Morning Prayer, Monday,09 Nov 2020

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

Opening:

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Praise the LORD.
I will give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart, 
in the company of the upright, and among the congregation.”
(Psalm 111:1)

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 111) – Nathan Clark George

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original) 

“Psalm 111”

1 Praise the LORD.

I will give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart, *
in the company of the upright, and among the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great, *
sought out by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is worthy to be praised and held in honor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He has made his marvelous works to be had in remembrance; *
The LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He has given food to those who fear him; *
he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, *
that he may give them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are true.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
and are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *
a good understanding have all those who live accordingly; his praise endures for ever.

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Proverbs (09)  (The Wisdom of Solomon)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

11 Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

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Consider:

“Praise the LORD.
I will give thanks unto the LORD with my whole heart, 
in the company of the upright, and among the congregation.”
(Psalm 111:1)

Praise the LORD wholeheartedly!

With undivided affections; holding back nothing. I will allow nothing to be in my heart that would interfere with the fullness of praise; no coldness or dividedness of affection; no love for other things that would deaden my love for God; no suspicion respecting him that would chill my ardor; no unbelief that would drag me down to earth, while the language of my lips ascended to God.

__ Barnes

The works of the LORD are great.

 They are like himself; there is nothing in them that is mean or trifling. They are the products of infinite wisdom and power… They astonish and strike us with awe the moment we behold them. Every one of them, whether in the natural or spiritual system, is marvelous.

• They are pleasurable; delighting all who love him….
• They are just and holy; displaying his righteousness….
• They are memorable; refocusing our attention on him….
• They are gracious and full of compassion; pardoning our sin…
• They are covenantal; promises made / promises kept….
• They are good; worthy of endless praise….

__ Matthew Henry

Wholehearted praise and reverence for God leads to sound judgement and wise living; and, sound judgement and wise living lead to long life.

Q: What prevents you from giving the LORD your  whole-hearted praise?

Q: When you think of the LORD’s marvelous works, what comes to mind?

Q: Which of these give you pleasure the more you think about them?

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Prayer – A Litany of Thanksgiving

Give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us:

+ For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For health and strength to work, and time to rest and worship,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For all who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For all who earnestly seek after truth, and all who labor for justice,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For all that is good and gracious in the lives of men and women,
revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.

+ For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises
given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father,
and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen

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“Psalm 111/112” – MIQEDEM

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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.