Morning Prayer: Thursday 24 Sep 2020 – Psalms (37) and Proverbs (24) ~ wait patiently for the Lord

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 24 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
For evildoers shall be rooted out, but those who wait patiently for the LORD,
they shall inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:7,9)

Preparation:

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original

Psalm 37

1 Fret not yourself because of the ungodly, *
neither be envious of those who are evildoers.
2 For they shall soon be dried up like the grass, *
and be withered even as the green herb.

3 Put your trust in the LORD, and do good; *
dwell in the land, and surely you shall be fed.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, *
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way unto the LORD and put your trust in him, *
and he shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall make your righteousness as clear as the light *
and your just dealing as the noonday.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; *
do not grieve yourself over the one whose way prospers, over the one who carries out evil counsels.
8 Refrain from wrath, and let go of anger; *
fret not yourself, lest you be moved to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be rooted out, *
but those who wait patiently for the LORD, they shall inherit the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the ungodly shall be clean gone; *
you shall look for their place, and they shall not be there.
11 But the meek-spirited shall possess the land *
and shall be refreshed with an abundance of peace.

12 The ungodly plot against the just *
and gnash at them with their teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at them in scorn, *
for he sees that their day is coming.
14 The ungodly have drawn out the sword and have bent their bow *
to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay those who walk aright.
15 Their sword shall go through their own heart, *
and their bow shall be broken.

16 The little that the righteous has *
is better than great riches of the ungodly.
17 For the arms of the ungodly shall be broken, *
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the godly, *
and their inheritance shall endure for ever.
19 They shall not be confounded in perilous times, *
and in the days of famine they shall have enough.

20 As for the ungodly, they shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be consumed as in a fiery furnace; *
even as smoke shall they vanish away.

21 The ungodly borrow and do not repay, *
but the righteous are merciful and generous.
22 Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *
but those who are cursed by him shall be rooted out.

23 The LORD orders a man’s steps; *
he makes his footsteps sure and preserves him on his path.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be cast down, *
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now I am old, *
yet I never saw the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging bread.
26 The righteous is ever merciful in lending, *
and his seed shall be blessed.

27 Flee from evil, and do that which is good, *
and dwell in the land for ever.
28 For the LORD loves that which is right; *
he forsakes not those who are godly, and they are preserved for ever.
29 The unrighteous shall be punished; *
as for the seed of the ungodly, it shall be rooted out.
30 The righteous shall inherit the land *
and dwell therein for ever.

31 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, *
and his tongue talks of judgment.
32 The law of his God is in his heart, *
and his footsteps shall not falter.

33 The ungodly lie in wait for the righteous *
and seek occasion to slay him.
34 The LORD will not leave him in their hand, *
nor allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

35 Hope in the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you so that you shall possess the land; *
when the ungodly perish, you shall see it.

36 I myself have seen the ungodly in great power, *
and flourishing like a tree in full leaf.
37 I went by, and behold, they were gone; *
I sought them, but their place could nowhere be found.

38 Mark the blameless, and take heed of the upright, *
for there is a future for the peaceable.
39 As for the transgressors, they shall perish together, *
and the end of the ungodly is that they shall be rooted out at the last.

40 But the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD, *
who is also their strength in the time of trouble.
41 And the LORD shall stand by them and save them; *
he shall deliver them from the ungodly and shall save them, because they put their trust in him.

__________

Psalm 37 – Wait Patiently

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 24

10 Don’t give up and be helpless
in times of trouble.

19 Don’t let evil people
worry you
or make you jealous.
20 They will soon be gone
like the flame of a lamp
that burns out.

__________

Consider:

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
For evildoers shall be rooted out, but those who wait patiently for the LORD,
they shall inherit the land.
(Psalm 37:7,9)

“Be still before the Lord”

“Hold thee still” (so it may be translated). And this is the hardest precept that is given to man; insomuch that the most difficult precept of action sinks into nothing when compared with this command to inaction.

—Jerome.

“Wait patiently for him”

God is worth waiting for. “He never is before his time, he never is too late.” In a story we wait for the end to clear up the plot; we ought not to prejudge the great drama of life, but stay till the closing scene, and see to what a end the whole arrives.

“For evildoers shall be rooted out”

There is no good, but much evil, in worrying your heart about the present success of graceless plotters: be not enticed into premature judgments—they dishonor God, they weary yourself. Determine, let the wicked succeed as they may, that you will treat the matter with indifference, and never allow a question to be raised as to the righteousness and goodness of the Lord. What if wicked devices succeed and your own plans are defeated! there is more of the love of God in your defeats than in the successes of the wicked.

