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:

 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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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:

“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)

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

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.