Tag: Proverbs 21

Morning Prayer: Saturday 21 Nov 2020 – Psalms (130) and Proverbs (21) ~ My soul waits for the Lord!

Morning Prayer: Saturday, 21 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.

“My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning.
“O Israel, trust in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy,
and with him is plenteous redemption.”
(Psalm 130:6-7)

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.

__________

Out of the depths – Psalm 130 –  Matt Searles and Miriam Jones.
words taken from ‘Sing Psalms’ © Free Church of Scotland.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 130”

1 Out of the deep have I called unto you, O LORD; *
Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let your ears consider well *
the voice of my supplications.

3 If you, LORD, were to mark what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could abide it?
4 For there is mercy with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my trust.
6 My soul waits for the Lord, *
more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, trust in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy, *
and with him is plenteous redemption;
8 And he shall redeem Israel *
from all their sins.

__________

Proverbs 21

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

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

__________

Consider:

“My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning.
“O Israel, trust in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy,
and with him is plenteous redemption.”
(Psalm 130:6-7)

my soul waits for the ORD

  • Men who guard a city, and women who wait by the sick, long for daylight. Worshippers tarrying for the morning sacrifice, the kindling of the incense and the lighting of the lamps, mingle fervent prayers with their holy vigils, and pine for the hour when the lamb shall smoke upon the altar. David, however, waited more than these, waited longer, waited more longingly, waited more expectantly.
  • We long for the favor of the Lord more than weary sentinels long for the morning light which will release them from their tedious watch. Indeed this is true. He that has once rejoiced in communion with God is sore tried by the hidings of his face, and grows faint with strong desire for the Lord’s appearing,

with the LORD there is mercy

  • God has great things in store for his people, they ought to have large expectations…. With us there is sin; but hope is ours, because “with the Lord there is mercy.” Our comfort lies not in that which is with us, but in that which is with our God.
  • He can and will redeem all his people out of their many and great troubles; nay, their redemption is already worked out and laid up with him, so that he can at any time give his waiting ones the full benefit thereof. The attribute of mercy, and the fact of redemption, are two most sufficient reasons for hoping in Jehovah; and the fact that there is no mercy or deliverance elsewhere should effectually wean the soul from all idolatry.

__ Spurgeon

Q: What are you waiting for God to do in your life, or that of others?

Q: Are you waiting for God’s mercy, redemption, or something else?

Q: How are you feeling while you are waiting for God to act?

__________

Prayer:

+ For Trust

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.

+ 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.

+ For Satisfaction in Christ

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 Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) – Shane & Shane

___________

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 21 Oct 2020 – Psalms (86) and Proverbs (21) ~you are God alone

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 21 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

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.

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

Preparation:

 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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 86”

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

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

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

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

__________

Abounding In Love – Psalm 86 – Mike Janzen

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 21 (The proverbs of Solomon)

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

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

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

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

__________

Consider:

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

 

  •  Only God can put gladness into the heart, and make the soul rejoice; and it is the privilege of his servants to have joy, as well as peace, in believing.
  • Only God can comfort our souls when we pray in faith, and take care to keep up our communion with him.

Prayer is the nurse of spiritual joy.

__ Benson

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

__ Spurgeon

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

__________

None – Elevation 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.

Reading, Reflection & Prayer: Wed, 30 Aug – Proverbs 21 ~ God examines our hearts

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 21 (NLT) – click here

Reflection & Prayer

Proverbs 21:2 (NLT) – People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

Lord God, I offer you my heart today, promptly and sincerely. Examine my motives –

+ that I may do what is right and just
+ that I may receive instruction and grow in wisdom
+ that I may live humbly and honestly before you
+ that I may live truthfully, without guile or deceit
+ that I may live simply and frugally, and give generously
+ that I may work hard with the end in mind
+ that I may control my tongue and think before I speak or act
+ that I may extend mercy and forgiveness to those around me
+ that I may extend kindness and generosity to those in need
+ that I may pursue righteousness and unfailing love
+ that I may trust you with all my heart, and place my future in your hands

Righteous God, take my heart today that I may love and serve you as a faithful witness to your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Listen To Our Hearts” – Williamsburg Church of Christ


__________

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.
__________

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

Morning Prayer: 21 Jun – Proverbs 21:9, 12, 19, 21 ~ on love and respect

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 21

+ 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)
__________

A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 21:9, 12, 19, 21 (NLT)

download

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
_____

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

It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
_____

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

Reflection:

A reading from the Letters: Ephesians 5:21-33 (NLT)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

images

For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
__________

__________

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