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:

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 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.

__________

How Lovely / Ma Yedidot (Psalm 84) – James Block

__________

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.

__________

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?

__________

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.

__________

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.

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Saturday 17 Oct 2020 – Psalms (83) and Proverbs (17) ~ Arise, O God!

Morning Prayer, Saturday, 17 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

16 Cover [your enemies’] faces with shame, O LORD,
that they may seek your Name.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD,
are alone the Most High over all the earth.
(Psalm 83:16-18)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 83”

1 Hold not your tongue, O God; keep not silent, *
but rouse yourself, O God.
2 For behold, your enemies murmur, *
and those who hate you have lifted up their head.
3 They have conspired secretly against your people *
and taken counsel against your cherished ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out, that they may be no more a people, *
and that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
5 For they have brought their heads together with one consent *
and are aligned against you:
6 The tents of the Edomites and the Ishmaelites, *
the Moabites and Hagarenes,
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek, *
the Philistines with those who dwell at Tyre.
8 Assyria also has joined with them, *
and has helped the children of Lot.

9 But do to them as you did to the Midianites, *
to Sisera and to Jabin at the brook of Kishon,
10 Who perished at Endor *
and became as dung on the earth.
11 Make their princes like Oreb and Zeëb; *
indeed, make all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves *
the pastures of God as our possession.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust *
and like stubble before the wind,
14 Like the fire that burns up the woods *
and like the flame that consumes the mountains.
15 Pursue them even with your tempest, *
and make them afraid with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, *
that they may seek your Name.
17 Let them be disgraced and dismayed ever more and more; *
let them be put to shame and perish.
18 And they shall know that you, whose Name is the LORD, *
are alone the Most High over all the earth.

__________

Psalm 83 – Hold not thy tongue, O God – Anglican Parish Psalter

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 17 (The proverbs of Solomon)

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,
but they will be severely punished.

__________

Consider:

Arise, O God

Here the appeal is to EL., the Mighty One. He is entreated to act and speak, because his nation suffers and is in great jeopardy. How entirely the psalmist looks to God; he asks not for “a leader bold and brave,” or for any form of human force, but casts his burden upon the Lord, being well assured that his eternal power and Godhead could meet every difficulty of the case. (Spurgeon)

Is the Lord silent? Then be not thou silent; but cry unto him till he breaks the silence. (Starke)

shame your enemies

Fill their hearts with terror and make them ashamed

of their hostility towards the people of God

of their foolish hostility towards God himself

They did what they could to put God’s people to shame, but the shame will at length return upon themselves.
(Matthew Henry)

that they may seek your Name

that shame might lead to their conversion
that unrepentance might lead to righteous judgement
that judgement might glorify the Most High God

_____

When you pray, keep in mind that you are speaking to Yahweh (“I am”)

The self-existent self-sufficient Being, that has all power and perfection in himself.
The most high God, sovereign Lord of all, above all gods, above all kings, above all that exalt themselves and pretend to be high.
The most high God, sovereign not only over the land of Israel, but over all the earth, even those nations of the earth that do not know him or own him; for his kingdom rules over all.

__________

Prayer

+ Gracious Father, I pray for your holy Church around the world. 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.

+ 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.

+ Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

__________

Let God Arise: Praise and Harmony

Blessing

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Friday 16 Oct 2020 – Psalms (80) and Proverbs (16) ~ Restore us again, O God!

Morning Prayer, Friday, 16 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

God of goodness and kindness, you invite all peoples to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us your saving grace to keep unstained the robe of our baptism until that day when you welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. 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.

“Restore us again, O God;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be whole.”
(Psalm 80:3)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

“Psalm 80”

1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that lead Joseph like a sheep;*
show yourself also, you that sit upon the cherubim.
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
stir up your strength and come to help us.

3 Restore us again, O God; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be whole.
4 O LORD God of hosts, *
how long will you be angry with your people that pray?
5 You feed them with the bread of tears *
and give them plenteous tears to drink.
6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

7 Restore us again, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be whole.
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *
you have cast out the nations and planted it.
9 You made room for it, *
and when it had taken root, it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, *
and the boughs thereof were like the mighty cedar trees.
11 It stretched out its branches to the sea *
and its boughs to the river.
12 Why have you broken down its hedge, *
so that all those who go by pluck off its grapes?
13 The wild boar out of the wood roots it up, *
and the wild beasts of the field devour it.

14 Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven; *
behold, and visit this vine,
15 And the place of the vineyard that your right hand has planted, *
and the branch that you made so strong for yourself.
16 As for those who burn it with fire and cut it down, *
let them perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
17 Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand *
and upon the son of man, whom you made so strong for yourself.
18 And so we will not turn back from you; *
O let us live, and we shall call upon your Name.

19 Restore us again, O LORD God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be whole.
__________

Restoration (Psalm 80) – James Block

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 16 (The proverbs of Solomon)

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

__________

Consider:

“Restore us again, O God;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be whole.”
(Psalm 80:3)

All will come right if we are right. The best turn is not that of circumstances but of character. When the Lord turns his people he will soon turn their condition. It needs the Lord himself to do this, for conversion is as divine a work as creation; and those who have been once turned unto God, if they at any time backslide, as much need the Lord to turn them again as to turn them at the first.

All that is wanted for salvation is the Lord’s favor…. No matter how fierce the foe, or dire the captivity, the shining face of God ensures both victory and liberty.