_____

Passion, according to Bunyan’s parable, has his good things first, and they are soon over; Patience has his good things last, and they last for ever.

—Spurgeon

Q: Do you find it difficult to do nothing – to be still before God?
Q: What hinders you? What helps you?

America is in turmoil over a Nomination to the Supreme Court, and the upcoming elections.

Q: What do you expect to happen between now and when it all ends?
Q: Can you trust God for the final outcome?
Q: What can you do to wait patiently in the meantime?

Prayer:

+ For Our nation

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 from 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, sustain our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Our President and Members of Congress

O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to President Trump and Members of Congress the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For Courts of Justice

Almighty God, you sit on your throne giving righteous judgment: We humbly ask you to bless all courts of justice and all magistrates in this land; give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that fearing no power but yours alone, they may discern the truth and impartially administer the law; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve as US President and Members of Congress. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

__________

“Be Still” – the Hillsong Worship

__________

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 23 Sep 2020 – Psalms (36) and Proverbs (22) ~ How excellent is your mercy, O God!

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 23 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

Preparation:

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original

Psalm 36

1 My heart shows me the wickedness of the ungodly; *
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own sight, *
until his abominable sin is found out.
3 The words of his mouth are unrighteous and full of deceit; *
he has left off behaving wisely and doing good.
4 He imagines mischief upon his bed, and has set himself in no good way; *
neither does he abhor anything that is evil.

5 Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains; your judgments are like the great deep; *
you, LORD, shall save both man and beast.

7 How excellent is your mercy, O God! *
The children of men shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of your house, *
and you shall give them drink from your pleasures as out of a river.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light shall we see light.

10 O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.
11 O let not the foot of the proud come against me, *
and let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down.

12 There have they fallen, all those who work wickedness; *
they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

__________

Psalm 36 – Exodus Road Band

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 22

4 Respect and serve the Lord!
Your reward will be wealth,
a long life, and honor.

12 The Lord watches over everyone
who shows good sense,
but he frustrates the plans
of deceitful liars.

__________

Consider:

Your mercy, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
(Psalm 36:5)

Total depravity is not too strong a term to describe human wickedness. The sinner has “no fear of God.” Where that is wanting, how can there be any piety? And if there is no piety, there must be total want of right affections, and that is the very essence of depravity.

—William S. Plumer.

God’s Mercy

Divine mercy abides in its vastness of expanse, and matchless patience, all unaltered by the rebellions of man. When we can measure the heavens, then shall we bound the mercy of the Lord….

Far, far above all comprehension is the truth and faithfulness of God. He never fails, nor forgets, nor falters, nor forfeits his word. Afflictions are like clouds, but the divine truthfulness is all around them….

God’s dealings with men are not to be fathomed by every boaster who demands to see a why for every wherefore. The Lord is not to be questioned by us as to why this and why that. He has reasons, but he does not choose to submit them to our foolish consideration. Far and wide, terrible and irresistible like the ocean are the providential dispensations of God: at one time they appear as peaceful as the placid sea of glass; at another tossed with tempest and whirlwind, but evermore most glorious and full of mystery….

The Lord overshadows his people as a hen protects her brood, or as an eagle covers its young; and we as the little ones run under the blessed shelter and feel at rest. To cower down under the wings of God is so sweet. Although the enemy be far too strong for us, we have no fear, for we nestle under the Lord’s wing….

– Spurgeon

Q: Are you sheltering in place under the shadow of God’s wings?

Q: Are you seeking protection from the wickedness of godless people?

Q: Can you ask God to show them his mercy and lovingkindness?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

+ For the Unrepentant

Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe, especially the ungodly creating chaos in the streets. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For Mercy

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.

__________

“Kyrie Eleison” – the Vineyard Worship

__________

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Morning Prayer: Tuesday 22 Sep 2020 – Psalms (31) and Proverbs (21) ~ My time is in your hand, O Lord

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 22 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

My hope has been in you, O LORD;
I have said, “You are my God.” My time is in your hand….

(Psalm 31:16-17)

Preparation:

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original

Psalm 31

1 In you, O LORD, have I put my trust; *
let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Bow down your ear to me, *
make haste to deliver me,
3 And be my strong rock and house of defense, *
that you may save me.

4 For you are my strong rock and my castle; *
be also my guide, and lead me for your Name’s sake.
5 Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, *
for you are my strength.
6 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.

7 I have hated those who hold to worthless vanities, *
and my trust has been in the LORD.
8 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy, *
for you have considered my trouble, and have known my soul in adversities.
9 You have not shut me up in the hand of the enemy, *
but have set my feet where they may walk at liberty.

