Tag: Proverbs 25

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 25 Nov 2020 – Psalms (136: 1, 10-22) and Proverbs (25) ~ Give thanks: the LORD is merciful!

Morning Prayer: Wednesday, 25 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 give thanks unto the LORD, for he is (good) gracious,
for his mercy endures for ever.

” The LORD brought out Israel from among the Egyptians;
“With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures for ever.
(Psalm 136:1, 11-12)

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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“Psalm 136” – Mercy and Loving Kindness – Jessi Colter

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The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 136:1, 10-22”

1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is gracious, *
for his mercy endures for ever.

10 Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
12 With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
13 Who divided the Red Sea in two parts, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
15 But as for Pharaoh and his host, he overthrew them in the Red Sea, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
16 Who led his people through the wilderness, *
for his mercy endures for ever.

17 Who smote great kings, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
18 And slew mighty kings, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
19 Sihon king of the Amorites, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
20 And Og the king of Bashan, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
21 And gave away their land for an inheritance, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
22 Even for an inheritance for Israel his servant, *
for his mercy endures for ever

Proverbs 25 (NLT) – more proverbs of Solomon

21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.

__________

Consider:

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is (good) gracious,
for his mercy endures for ever.

” The LORD brought out Israel from among the Egyptians;
“With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures for ever.
(Psalm 136:1, 11-12)

The LORD brought Israel out of Egypt

  • The Lord brought them out; brought them all out; brought them out at the very hour when his promise was due; brought them out despite their being mingled among the Egyptians; brought them out never to return… further proof of his favor to the chosen ones.
  • He turned the land of plenty into a house of bondage, and the persecuted nation was glad to escape from slavery. The unfailing mercy of the Lord is gloriously seen in his separating his elect from the world. He brings out his redeemed and they are henceforth a people who show forth his praise.

With a strong hand and outstretched arm

  • In the Exodus the great power and glory of Jehovah were seen…. God worked with great display of force, and with extraordinary majesty.
  • Even thus was it in the deliverance of each one of us from the enslavement of sin; “according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”

“For his mercy endures for ever”

__ Spurgeon

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Prayer:

+ Gracious God and most merciful Father, you have granted us the rich and precious jewel of your holy Word: Assist us with your Spirit, that the same Word may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to your own image, to build us up and edify us into the perfect dwelling place of your Christ, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues; grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

+ 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.

+ 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.

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Egypt – Bethel Music, Cory Asbury

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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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 25 Sep 2020 – Psalms (42) and Proverbs (25) ~ put your trust in God

Morning Prayer, Friday, 25 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

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me? O put your trust in God….
(Psalm 42:6-7)

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.

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

Psalm 42

1 As the deer desires the water brooks, *
so longs my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, even for the living God; *
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, *
while all day long they say to me, “Where now is your God?”

4 When I think upon these things, I pour out my heart, *
when I remember how I went with the multitude, and brought them into the house of God,
5 With the voice of praise and thanksgiving *
among those who keep holy day.
6 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul, *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
7 O put your trust in God, *
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is heavy within me; *
therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, and from Mizar among the hills of Hermon.
9 One deep calls to another in the noise of your waterfalls; *
all your waves and storms have gone over me.

10 The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; *
and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer to the God of my life.

11 I will say to God my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? *
Why am I full of heaviness, while the enemy oppresses me?”
12 My bones are broken asunder, *
while my enemies mock me to my face,
13 While all day long they say to me, *
“Where now is your God?”

14 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul, *
and why are you so disquieted within me?
15 O put your trust in God, *
for I will yet give him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

__________

“Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call” – Joshua Huff

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Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Proverbs 25

4 Silver must be purified
before it can be used
to make something of value.
5 Evil people must be removed
before anyone can rule
with justice.

26 When a good person gives in
to the wicked,
it’s like dumping garbage
in a stream of clear water.

__________

Consider:

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul,
and why are you so disquieted within me? O put your trust in God….
(Psalm 42:6-7)

[Psalm 42] is the cry of a man far removed from the outward ordinances and worship of God, sighing for the long loved house of his God; and at the same time it is the voice of a spiritual believer, under depressions, longing for the renewal of the divine presence, struggling with doubts and fears, but yet holding his ground by faith in the living God.

