyrie Eleison – Vineyard Worship

Blessing

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Monday 19 Oct 2020 – Psalms (84) and Proverbs (19) ~ rejoice in the living God

Morning Prayer, Monday, 19 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
For the LORD God is a light and defense;
the LORD will give grace and honor,
and no good thing shall he withhold from those who live a godly life.”
(Psalm 84:11-12)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 84”

1 How lovely are your dwellings, *
O LORD God of hosts!
2 My soul has a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the LORD; *
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3 Indeed, the sparrow has found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, *
even your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they who dwell in your house; *
they will be always praising you.

5 Blessed is the one whose strength is in you, *
in whose heart are your ways,
6 Who going through the valley of misery uses it for a well; *
indeed, the early rains fill the pools with water.
7 They will go from strength to strength, *
and the God of gods shall be seen by them in Zion.

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.

9 Behold, O God, our defender, *
and look upon the face of your Anointed.

10 For one day in your courts *
is better than a thousand;
11 I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God *
than dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
12 For the LORD God is a light and defense; *
the LORD will give grace and honor, and no good thing shall he withhold from those who live a godly
life.
13 O LORD God of hosts, *
blessed is the one who puts his trust in you.

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How Lovely / Ma Yedidot (Psalm 84) – James Block

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 19 (The proverbs of Solomon)

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
and then are angry at the Lord.

23 Fear of the Lord leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm.

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Consider:

Today, we find ourselves living in a season of darkness and danger –

Politicians and the media deceive the public, and godless people run rampant in the streets.
Pandemic has killed thousands, creating a climate of fear and isolation; “the experts” give conflicting messages.

But it’s the restrictions placed on public worship that are most devastating to believers. Online church services are no substitute for communal worship.

souls are longing to assemble with others for nourishment
spirits are longing to sing God’s praises for restoration
minds are longing for the truth of God’s word for guidance
hearts are longing for the comfort of God’s presence for assurance

In short, we are longing for the help and healing and hope that Jesus freely gives us when we gather together in his name. It’s in this context that we read today’s psalm.

Q: How are you satisfying your soul’s longing for God during these troubled times?

Q: What has happened to your worshiping community? How are you coping?

Q: When public worship is fully restored, what changes will become permanent?

Q: What are you learning about God… about about worship and prayer… about yourself?

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Prayer

+ O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

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Rejoice in the Lord: The Hamilton Family

Blessing

__________

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

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