10 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with heaviness, and also my soul and my body.
11 For my life has grown old with heaviness, *
and my years with mourning.
12 My strength fails me because of my iniquity, *
and my bones are consumed.

13 I have become a reproof among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors; *
my acquaintances are afraid of me, and those who see me in the street shrink from me.
14 I am utterly forgotten, as a dead man, out of mind; *
I have become like a broken vessel.
15 For I have heard the whispering of the multitude, and fear is on every side, *
while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.

16 But my hope has been in you, O LORD; *
I have said, “You are my God.”
17 My time is in your hand; *
deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
18 Show your servant the light of your countenance, *
and save me for your mercy’s sake.

19 Let me not be confounded, O LORD, for I have called upon you; *
let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave.
20 Let the lying lips be put to silence, *
which cruelly, disdainfully, and despitefully speak against the righteous.

21 Oh, how plentiful is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, *
and which you have prepared for those who put their trust in you, even before the children of men!
22 You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who conspire against them; *
you keep them in your refuge from the strife of tongues.

23 Thanks be to the LORD, *
for he has shown me marvelously great kindness in a strong city.
24 But when I was afraid, I said in my haste, *
“I am cast out of the sight of your eyes.”
25 Nevertheless, you heard the voice of my prayer *
when I cried unto you.

26 O love the LORD, all you his saints, *
for the LORD preserves those who are faithful, and plenteously repays the proud.
27 Be strong, and he shall establish your heart, *
all you that put your trust in the LORD.

__________

Psalm 31 (You Are My Strength) – My Soul Among Lions

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 21

1 The Lord controls rulers,
just as he determines
the course of rivers.
2 We may think we are doing
the right thing,
but the Lord always knows
what is in our hearts.

30 No matter how much you know
or what plans you make,
you can’t defeat the Lord.
31 Even if your army has horses
ready for battle,
the Lord will always win.

__________

Consider:

My hope has been in you, O LORD; I have said, “You are my God.”
My time is in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me. 

(Psalm 31:16-17)

“You are my God.” (vs 16)

So long as our faith, which is our shield, is safe, the battle may go hard, but its ultimate result is no matter of question…. (Spurgeon)

Nothing is more difficult, when we see our faith derided by the whole world, than to direct our speech to God only, and to rest satisfied with this testimony which our conscience gives us, that he is our God. (John Calvin)

“My time is in your hand.” (vs 17)

The sovereign arbiter of destiny holds in his own power all the issues of our life; we are not waifs and strays upon the ocean of fate, but are steered by infinite wisdom towards our desired haven…. It is [right] to desire escape from persecution if it be the Lord’s will; and when this may not be granted us in the form which we desire, sustaining grace will give us deliverance in another form, by enabling us to laugh to scorn all the fury of the foe. (Spurgeon)

Q: Can you say “O Lord, you are my God” with heartfelt conviction?
Q: What things are going on in your life that test this pledge of allegiance to God?

Q: Do you believe that God is sovereign over your life (your country)?
Q: How does that affect the way you live (your thoughts, your feelings, your actions)?

Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy 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 hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

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.

+ To Please God Rather Than Men (Thomas à Kempis)

Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.

__________

“My Life is in Your Hands” – the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

__________

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Morning Prayer: Monday 21 Sep 2020 – Psalms (30) and Proverbs (19) ~ joy comes in the morning

Morning Prayer, Monday, 21 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God most high, your ways are not our ways, for your kindness
is lavished equally upon all. Teach us to welcome your mercy toward others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves. 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

“Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his,
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.
For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30:4-5)

Preparation:

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original

Psalm 30

1 I will magnify you, O LORD, for you have lifted me up, *
and have not let my foes triumph over me.

2 O LORD my God, I cried unto you, *
and you have made me whole.

3 You, LORD, have brought my soul out of the Grave; *
you have saved my life from among those who go down to the Pit.

4 Sing praises unto the LORD, O you saints of his, *
and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime; *
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 In my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved; *
you, LORD, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.”

7 You turned your face from me, *
and I was distressed.

8 Then I cried unto you, O LORD, *
and came to my LORD most humbly.

9 What profit is there in my bloodshed, *
if I go down into the Pit?

10 Shall the dust give thanks unto you? *
Or shall it declare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me. *
O LORD, be my helper.

