Morning Prayer: Thursday,19 Nov 2020 – Psalms (126) and Proverbs (19) ~ Restore us, O LORD!

Morning Prayer: Thursday, 19 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.

“Overturn our captivity, O LORD,
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)

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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Song of Ascents (Ps 126) – KSM Israel

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 126”

1 When the LORD overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.

5 Overturn our captivity, O LORD, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

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Proverbs 19

21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

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

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Consider:

“Overturn our captivity, O LORD,
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5-6)

Restore us, O LORD!

As Israel of old prayed that he would bring all their brethren scattered abroad in captivity back to their own land in one full stream, multitudinous, joyous, mighty, like the waters of Nile or Euphrates pouring over the parching fields of the south in the hot, dry summertime; so now should the members of Christ’s church ever pray “that all that 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.”

—J. W. Burgon, in “A Plain Commentary,” 1859.

Sow in tears but Reap in joy

They sow in faith: “He that believeth on God,” this is the seeding; “shall have everlasting life” (John 5:24); this is the harvest.

They sow in obedience: “If you keep my commandments,” this is the seeding; “you shall abide in my love” (John 15:10); this is the harvest.

They sow in repentance; “Blessed are they that mourn,” this is the seeding: “for they shall be comforted” (Mat 5:4); this is the harvest.

They sow in renouncing the world; “We’ve given up everything,” this is the seeding; “they will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” (Mat 19:27-28); this is the harvest.

They sow in charity; “Blessed is he that cares for the poor;” this is the seeding: “the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1); this is the harvest.

—Thomas Adams.

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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.

+ For all People

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 God’s Will

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.

+ For Satisfaction

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.

+ For God’s Kingdom

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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Psalm 126 – Sojourn Music

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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: 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:

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 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

+ 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

+ 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.

+ 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.

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Rejoice in the Lord: The Hamilton Family

Blessing

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+ 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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

+ 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:

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

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Wed, 16 Aug – Proverbs 19 ~ misplaced anger

Reading, Reflection & Prayer

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

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

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Please Read: Proverbs 19 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Peanut Gallery: These are the words of wisdom that spoke to me today. How is God speaking to you through Proverbs 19?

Proverbs 19:3 (NLT) – People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Wise and True God: Overcome my infinite capacity for self-deception, that I may be able to distinguish between your words of wisdom and my own foolishness; and, in knowing the difference, follow your leading.

+ May I continually turn to your Word of truth to teach me, convict me, correct me that I may do what is right in your sight.

+ May I accept responsibility for my own foolishness, and shoulder the consequences with equanimity.

+ May I continually seek out godly advice and counsel that your plans may prevail in my life.

+ May I place loyalty, honesty and hard work above sketchy schemes for quick gain.

+ May I cheerfully help the poor and disadvantaged as unto the Lord.

+ May I control my anger by overlooking wrongs done to me.

Wise and True God: You discipline those you love. Forgive my foolishness and place within me a proper sense of reverence and fear that I may love and serve you freely and joyfully through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Be Still for the Presence of the Lord” – BBC

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 19 Jun – Proverbs 19:3, 16 ~ accept responsibility

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.

Growing in Character: Proverbs 19

+ 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.

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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 19:3, 16 (NLT)

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
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Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.
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A reading from the Letters: James 1:12-15 (NLT)

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
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Reflection:

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Please give me the discipline to make choices that will help me grow into your likeness. Give me the courage to take responsibility for my mistakes and their consequences, and to make amends for any harm I’ve done, whenever I can do this without causing more harm. Teach me to forgive myself and others for the harm we’ve done, no matter how large or small our mistakes, and no matter how old or new the wounds are. Help me understand that forgiveness doesn’t give me or anyone else permission to keep on doing harm; it just means I don’t have to carry the past around any more. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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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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