Tag: Worship

All Souls Sunday: Isa 25: 6-9; Ps 23; Rom 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40 ~ raised to life

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

Opening prayer:

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all those who have died in Christ and have been raised with Him to eternal life.

Kind and Loving God: look upon us with tender mercy and hear our prayer. Strengthen our confidence in the resurrection of Your Son and make our hope certain that Your departed servants will also rise again with Him to their eternal home. 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.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 25: 6-9 (NLT)

In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 6:3-9 (NLT)

All Saints Day Lodz, Poland
All Saints Day
Lodz, Poland

Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:37-40 (NLT)

“Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”
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Intercessions:

Brothers and sisters: the Lord is our light, our ever present help. Let us come with confidence before His throne of grace –

+ For all who follow Christ – that their confidence in life after death may be strong…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and family members who have died – that they may rest in the peace of Christ forever…. Lord hear us.
+ For those lost through war or violence – that the tragedy of their deaths may increase our resolve to become peacemakers…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died before their time, through accidents or suicide – that their loss may remind us of the sacredness of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people overcome by grief – that the power of Christ’s love may lift them up and renew their hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our relatives and friends who have gone before us in faith, whom we remember now… and for the saints and martyrs and humble folk who have worshipped You through the ages – that they all may behold the Lord’s temple in the new and eternal Jerusalem…. Lord, hear us.

God of light, to live forever with You is our heart’s desire: hear our prayers and help us in all our needs, through Christ our Lord.
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Benediction:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

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

Morning Prayer: 01 Nov, All Saints Day – Rev 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12

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

Opening prayer:

All-holy God, You call Your people to holiness. As we remember Your saints in heaven, holy men and women of every time and place, give us their meekness and poverty of spirit, a thirst for righteousness, and purity of heart. May we share with them the richness of Your kingdom and be clothed in the glory You bestow. Grant 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.
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A Reading from Revelation 7:2-4,9-14 (NLT)

And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”

And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God — 144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel:
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The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs Fra Angelico (ca. 1423-24) National Gallery, London
The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs
Fra Angelico (ca. 1423-24)
National Gallery, London

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.”

Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.
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A Reading from Psalm 24

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
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A Reading from 1 John 3:1-3 (NLT)

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
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A Reading from Matthew 5:1-12 (NLT)

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way….”
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Intercessions:

Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth – hear our prayers:

+ For all baptized believers in Jesus Christ – that we may live with the certain hope of entering the company of the saints…. Lord, hear us.

+ For Christians suffering persecution today – that they may have courage and remain faithful to You, the living God…. Lord, hear us.

+ For all who have gone before us in faith – that they may stand with the saints in worship before the throne of the Lamb…. Lord, hear us.

God of heaven and earth, You welcome those with clean hands and pure hearts: in our unworthiness we bring our prayers to You, through Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Benediction:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

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

Morning Prayer: 31 Oct – Revelation 16:8-11 ~ plagues 4 and 5 / perseverance in evil

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 16:8-11 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The Great Day of His Wrath John Martin, 1851-3 Tate, Britain
The Great Day of His Wrath
John Martin, 1851-3
Tate, Britain

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Plagues poured out (16:1-21)

Plagues 4 and 5 (16:8-11)

The fourth plague scorches people with the fiery heat of the sun…. The sovereign control of God over the entire process of retributive justice is emphasized by the fact that the power to scorch people is said to be given to the sun.

The fifth plague causes darkness to settle over the beast’s kingdom and people gnaw their tongues in pain…. This supernatural darkness not only intensifies the distress of the previous plagues, but also adds a terror of its own. (Mounce, p.296-7)

This plague is poured out directly upon the seat of the beast’s power… upon the demonic civilization of the last time. (Ladd, p.212)

Hardness of heart (16:9-11)

It is important to note… that the afflicted men recognized that [these plagues were] the work of God; but so hard and recalcitrant are their hearts because of the choice they have made to follow the beast that, instead of being brought to their knees in humble confession of their dependence on God, they curse his name and stubbornly refuse to repent and give him glory….

They recognize the hand of God in judgement, but their hearts are adamant; they refuse to show any trace of repentance but instead cursed the God of heaven. (Ladd, p.211-2)

The followers of the beast… have become one in character with their evil master, whose most characteristic activity is to blaspheme God and his followers…. The decision to persevere in evil has permanently precluded any possibility of a return to righteousness. (Mounce, p. 297)
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image

Repent, the voice celestial cries by Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751

Repent, the voice celestial cries, Nor longer dare delay: The wretch that scorns the mandate dies, And meets a fiery day.

No more the sovereign eye of God O’er looks the crimes of men; His heralds are dispatched abroad To warn the world of sin.

Together in his presence bow, And all your guilt confess; Accept the offered savior now, Nor trifle with his grace.

