Morning Prayer: Tuesday,17 Nov 2020 – Psalms (122) and Proverbs (17) ~ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Morning Prayer: Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
they shall prosper that love you.”
(Psalm 122:6)

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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Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem – Joshua Aaron

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 122”

1 I was glad when they said unto me, *
“We will go into the house of the LORD.”
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity in itself.
4 For there the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD, *
as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the LORD.
5 For there is the throne of judgment, *
even the throne of the house of David.

6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; *
they shall prosper that love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and plenteousness within your palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, *
I will wish you prosperity.
9 Indeed, because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good.

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Proverbs (17) (The Wisdom of Solomon)

1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

27 A truly wise person uses few words;
a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

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Consider:

“O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
they shall prosper that love you.”
(Psalm 122:6)

+ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Peace was her name, pray that her condition may verify her title.

__ Spurgeon

+ Those who can do nothing else for the peace of Jerusalem, may pray for it. Let us consider all who seek the glory of the Redeemer, as our brethren and fellow-travelers, without regarding differences which do not affect our eternal welfare.

+ Blessed Spirit of peace and love, who didst dwell in the soul of the holy Jesus, descend into his church, and fill those who compose it with his heavenly tempers; cause bitter contentions to cease, and make us to be of one mind.

+ Love of the brethren and love to God, ought to stir us up to seek to be like the Lord Jesus in fervent prayer and unwearied labor, for the salvation of men, and the Divine glory.

__ Matthew Henry

+ The house of “the LORD our God” was established in Jerusalem, the city of God.

+ It was the welfare of “the house of the LORD our God” that prompted prayer for the entire city.

+ And it is the welfare of the house of the LORD our God that prompts believers to pray for his church.

Q: Do you pray regularly for the peace of Jerusalem? Why / why not?

Q: Do you believe that the welfare of Jerusalem is linked to your personal welfare? Why / why not?

Q: Do you pray for the welfare of your church? Why / why not?

Q: What challenges are your church dealing with right now? How can you help?

Q: How can you pray and work for peace in your church?

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Prayer:

Prayer for Jerusalem

Hope— for God’s Holy Spirit to remove bitterness and complacency from the hearts of Jerusalem’s people; for them to believe that peace is actually possible in their city.
Security— for Christ to spread his powerful protection around this place, preventing even the empty threat of attack from outside enemies.
Harmony— for God to turn the hearts of people toward compassion and kindness; for children to lead the way in the rising up of a generation that longs to treat all in Jerusalem as brother and sister.
Family— for Jesus to knit families together in wholeness and health, in ways that repulse fear and hate in exchange for love and joy.
Economy— for the people of Jerusalem to have ample opportunity and ability to provide for themselves and their families, to give generously to others, and to no longer be divided over who “has” and who “has not.”
Worship— for Christ’s Holy Spirit to be not simply present, but undeniably known in obvious ways within the hearts and expressions of His truly beloved people—Jew and Arab alike.

Prayer for the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy 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.
Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

Prayer for your Congregation

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in my Congregation the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered.
Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children;
visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked;
arouse the careless; recover the fallen;
restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth;
and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Psalm 122 – “May There Be Peace” Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

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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 17 Oct 2020 – Psalms (83) and Proverbs (17) ~ Arise, O God!

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 17 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.

16 Cover [your enemies’] faces with shame, O LORD,
that they may seek your Name.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD,
are alone the Most High over all the earth.
(Psalm 83:16-18)

Preparation:

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 83”

1 Hold not your tongue, O God; keep not silent, *
but rouse yourself, O God.
2 For behold, your enemies murmur, *
and those who hate you have lifted up their head.
3 They have conspired secretly against your people *
and taken counsel against your cherished ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out, that they may be no more a people, *
and that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
5 For they have brought their heads together with one consent *
and are aligned against you:
6 The tents of the Edomites and the Ishmaelites, *
the Moabites and Hagarenes,
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek, *
the Philistines with those who dwell at Tyre.
8 Assyria also has joined with them, *
and has helped the children of Lot.