— Spurgeon

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul?

 It is not God nor the devil that cast thee down; but Why dost thou cast thyself down? to create more trouble on thyself than either God doth inflict or the devil tempt thee to.

— Christopher Love

O put your trust in God

The word which is here rendered, [“trust”] denotes that expectation which is founded on faith in God, and which leads the soul to wait upon him.

—Henry March.

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Q: What’s troubling you? What’s disquieting your inner self?

Q: Can you remember a time when your worship was filled with praise and thanksgiving? What’s changed?

Q: How can you restore your joy? How can you worship with others? How can you worship in the presence of God?

__________

Though private prayer be a brave design
Yet public hath more promises, more love:
And love’s a weight to hearts, to eyes a sign.
We all are but cold suitors; let us move
Where it is warmest. Leave thy six and seven;
Pray with the most: for where most pray, is heaven.

—George Herbert, in “The Temple.”

Prayer:

+ For Our nation

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here from out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, sustain our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

+ For the Discouraged and Downcast

O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

+ For Desiring God (Francis Xavier)

O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.

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“Hallelujah” – 7 Hills Worship

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Blessing:

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

__________

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

Morning Prayer: 25 Jun – Proverbs 25:21-22 ~ shame your enemies

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 25

+ 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 25:21-22 (NLT)

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
__________

A reading from the Letters: Romans 12:19-21 (NLT)

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
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Reflection:

Eva Mozes Kor — ‘Getting even has never healed a single person.’

Background: Eva Mozes Kor – born in Porţ, Romania January 30, 1934

The identical twins Eva Mozes Kor and Miriam Mozes survived the deadly genetic experiments conducted by The Angel of Death, Josef Mengele, in Auschwitz. Their parents, grandparents, two older sisters, uncles, aunts, and cousins were killed ..

The sisters were put through many extremely brutal surgeries and experiments by Mengele, who experimented mainly on twins. Eva later recalled:

“I was given five injections. That evening I developed extremely high fever. I was trembling. My arms and my legs were swollen, huge size. Mengele and Dr. Konig and three other doctors came in the next morning. They looked at my fever chart, and Dr. Mengele said, laughingly, ‘Too bad, she is so young. She has only two weeks to live ..'”

Eva Mozes Kor, at right, points to a photograph of herself taken during the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp on January 27, 1945, by the advancing Soviet army. Photo provided by Ms. Mozes Kor.
Eva Mozes Kor, at right, points to a photograph of herself taken during the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp on January 27, 1945, by the advancing Soviet army. Photo provided by Ms. Mozes Kor.

The fact that Eva and Miriam survived Auschwitz was a miracle in itself, as only few individual twins were still alive at the time the camp was liberated.

As adults, Eva and Miriam suffered serious health problems. Eva suffered from miscarriages and tuberculosis. Her son had cancer. Miriam’s kidneys never fully developed and she died in 1993 of a rare form of cancer, probably brought on by the unknown medical experiments and injections which she was subjected to at the hands of Josef Mengele.

Lewis B. Smedes – ‘To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.’

Fifty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, Eva returned to the site and stood where so many were tragically murdered. At her side was Dr. Hans Münch, a Nazi doctor who knew Dr. Mengele, but did not work with him in Auschwitz. Eva read Dr. Münch’s signed witness statement to contradict those who denied the Holocaust.

To the surprise of many, she then freed herself from her victim status and announced to the world that — in her name alone – she forgave the Nazis. An incredible weight of suffering was lifted and she felt strong. Offering her forgiveness healed Eva, but it did not mean she would forget or that it changed what happened.

Eva Mozes Kor – ‘The day I forgave the Nazis, privately I forgave my parents whom I hated all my life for not having saved me from Auschwitz. Children expect their parents to protect them; mine couldn’t. And then I forgave myself for hating my parents.’

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Aber du weißt den Weg für mich (But you know the way for me)

Gott, laß meine Gedanken sich sammeln zu dir. / Bei dir ist das Licht, du vergißt mich nicht. / Bei dir ist die Hilfe, bei dir ist die Geduld. / Ich verstehe deine Wege nicht, aber du weißt den Weg für mich.

God, gather and turn my thoughts to you. / With you there is light, you do not forget me. / With you there is help and patience. / I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me.

Based on a prayer by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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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