Morning Prayer: 03 September – Revelation 2:1-7 ~ Ephesus: loyalty & love

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

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.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 2:1-7 (ESV) – to be read aloud

Ruins of the ancient Church of St. Mary in Ephesus – site of the proceedings of the Council of Ephesus in 431. — Ruins of the ancient Church of St. Mary in Ephesus –
site of the proceedings of
the Council of Ephesus in 431.

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Ephesus

“Ephesus was the foremost city in Asia and home of the most important church in the province…. Ephesus was also the home of all kinds of superstitions and practices and was famous throughout the world for the magical arts (see Acts 19:19). It was founded by Aquila and Priscilla… firmly established by Paul’s preaching and teaching… and carried on later by Timothy and John. In the first years of the second century, Ignatius wrote the Ephesians a letter which praises them for their unity and blameless Christian conduct and for living in harmonious love.” (Ladd, p.37)

“I know your works…”

“The good works of the Ephesians consisted in their firm opposition to false teachers who had arisen in Ephesus and their steadfast refusal to be led away by their teachings…. Many itinerant preachers and teachers arose in the early church who claimed to be the mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit and to speak for God…. The church in Ephesus demonstrated the ability to distinguish between true and false teachers… and refused to tolerate the latter.” (Ladd, p.38-39)

“But I have this against you…”

“However, their struggle with false teachers… had had serious effects… and had led them to abandon the love they had at first. Here was a failure which undermined the very foundation of the Christian life…. Doctrinal purity and loyalty can never be a substitute for love.” (Ladd, p.39)

Remember, repent, return

“Christ calls them to come back in three steps: remember – look back to a time of greater intimacy with God; repent – make a break with evil; return – to what you did at first…. A church can continue only for so long on a loveless course… before it will cease to exist as a church.” (Morris, p.61)

“To the one who conquers…”

“The Christian life is an unrelenting warfare against the powers of evil…. The victory is analogous to the victory won by Christ himself, even though it involved his death on the cross…. The very martyrdom of the saints was their victory, for they had conquered every satanic effort to turn their loyalty and devotion away from Christ and had remained true…. Love and loyalty to Christ will conquer fear of suffering and death.” (Ladd, p.41)

Prayer

Blessed be our Lord Jesus Christ: He hears the prayers of His children and holds the church in His hand – Lord, hear us.

+ Thank You for speaking to us through the prophets and apostles – that we might know You and love You with all our hearts…

+ Thank You for sending us Your Spirit, the Spirit of Truth – that we might discern truth from falsehood and remain true to Your Word…

+ Forgive us our battle-scarred, hardened hearts – that we might not become like the enemies of Truth…

+ Forgive us for being so focused on judgement for our enemies – that we no longer pray for their conversion…

+ Teach us how to love our enemies – that we might overcome evil with good…

+ Give us Your strength in our weakness – that we might have the courage to face our troubles and tribulations…

+ Direct our thoughts, our words, our actions today – that we may know, and do, your will…

+ Make wisdom our guide – that we might ever walk in newness of life…

I ask this for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
__________

__________

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: 02 September – Revelation 1:9-20 ~ “Write what you see…”

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

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.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Revelation 1:9-20 (ESV) – to be read aloud

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – OF JESUS

“I, John, your brother and partner…” (1:9)

John begins by identifying with the people to whom the letter is addressed: he shares in their suffering and in their patient endurance, or perseverance. Indeed, “tribulation” is the lot of God’s people in this present age. John’s banishment to Patmos serves as one example.