9 But do to them as you did to the Midianites, *
to Sisera and to Jabin at the brook of Kishon,
10 Who perished at Endor *
and became as dung on the earth.
11 Make their princes like Oreb and Zeëb; *
indeed, make all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves *
the pastures of God as our possession.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust *
and like stubble before the wind,
14 Like the fire that burns up the woods *
and like the flame that consumes the mountains.
15 Pursue them even with your tempest, *
and make them afraid with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, *
that they may seek your Name.
17 Let them be disgraced and dismayed ever more and more; *
let them be put to shame and perish.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD, *
are alone the Most High over all the earth.

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Psalm 83 – Hold not thy tongue, O God – Anglican Parish Psalter

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New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 17 (The proverbs of Solomon)

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,
but they will be severely punished.

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Consider:

Arise, O God

Here the appeal is to EL., the Mighty One. He is entreated to act and speak, because his nation suffers and is in great jeopardy. How entirely the psalmist looks to God; he asks not for “a leader bold and brave,” or for any form of human force, but casts his burden upon the Lord, being well assured that his eternal power and Godhead could meet every difficulty of the case. (Spurgeon)

Is the Lord silent? Then be not thou silent; but cry unto him till he breaks the silence. (Starke)

shame your enemies

Fill their hearts with terror and make them ashamed

of their hostility towards the people of God

of their foolish hostility towards God himself

They did what they could to put God’s people to shame, but the shame will at length return upon themselves.
(Matthew Henry)

that they may seek your Name

that shame might lead to their conversion
that unrepentance might lead to righteous judgement
that judgement might glorify the Most High God

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When you pray, keep in mind that you are speaking to Yahweh (“I am”)

The self-existent self-sufficient Being, that has all power and perfection in himself.
The most high God, sovereign Lord of all, above all gods, above all kings, above all that exalt themselves and pretend to be high.
The most high God, sovereign not only over the land of Israel, but over all the earth, even those nations of the earth that do not know him or own him; for his kingdom rules over all.

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Prayer

+ 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.

+ Gracious Father, I pray for your holy Church around the world. 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.

+ 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.

+ 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. 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.

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Let God Arise: Praise and Harmony

Blessing

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 18 Sep 2020 – Psalms (23) and Proverbs (17) ~ I can lack nothing.

Morning Prayer, Friday, 18 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.

The LORD is my shepherd; therefore I can lack nothing.
(Psalm 23:1)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; *
therefore I can lack nothing.

2 He shall feed me in green pastures *
and lead me forth beside the waters of
comfort.

3 He shall refresh my soul *
and bring me forth in the paths of
righteousness for his Name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff
comfort me.

5 You shall prepare a table before me, in the
presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my
cup shall be full.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.

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Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) – People & Songs

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 17

3 Silver and gold are tested
by flames of fire;
our thoughts are tested
by the Lord.

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Consider: “I can lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

I can lack nothing is both a declaration and a decision.

declaration: “I declare that all my needs are supplied by the LORD, my shepherd.”
decision: “I decide to not want more than what the LORD, my shepherd gives.”

” The wicked always want, but the righteous never;
a sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction,
but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content.”
(Spurgeon)

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Prayer:

+ Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us at tasks that demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us. We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he conquered death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

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Surely Goodness & Mercy – Shane & Shane / Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: 17 Jun – Proverbs 17:3 ~ monitor your heart

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

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

strong>Growing in Character: Proverbs 17

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

Opening sentence and prayer

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
_____

Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
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A reading from the prophets: Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT)

“I, the lord , search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
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Reflection:

Constable’s Expository Notes of the Bible – Jeremiah 17:10

Even though we cannot understand our hearts, the Lord searches them and knows our inner thoughts and motives. “Heart” and “mind” are not that distinct in Old Testament psychology; they are virtually synonymous here and in many other places. Together these terms cover the range of hidden elements in human character and personality.

God gives to each person what he or she actually deserves. He judges on the basis of works because what we do reflects what we truly value, the condition of our hearts.
_____

Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve and mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve. (unknown)
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

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