Bow, ere the awful trumpet sound, And call you to his bar; For mercy knows the appointed bound, And turns to vengeance there.

Amazing love, that yet will call, And yet prolong our days! Our hearts subdued by goodness fall, And weep, and love, and praise.
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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
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 30 Oct – Revelation 16:3-7 ~ 2nd and 3rd plagues / just deserts

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 16:3-7 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The Second and Third Vials Poured into the Sea and the Waters no.59 from 'The Apocalypse of Angers', 1373-87 Musee des Tapisseries, Angers, France
The Second and Third Vials Poured into the Sea and the Waters
no.59 from ‘The Apocalypse of Angers’, 1373-87
Musee des Tapisseries, Angers, France

The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.

The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say,

“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”

And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Plagues poured out (16:1-21)

2nd & 3rd Plagues (16:3-4)

The second bowl of wrath is poured on the sea… all sea life dies. The third bowl of wrath is poured on the rivers and springs of water… spreading death. (Mounce, p.293)

We are now face to face with finality. (Morris, p.187)

God’s righteous judgement (16:5-7)

The voice of this angel proclaims the justice of God’s judgements upon those who have shed the blood of those who were loyal to God. The judgement of those who have martyred the saints is suited to the evil they have done. This is only what men deserve.

The judgements of God have fallen upon a rebellious world as a vindication to those who have been martyred (6:9) in answer to the prayers of the persecuted saints (9:13). (Ladd, p.211)

The judgement of God is neither vengeful nor capricious. It is an expression of his just and righteous nature. All caricatures of God that ignore his intense hatred of sin reveal more about human nature than about God. (Mounce, p.294)
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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
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 29 Oct – Revelation 16:1-2 ~ 1st plague / painful sores

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 16:1-2 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The Giving of the Seven Bowls of Wrath / The First Six Plagues Revelation 16:1-16 Matthias Gerung, c. 1531 Ottheinrich Bibel, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
The Giving of the Seven Bowls of Wrath / The First Six Plagues / Revelation 16:1-16
Matthias Gerung, c. 1531
Ottheinrich Bibel, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Plagues poured out (16:1-21)

The third and final series of numbered plagues depict the outpouring of God’s wrath…. Chapter 16 is given over entirely to the carrying out of the final series of plagues…. (Mounce, p.291)

These plagues must be seen in the context of the titanic struggle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan pictured so vividly in Chapter twelve. These plagues are not the expression of God’s wrath against sin in general, nor are they punishments for individual wrongdoing. They are the outpouring of his wrath upon him who would frustrate the divine purpose in the world – the beast – and upon those who have given their loyalty to him…..

These plagues are God’s answer to Satan’s last and greatest effort to frustrate the divine rule. (Ladd, p.209)

The Seven Plagues now about to be described… are not tentative chastisements, but punitive and final. (Morris, p.186)

The first bowl (16:2)

The first bowl brings ‘loathsome and malignant ulcers” (Phillips) on people. (Mounce, 293)

The first plague falls directly upon… those who have surrendered to the enticements of the beast. John views the beast’s empire as worldwide in scope; only those who are loyal to the Lamb resist his satanic claims (13:7-8). In the end time, religion will be no longer a merely nominal thing; all men will have to declare their loyalty for Christ or for Antichrist. (Ladd, p.210)
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Petra – Who’s On The Lord’s Side

Listen, you’ve been runnin’ and runnin’ / Runnin’ for a long time, hey
Your time is windin’ up / You better make up your mind

It’s getting late in the evenin’ / The sun is goin’ down
You better get right, get right / While he may be found

I wanna know where / Who’s on the Lord’s side?
I wanna know where? Where? / Who’s on the Lord’s side

Where do you stand? / Come on, come on, yeah, yeah
I, I’m on the Lord’s side / So come on, come on

You got to run, got to work / Work while it’s day
For the night is coming / When you can’t find your way

Oh sinner I wonder / What will you do? What?
You better choose this day / Tomorrow’s not promised to you

I wanna know where? Where? / I wanna know where?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? / Tell me, tell me where? Where?

Come on, come on, yeah / Hey, hey, hey I’m on the Lord’s side
Come on, come on / Come on, come on, yeah

Oh yeah / Yeah, yeah

I wanna know who are you on the Lord’s side?
Get up if you’re on the Lord’s side
Get up, get up, the Lord’s side
Get up, get up, get up, if you’re on the Lord’s side
Get on your feet, now

I want to know where do you stand?
Who’s on the Lord’s side?
Tell me, tell me, tell me where? Where?
Where do you stand?
Ni ni ni ni ni, oh yeah, so come on
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Tell me, tell me, who’s on the Lord’s side?
Come on, come on / Alright
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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
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.