“Back of human history are mighty spiritual powers in conflict with each other – the Kingdom of God and the power of Satan. The church stands between the two…. Tribulation here includes all the evil which will befall the church, but especially the great tribulation at the end, which will be only the intensification of what the church has suffered throughout all history.” (Ladd, p. 30)

“Write what you see…” (1:11)

John is commanded to record what he sees (“I was in the Spirit”)… and to send the entire scroll to each of the churches listed. The scroll was intended to be read in its entirety at each church. “Although the letters are written to real churches of the first century, they are relevant to the church universal, for the strengths and weaknesses of the seven are characteristic of individual churches throughout history.” (Mounce, p. 57)

“Fear not…” (1:12)

John’s first vision was that of the exalted Christ – “one like the son of man.” “The Christians were a pitiably small group, persecuted by mighty foes. To all outward appearance their situation was hopeless. But it is only as Christ is seen for what he really is that anything else can be seen for what it really is. So for these persecuted ones it was important that first of all the glory and majesty of the Lord be made clear.” (Morris, p. 53)

What was being depicted? The deity of Christ – His existence with the Father, His authority, strength and power, His holy wrath, His invincibility, and His glory. So overwhelming was the vision that John “fell at his feet as though dead.” (Ladd, p. 33-34)

Sacre Coeur seen from the Arc de Triomphe.

“As for the mystery…” (1:20)

“The essential truth is that… Christ stands ever in unbroken fellowship with the churches on earth, persecuted though they may be. At the same time he holds them in his hand; this pictures his keeping and protecting power of a church in persecution.” (Ladd, p. 34-35)

Prayer

Glorious and exalted Christ – give me a vision of Your majesty, strength and power.

+ Forgive me for relying on TV news and outward appearances to assess what’s happening around me…

+ Forgive me for expecting peace and tranquility when the lot of Your people has always been tribulation…

+ Forgive me for being concerned mostly about myself and my family when You are concerned about the church and Your Kingdom family…

+ Thank You for revealing Yourself to me through John in all Your glory and power…

+ Thank You for holding Your church around the world in the palm of Your hand…

+ Help me to keep my eyes on You – exalted, high and lifted up…

+ Help me to prepare for Your immanent return in power and strength and glory…

I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen
__________

__________

Canticle

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

Morning Prayer: 01 September – Revelation 1:1-8 ~ “Blessed is the one…”

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

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.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Revelation 1:1-8 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Reflection

PROLOGUE

“Blessed is the one…” (vs 1:3)

Revelation is intended to be a blessing to believers who are facing tough times. The condition of blessing is that God’s word is taken to heart and acted upon. John’s intention in writing Revelation was for it to be read aloud in the seven churches located in the Roman province of Asia (today part of Turkey and Greece). And, as prophecy, Revelation speaks today to the church at large.

“Jesus Christ the faithful witness…” (vs 1:5)

John reminds us that Jesus “loves us… has freed us… and made us a kingdom.” No matter what happens, no matter our circumstances… Christ’s love for us is permanent and abiding – nothing can separate us from it; Christ’s work on the cross is finished – we are forgiven and set free; and Christ’s mediation is complete – we are given full access to God – to participate in His Kingdom ministry here on earth.

“Behold he is coming…” (vs 1:7)

The second coming of Christ is the overarching theme of Revelation… which will be a public, visible event… accompanied by the judgement of God.

“…the Alpha and the Omega…” (vs 1:8)

“Behind the chaotic events of history, the believer recognizes that Jesus Christ… has in fact been exalted to God’s right hand where he sits as Lord, ruling over the rulers of the earth…. God is the absolute beginning and the end, and therefore Lord of all that happens in human history…. As the one who is to come, he will yet visit men to bring history to its divinely decreed consummation.” (Ladd, p. 25, 29)

Prayer

Almighty God, Ruler of all and Lord of history – I come into Your presence today at Your gracious invitation –

+ Forgive me my despair over the chaotic events swirling around me at home and abroad…

+ Cleanse me from my sin and set me free to live as Your faithful servant…

+ Thank You for Christ’s abiding love for me…

+ Thank You for the assurance that You are at work in me and around me, whether I recognize it or not…

+ Help me to live expectantly and hopefully in the light of Your immanent return…

+ Make me an minister of Your mercy and grace to all with whom I come in contact today.

I ask this through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen
__________

__________

Canticle

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

22nd Ordinary Sunday: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 ~ on living sacrifices

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

As we gather to praise God and to ask for His help and grace, we are mindful of the difficult road before us – the way of the cross.

O God, whose word burns like a fire within us, grant us a bold and faithful spirit, that in Your strength we may be unafraid to speak Your word and follow where You lead. 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.
__________

Holy One / Your name is power and might
We have gathered here to worship You
By Your blood / And precious sacrifice
We have gathered here to worship You

Praise His Name / In all the earth
Jesus, we praise Your name
Praise His Name / In all the earth
Jesus, we praise Your name

Holy One, You’re clothed in blinding light
The darkness flees as You draw near
Through Your death we know Your endless life
Let Your glory now appear

Holy One, When Heaven calls us home
All will gather ‘round Your throne
There we’ll sing to You most Holy One
To You our God, To You alone

Hallelujah, Holy One we worship You
Hallelujah, Holy One we worship You
__________

A Reading from the Old testament: Jeremiah 20:7-9 (NLT)

O Lord, you misled me, and I allowed myself to be misled. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked every day; everyone laughs at me. When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke. But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (NLT)

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
_____

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
_____

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
_____

I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down into the depths of the earth.
__________

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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:21-27 (NLT)

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.
__________

I can’t earn your favour / There’s nothing I must do / To win your approval
I can’t make you love me / More than you already do / Your love has no conditions

So I lay down my striving / And I lay down – everything
Just to be with you / My soul rests in you
And I can hear you singing over me / I am loved

You sing / A song of rejoicing, A song of delight, A song that pursues me / In the day and in the night
__________

Intercessions:

O God, our ever-present help in times of trouble, hear our prayer:

+ For Christians around the world who suffer persecution for their faith – that they may hold firm in the face of every trial….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who endure criticism for doing what they believe is right – that they may have the courage to persevere….
Lord, hear us.

+ For teachers and students returning to school these autumn days – that they may have the grace to make a new start….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the grace to support our brothers and sisters in Christ in the hardships of life – that we may become more aware of each other’s sufferings….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who struggle with illness, of mind or body – that their way of the cross may bring them to glory….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our own needs, for those we love, and for those who have asked for prayer….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have recently died, especially as martyrs for their faith in Christ – that sharing the cross of Christ they may also share his victory over death….
Lord, hear us.

O Lord our God, Your love is better than life: come to our help, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

__________

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

Morning Prayer: 30 August – Psalm 102:13-22; Amos 9:14-15; Revelation 12:17 ~ on warfare

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

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.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Psalm 102:13-22

You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem — and now is the time to pity her, now is the time you promised to help. For your people love every stone in her walls and cherish even the dust in her streets. Then the nations will tremble before the Lord. The kings of the earth will tremble before his glory. For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. He will appear in his glory. He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord. Tell them the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die. And so the Lord’s fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem, when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the Lord.

Amos 9:14-15

I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

Revelation 12:17

And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children — all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.

Reflection

IONA

COLUMBA’S PROPHECY
‘Vast throngs I see in realms far, far away –
with stubborn pride they challenge Christ’s appeal:
and thou, dear home,
though plunged in long decay,
shalt rise anew thine ancient fires to feel,
leading the last long war with holy zeal!
But oh! let none thy blessing dare to claim
who shirk the law of strife! Messiah’s heel
must feel the serpent’s bruise,
strong through Christ’s name
by vigil, fast, and prayer,
the serpent’s pride to tame.’
His utt’rance ceased,
but still his eye looked on
as if in distant skies his mind could read
the mysteries of the future.

R. M. Benson
__________

__________

Farewell, then to Iona. In old days, when they said goodbye in the Gaelic, they said something lovely, but so charged with meaning. When husband parted from wife, mother from child, lover from her who was ‘half his sight’, they remembered that days might be dreary, friends few, and life hard. But they looked into each other’s eyes, and the words always came – ‘The blessing of God go with you, and the blessing of Columba.’

G. E. Troup
__________

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: 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.) Our Scripture readings and reflections will be taken from the Aidan Daily Readings (Celtic Daily Prayer) during the month of August. 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.

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