12 You have turned my lamentation into dancing; *
you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.

13 Therefore shall my heart sing of your praise without ceasing

__________

Joy Comes In The Morning – Tasha Layton | Church of the City

Praise You when I’m overwhelmed, Praise You in my brokenness
Praise You so I don’t forget Who You are Who You are
Praise You when I’ve lost my way, Praise You when I’m so afraid
Praise You ’cause You never change Who You are Who You are

Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning
Weeping may endure for the night
But joy comes in the morning, Joy comes in the morning

Praise You when I’m empty-handed, Praise You when I feel abandoned
Praise You cause I’m not alone You see me You see me
Praise You when the road is long, Praise You when my faith is gone
Praise You ’cause You hear the song I’m singing I’m singing

I will fear no evil, I know You are with me
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are
Fighting all my battles, Lighting every shadow
Closer than I think You are, Closer than I think You are

__________

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 19

11 It’s wise to be patient
and show what you are like
by forgiving others.

21 We may make a lot of plans,
but the Lord will do
what he has decided.

23 Showing respect to the Lord
brings true life—
if you do it, you can relax
without fear of danger.

__________

Consider:

“For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5)

David alludes to God’s chastisement of his people, e.g. the plague which fell on Jerusalem for David’s sins – a short judgement that was removed by repentance and atonement; followed by a season of God’s blessing and favor.

The life of a Christian is filled up with interchanges of sickness and health, weakness and strength, want and wealth, disgrace and honor, crosses, and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, mirth and mourning; all honey would harm us, all wormwood would undo us; a composition of both is the best way in the world to keep our souls in a healthy constitution. It is best and most for the health of the soul that the south wind of mercy, and the north wind of adversity, do both blow upon it; and though every wind that blows shall blow good to the saints, yet certainly their sins die most, and their graces thrive best, when they are under the drying, nipping north wind of calamity, as well as under the warm, cherishing south wind of mercy and prosperity.

—Thomas Brooks.

Q: What season of life are you in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: How then might you pray?

Q: What season do you think the world is in right now – calamity / mercy?
Q: Do you think the COVID pandemic has anything to do with God’s wrath?
Q: What would usher in a season of God’s favor?

Prayer:

+ For The Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Social Justice

Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

+ For Peace in Social Conflict

Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Media

Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Your Plans For Us – Eleventh Hour Worship

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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: Saturday 19 Sep 2020 – Psalms (25) and Proverbs (18) ~ O Lord, let me not be ashamed…

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 19 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

Gracious God: without You I am unable to please You.
Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may rule and direct my heart in all things;
through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“My God, I have put my trust in you; O let me not be ashamed…”
(Psalm 25:1)

Preparation:

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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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original

Psalm 25

1 Unto you, O LORD, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in you; *
O let me not be ashamed, neither let my enemies triumph over me.

2 For all those who hope in you shall not be ashamed, *
but those who deal untruly shall be put to confusion.

3 Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me forth in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation; in you has been my hope all the day long.

5 Call to remembrance, O LORD, your tender mercies, *
and your loving-kindnesses, which have been from of old.

6 O remember not the sins and offenses of my youth, *
but according to your mercy think on me, O LORD, in your goodness.

7 Gracious and righteous is the LORD; *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

8 Those who are meek shall he guide in judgment, *
and those who are gentle shall he teach his way.

9 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

10 For your Name’s sake, O LORD, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.

11 Who is the one who fears the LORD? *
He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.

12 He shall dwell at ease, *
and his seed shall inherit the land.

13 The LORD reveals his secret counsel to those who fear him, *
and he will show them his covenant.

14 My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

15 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, *
for I am desolate and in misery.

16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged; *
O bring me out of my troubles.

17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.

18 Consider my enemies, how many they are, *
and how they bear a tyrannous hate against me.

19 O keep my soul and deliver me; *
Let me not be ashamed, for I have put my trust in you.

20 Let integrity and righteous dealing preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.

21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.

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Psalm 25 – Exodus Road Band

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 18

3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom are a stream
that flows from a deep fountain.

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Consider:  “O let me not be ashamed…” (Psalm 25:1,19)

Psalm 25 is David’s prayer of trust and devotion to God

+ For pardon from sin
+ For direction in right living
+ For the favor of God
+ For deliverance from troubles
+ For protection from enemies
+ For salvation for the people of God

“If we make our confidence in God our stay, it shall not be our shame.”
(Matthew Henry)

Prayer:

Gracious God: I put my trust in you –

  • Forgive my sins…  Lord, have mercy.
  • Direct my life…  Lord, have mercy.
  • Show me your goodness….  Lord, have mercy.
  • Deliver me from trouble….  Lord, have mercy.
  • Protect me from harm….  Lord, have mercy.
  • Save me forever….  Lord, have mercy.

Gracious God: preserve me, body and soul;
my trust is in you.

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 Build My Life – Pat Barrett

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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.