__ Spurgeon

_____

The prayer here is for a national conversion; in this method we must pray for national mercies, that what is amiss may be amended, and then our grievances would be soon redressed. National holiness would secure national happiness.

__ Mathew Henry

Prayer:

+ For Revival

“Psalm 80” (Restore Us, O God) – Proskuneo Ministries

+ 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.

__________

Blessing:

“The Blessing” – (Symphonic Version) | Passion City Church

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Thursday 15 Oct 2020 – Psalms (75) and Proverbs (15) ~ God is the Judge!

Morning Prayer, Thursday, 15 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
(Psalm 75)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 75

1 Unto you, O God, do we give thanks; *
indeed, unto you do we give thanks.

2 Those who call upon your Name *
declare your wondrous works.
3 “Surely at the time which I appoint, *
I, the Lord, will judge according to what is right.
4 The earth shakes with fear, and all that dwell therein; *
but I, even I, have made firm its pillars.

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
And to the ungodly, ‘Do not lift up your horn!
6 Do not lift up your horn on high, *
nor speak with a stiff neck.’”
7 For help comes neither from the east nor from the west, *
nor yet from the wilderness or the mountains.
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
9 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is foaming; *
it is fully mixed, and he pours it out.
10 As for the dregs of it, *
all the ungodly of the earth shall drink them and drain them out.

11 But I will magnify the God of Jacob *
and praise him for ever and ever.
12 All the horns of the ungodly will I break, *
but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

__________

Psalm 75 (Unto Thee) – Jessi Colter

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 15 (The proverbs of Solomon)

1 A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3 The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.

__________

Consider:

5 I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’ *
8 For it is God who is the Judge; *
he puts down one and lifts up another.
(Psalm 75)

I say to the proud, ‘You should not boast!’

The Lord bids the boasters boast not, and commands the mad oppressors to stay their folly. How calm is he, how quiet are his words, yet how divine the rebuke. If the wicked were not insane, they would even now hear in their consciences the still small voice bidding them cease from evil, and forbear their pride.

Would to God that all proud men would obey the word here given them; for, if they do not, he will take effectual means to secure obedience, and then woe will come upon them….

—Spurgeon

For it is God who is the Judge

Even now he is actually judging. His seat is not vacant; his authority is not abdicated; the Lord reigns evermore…. Empires rise and fall at his bidding. A dungeon here, and there a throne, his will assigns.

—Spurgeon

When nations or individuals are prosperous, and glorious, and powerful, they usually ascribe all to themselves or to fortune. But it is God who has raised them to eminence. When they boast he can humble them. In these verses God is considered as the governor of the world, punishing the wicked, and pouring out judgment on his enemies. The calamities of war, pestilence, and famine, are all ministers of providence to execute wrath.

—Alexander Carson.

God puts down one and lifts up another.

Q: What do you think God is saying to the world through the COVID pandemic?

Q: What is God saying to your tribe or nation?

Q: What is God saying to you?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic 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 a Spirit of Evangelism

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

+ For the Coming of 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

__________

“Genevan Psalm 75” – Kent Dykstra (Praise Him With Stringed Instruments)

__________

Blessing:

__________

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

Morning Prayer: Wednesday 14 Oct 2020 – Psalms (67) and Proverbs (14) ~ let all the nations praise you

Morning Prayer, Wednesday, 14 Oct 2020

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

Opening:

“Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.”

(Psalm 67:5-6)

Preparation:

__________

The New Cloverdale Psalter (2019 Update of 1535 Original)

Psalm 67

1 May God be merciful unto us, and bless us, *
and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us.

2 Let your way be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
indeed, let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad, *
for you shall judge the peoples righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7 God shall bless us, *
and all the ends of the world shall fear him.

__________

“Psalm 67” – A Song for All Peoples – Steven Faux (Ugandan dancing)

__________

New Living Translation (NLT)

Proverbs 14 (The proverbs of Solomon)

34 Godliness makes a nation great,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.

__________

Consider:

“Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.”

(Psalm 67:5-6)

Let all the peoples praise you, O God

There will be a time “when the nations (all the peoples) shall be converted and brought to praise God…. They will call God their God.

__ Matthew Henry

Nations never will be glad till they follow the leadership of the great Shepherd; they may shift their modes of government from monarchies to republics, and from republics to communes, but they will retain their wretchedness till they bow before the Lord of all…. Whole nations will do this when Jesus reigns over them in the power of his grace.

__ Spurgeon

Then… God shall give us his blessing

There are a people in the world that can, upon good grounds, call God their God.
Believers have reason to glory in their relation to God and the interest they have in him.
Those who through grace call God their own may with a humble confidence expect a blessing from him.
If he be our God, he will bless us with special blessings.

The blessing of God, as ours in covenant, is that which sweetens all our creature-comforts to us, and makes them comforts indeed; then we receive the increase of the earth as a mercy indeed when with it God, even our own God, gives us his blessing.

__ Spurgeon

Q: Does your nation claim God as “their God?” On what grounds?

Q: Would you describe your nation as being Judeo-Christian?

Q: What role does Christ have in your nation’s claims/identity?

Q: What is the dominant religious orientation in your nation?

Q: How is it all working out?

Prayer:

+ For the Church Universal

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church around the World. 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 Peace in the World

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the United States of America

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 this land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here from many kindreds and tongues.

Grant the spirit of wisdom to those whom, in your Name, we entrust with 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, preserve our trust in you; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For Mercy

__________

“Doxology” – Alton Eugene – Maverick City Music

__________

Blessing:

__________

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: