Morning Prayer: Saturday 12 Sep 2020 – Psalms (12) and Proverbs (12) ~ “I will rise up,” says the LORD

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 12 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord God, grant me grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with a pure heart and mind to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

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 12

1 Help me, O LORD, for there is no godly one left; *
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men.

2 They speak falsely, every one with his neighbor; *
they flatter with their lips and deceive with a double heart.

3 The Lord shall root out all deceitful lips *
and the tongues that speak proud things,

4 Which have said, “With our tongue will we prevail; *
our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

5 “Now because of the trouble of the needy *
and because of the deep sighing of the poor,

6 I will rise up,” says the LORD, *
“and will give help to every one who longs for it.”

7 The words of the LORD are pure words, even as silver that is tried in the furnace, *
and as gold that is purified seven times in the fire.

8 Preserve us, O Lord, and save us *
from this perverse and evil generation.

9 The ungodly walk on every side *
when wickedness is exalted among the children of men.

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Psalm 12 (The Promises Of The LORD) – Karl Kohlhase

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 12

Some proverbs of Solomon:

5 Good people have kind thoughts,
but you should never trust the advice of someone evil.

6 Bad advice is a deadly trap,
but good advice is like a shield.

8 Good sense is worthy of praise,
but stupidity is a curse.

23 Be sensible and don’t tell everything you know—
only fools spread foolishness everywhere.

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Consider:

“I will rise up,” says the LORD, “and will give help to every one who longs for it.”
(Psalm 12:6)

“If ‘vileness is set on high among the sons of men,’ it is because the sons of men prefer it to the stern purity of goodness.
A corrupt people will crown corrupt men and put them aloft.” (Maclaren)
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“Think of God arising in his might… nothing stands before him when he once arises. Poor, sick, needy, sorrowing, sighing child of God, it is you who can bring him into this marvelous state of activity.” (Spurgeon)

“to every one who longs for it”

The “longing of the needy” here is a deep sighing and sorrow, a “groaning” under the weight of oppression and persecution. It’s a cry for relief from lying, deceitful, wicked people who have been placed in positions of authority.

The Psalmist says that God will arise in response to the groaning of his people.

Q: Do you think of this current generation as evil or perverse? Why/why not?

Q: Is wickedness exalted in this nation? What form does it take?

Q: Do you think of prayer as a form of “groaning” before God”

Q: Have you groaned before God on behalf of your country.

Q: What would you like to see happen if God were to arise in response to groaning prayer?

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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 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, revive an unfailing trust in you;

All of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle

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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: Friday 11 Sep 2020 – Psalms (11) and Proverbs (11) ~ The LORD tests the righteous

Morning Prayer, Friday, 11 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 11

1 In the LORD I put my trust; *
how then can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird unto the hill;

2 For behold, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrow upon the string, *
that they may secretly shoot at those who are true of heart.

3 For the foundations will be cast down, *
and what can the righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in his holy temple; *
the LORD’s throne is in heaven.

5 His eyes consider the poor, *
and his eyelids try the children of men.

6 The LORD tests the righteous, *
but the ungodly, and those who delight in wickedness, his soul abhors.

7 Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tempest; *
this shall be their portion to drink.

8 For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; *
the upright shall behold his face.

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(Refuge (Psalm 11): – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 11

Here are some proverbs of Solomon:

11 When God blesses his people, their city prospers,
but deceitful liars can destroy a city.

14 A city without wise leaders will end up in ruin;
a city with many wise leaders will be kept safe.

31 If good people are rewarded here on this earth,
all who are cruel and mean will surely be punished.

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Consider: “The LORD tests the righteous” (Psalms 11:6)

None of the Lord’s children may hope to escape from trial, nor, indeed, in our right minds, would any of us desire to do so, for trial is the channel of many blessings. (Spurgeon)

Q: Do you believe that God blesses His people through trials? Has that been your experience?
Q: Can you envision blessings coming out of the COV-ID crisis? What might they be?
Q: Can you envision blessings coming out of the current civil unrest? What might they be?

When the advice of fear comes upon us, we can only arrive at the answer of faith by spending time with the LORD. When we think about our problems, the advice of fear often overwhelms us. When we pray about our problems, the answer of faith assures our hearts. (Guzik)

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Prayer:

+ For Our Enemies

O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.

+ For President Trump and All in Civil Authority

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 to all in authority, 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 Trust in Times of Worry

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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God Of This City – Chris Tomlin

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 10 Sep 2020 – Psalms (10) and Proverbs (10) ~ Why do you stand so far off, O LORD?

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 10 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 10

1 Why do you stand so far off, O LORD, *
and hide your face in the time of need and trouble?

2 The ungodly in his pride persecutes the poor; *
let him be taken in the crafty schemes that he has imagined.

3 For the ungodly has boasted of his own heart’s desire; *
the covetous holds the LORD in contempt and blasphemes his Name.

4 The ungodly is so proud that he cares not for God; *
neither is God in any of his thoughts.

5 His ways are always grievous; *
your judgments are far above, out of his sight, and therefore he defies all his enemies.

6 For he has said in his heart, “I shall never be cast down; *
no harm shall happen to me.”

7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud; *
under his tongue are ungodliness and vanity.

8 He sits lurking in the thievish corners of the streets, and in his hiding places he murders the innocent; *
his eyes are set against the poor.

9 For he lies waiting secretly, even as a lion lurks in his den, *
that he may ravish the poor.

10 He ravishes the poor *
when he gets him into his net.

11 The innocent is crushed and humbled before him, *
and the weak cannot stand against his might.

12 He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; *
he hides away his face, and he will never see it.”

13 Arise, O LORD God, and lift up your hand; *
forget not the poor.

14 Why should the wicked blaspheme God, *
while he says in his heart, “You, O God, do not care”?

15 Surely you have seen it, for you behold ungodliness and wrong,*
that you may take the matter into your hand.

16 The poor commits himself unto you, *
for you are the helper of the fatherless.

17 Break the power of the ungodly and malicious; *
search out his ungodliness until you have brought it all to light.

18 The LORD is King for ever and ever, *
and the nations have perished out of the land.

19 O LORD, you have heard the desire of the poor; *
you prepare their heart, and your ear hearkens to it,

20 To help the fatherless and poor with justice, *
that the one who is of the earth may terrify no more.

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On This Troubled Day (Psalm 10): – The Shiyr Poets

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 10

Here are some proverbs of Solomon:

3 If you obey the Lord, you won’t go hungry;
if you are wicked, God won’t let you have
what you want.

11 The words of good people are a source of life,
but evil hides behind the words of the wicked.

24 What evil people dread most will happen to them,
but good people will get what they want most.

28 If you obey the Lord, you will be happy,
but there is no future for the wicked.

29 The Lord protects everyone who lives right,
but he destroys anyone who does wrong.

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Consider:

“Why do you stand so far off, O LORD, and hide your face in the time of need and trouble?”
(Psalm 10:1)

“The presence of God is the joy of his people, but any suspicion of his absence is distracting beyond measure. . . . It is not the trouble, but the hiding of our Father’s face, which cuts us to the quick.” (Spurgeon)

Q: Have you ever cried out to God when you were in trouble? What happened? Did God intervene on your behalf?

Q: Have you ever experienced a time of trouble when God didn’t intervene on your behalf? What happened?

Q: Do you believe that God is with you, and for you, when you are in trouble – even though you may feel alone?

Q: Do you believe that God will ultimately judge evil, wicked, mean, bad. nasty people?

Q: How would you feel if God chose to save them instead?

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Prayer:

+ 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 those wicked, nasty people roaming the streets of this country. 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 Submission to God’s Will (Joseph Mercier)

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Amen.

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First & Last : Royal City Worship

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 09 Sep 2020 – Psalms (9) and Proverbs (9) ~ Put the ungodly in fear, O LORD!

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 09 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord God, grant me grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with a pure heart and mind to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 9

1 I will give thanks unto you, O LORD, with my whole heart; *
I will speak of all your marvelous works.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; *
indeed, my songs will I sing of your Name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies are driven back, *
they shall fall and perish at your presence;

4 For you have maintained my right and my cause; *
you sit on your throne judging right.

5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the ungodly; *
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

6 As for the enemy, their destruction has come; they are in perpetual ruin; *
like the cities which you have destroyed, their memory has perished with them.

7 But the LORD sits enthroned for ever; *
he has prepared his seat for judgment.

8 For he shall judge the world in righteousness, *
and minister true judgment to the peoples.

9 The LORD will be a defense for the oppressed, *
even a refuge in the time of trouble;

10 And those who know your Name will put their trust in you, *
for you, LORD, have never failed those who seek you.

11 O praise the LORD who dwells in Zion; *
tell the peoples what things he has done.

12 For when he takes vengeance for blood, he remembers them, *
and forgets not the cry of the poor.

13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider the trouble I suffer from those who hate me, *
O you who lift me up from the gates of death,

14 That I may tell of all your praises within the gates of the daughter of Zion; *
I will rejoice in your salvation.

15 The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made; *
in the same net which they hid secretly is their foot caught.

16 The LORD is known to execute judgment; *
the ungodly are trapped in the works of their own hands.

17 The wicked shall return to the grave, *
even all the peoples that forget God.

18 For the poor shall not always be forgotten; *
the patient hope of the meek shall not perish for ever.

19 Rise up, O LORD, and let them not have the upper hand; *
let the nations be judged in your sight.

20 Put them in fear, O LORD, *
that the nations may know themselves to be merely human.

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(Psalm 9: Zion’s Daughter) – My Soul Among Lions

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 9: 10-11, 13-18

Wisdom

Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. I am Wisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time.

Stupidity

Stupidity is reckless, senseless, and foolish. She sits in front of her house and on the highest hills in the town. She shouts to everyone who passes by, “If you are stupid, come on inside!” And to every fool she says, “Stolen water tastes best, and the food you eat in secret tastes best of all.” None who listen to Stupidity understand that her guests are as good as dead.

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Consider: Our core values shape how we live our lives. Different values produce different results. Our actions have consequences.

Wise people fear the Holy God; they know God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. They respect and obey God as guided by His Word and Spirit. They live full, satisfying lives now and forever.

Stupid people reject the Holy God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. They live reckless, senseless, and foolish lives, without any thought to the consequences for themselves or others. They are “as good as dead.”

“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes”

Q: Can you think of times when you have done something stupid? What happened?

Q: What kind of lives are the people around you living – wise/stupid? How does that affect you?

Q: On balance, how would you describe the life you’re living now – full, satisfying / as good as dead?

Q: What core values got you to where you are now?

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Prayer:

+ For Trustfulness in Times of Worry

+ In Times of 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.

+ 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.

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Good To Be Alive : Jason Gray

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Blessing:

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

Morning Prayer: Tuesday 08 Sep 2020 – Psalms (8) and Proverbs (8:) ~ Why are people so important to God?

Morning Prayer, Tuesday, 08 Sep 2020

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

Opening:

The Sovereign Lord says: “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.”
(Ezekiel 33:11)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 8

1 O LORD our Governor, how excellent is your Name in all the world; *
you have set your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have ordained strength, because of your enemies, *
that you might still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, even the works of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars, which you have ordained,

4 What is man, that you are mindful of him, *
the son of man, that you visit him?

5 You made him little lower than the angels, *
to crown him with glory and honor.

6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands,*
and you have put all things in subjection under his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, *
even the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD our Governor, *
how excellent is your Name in all the world!

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( In All The Earth (Psalm 8) – John Alexander Wilson

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 8:1, 22-36

Wisdom Speaks

I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment….

From the beginning, I was with the Lord. I was there before he began to create the earth. At the very first, the Lord gave life to me. When I was born, there were no oceans or springs of water. My birth was before mountains were formed or hills were put in place. It happened long before God had made the earth or any of its fields or even the dust.

I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea. I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky and created the springs that fill the ocean. I was there when he set boundaries for the sea to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations to support the earth. I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side. I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.

Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you. But if you don’t find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death.

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Consider:

Psalm 8: Why are people so important to God?

David wondered why such a big, great God would be mindful of such small beings.

Three essential truths about humanity:
when these truths are denied or neglected, man is never what God made him to be.

– God made man in His image.
– God made man the crown of His creation.
– God made man the ruler over His creation.

Proverbs 8: Christ is the Wisdom of God

Wisdom here is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word and Christ in the heart, not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed in us. It is the word of God, the whole compass of divine revelation; it is God the Word, in whom all divine revelation centers; it is the soul formed by the word; it is Christ formed in the soul; it is religion in the purity and power of it. Glorious things are here spoken of this excellent person, this excellent thing. (Spurgeon)

Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.
By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” (Proverbs 8:34-35)

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Prayer:

+ For Joy in God’s Creation

O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Stewardship of Creation

O merciful Creator, your loving hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence, and give us grace to honor you with all that you have entrusted to us; that we, remembering the account we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ For All Sorts and Conditions of Men

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly pray for all sorts and conditions of men; that you would be pleased to make your ways known to them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

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Good To Be Alive: Jason Gray

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Blessing:

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

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