From steve.benner at oremus.org Fri Sep 4 23:44:28 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 23:44:28 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 5 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090904234428.2E38F313C23@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Saturday, September 5, 2009 Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 1997 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, O God, the One whom we seek together, the Life which is part of us all, the Truth and the mark of mystery, the Love and the Joy that makes us whole. Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 142 I cry to the Lord with my voice;* to the Lord I make loud supplication. I pour out my complaint before him* and tell him all my trouble. When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path;* in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me. I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me;* I have no place to flee to and no one cares for me. I cry out to you, O Lord;* I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low;* save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name;* when you have dealt bountifully with me, the righteous will gather around me. Psalm 143 Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications;* answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant,* for in your sight shall no one living be justified. For my enemy has sought my life and has crushed me to the ground;* making me live in dark places like those who are long dead. My spirit faints within me;* my heart within me is desolate. I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds;* I consider the works of your hands. I spread out my hands to you;* my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me;* do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. Let me hear of your lovingkindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you;* show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord,* for I flee to you for refuge. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;* let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name's sake;* for your righteousness' sake, bring me out of trouble. A Song of God(s Love (1 John 4.711,12b) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was revealed among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we ought also to love one another. For if we love one another, God abides in us, and God(s love will be perfected in us. Psalm 150 Alleluia! Praise God in his holy temple;* praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts;* praise him for his excellent greatness. Praise him with the blast of the ram'shorn;* praise him with lyre and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance;* praise him with strings and pipe. Praise him with resounding cymbals;* praise him with loudclanging cymbals. Let everything that has breath* praise the Lord. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 2]: My child, when you come to serve the Lord, ???prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, ???and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to him and do not depart, ???so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you, ???and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, ???and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; ???make your ways straight, and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; ???do not stray, or else you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, ???and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, ???for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations of old and see: ???has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? ???Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; ???he forgives sins and saves in time of distress. Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, ???and to the sinner who walks a double path! Woe to the faint-hearted who have no trust! ???Therefore they will have no shelter. Woe to you who have lost your nerve! ???What will you do when the Lord?s reckoning comes? Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his words, ???and those who love him keep his ways. Those who fear the Lord seek to please him, ???and those who love him are filled with his law. Those who fear the Lord prepare their hearts, ???and humble themselves before him. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, ???but not into the hands of mortals; for equal to his majesty is his mercy, ???and equal to his name are his works. HYMN Words: Shirley Erena Murray, alt. Tune: Rhuddlan http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/g/g203.html Hit "Back" in your browser to return to Oremus. God of freedom, God of justice, God whose love is strong as death, God who saw the dark of prison, God who knew the price of faith: touch our world of sad oppression with your Spirit's healing breath. Rid the earth of torture's terror, God whose hands were nailed to wood; hear the cries of pain and protest, God who shed the tears and blood; move in us the power of pity, restless for the common good. Make in us a captive conscience quick to hear, to act, to plead; make us truly sisters, brothers, of whatever race or creed: teach us to be fully human, open to each other's need. SECOND READING [Luke 24:36-end]: While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, 'Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.' And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, 'Have you anything here to eat?' They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you?that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.' Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Make your ways known upon earth, Lord God, your saving power among all peoples. Renew your Church in holiness, and help us to serve you with joy. Guide the leaders of this and every nation, that justice may prevail throughout the world. Let not the needy be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Make us instruments of your peace and let your glory be over all the earth. Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our sisters and our brothers throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. Amen. God of compassion, you regard the forsaken and give hope to the crushed in spirit give us grace like your servant Mother Teresa to hear those who cry to you in distress, that they may be joined to the company of those who raise a song of thanksgiving to your glory, O Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Faithful God, hope of the oppressed, source of freedom: make us strong to witness to your liberating power, in generosity of life and in humility of spirit, that all the world may delight in your goodness. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer uses phrases from a hymn by Colin Gibson. The closing prayer is based on a prayer from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts From steve.benner at oremus.org Wed Sep 9 17:00:01 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2009 17:00:01 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 10 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090909170001.50007313C72@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Thursday, September 10, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, O God, who shaped creation at earth's chaotic dawn, who framed us in your image; your goodness is revealed in mercy and compassion, you touch us with tenderness, and broken hearts are healed. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?* the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh,* it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell. Though an army should encamp against me,* yet my heart shall not be afraid; And though war should rise up against me,* yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek;* that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; To behold the fair beauty of the Lord* and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter;* he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. Even now he lifts up my head* above my enemies round about me; Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness;* I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call;* have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, 'Seek my face.'* Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me,* nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away;* do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me,* the Lord will sustain me. Show me your way, O Lord;* lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries,* for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice. What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord* in the land of the living! O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure; be strong and he shall comfort your heart;* wait patiently for the Lord. A Song of Tobit (Tobit 13.1,3,46a) Blessed be God, who lives for ever, whose reign endures throughout all ages. Declare God(s praise before the nations, you who are the children of Israel. For if our God has scattered you among them, there too has he shown you his greatness. Exalt him in the sight of the living, because he is our Lord and God and our Father for ever. Though God punishes you for your wickedness, mercy will be shown to you all. God will gather you from every nation, from wherever you have been scattered. When you turn to the Lord with all your heart and soul, God will hide his face from you no more. See what the Lord has done for you and give thanks with a loud voice. Praise the Lord of righteousness and exalt the King of the ages. Psalm 148 Alleluia! Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his;* praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon;* praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, heaven of heavens,* and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord;* for he commanded and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever;* he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth,* you seamonsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog,* tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills,* fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle,* creeping things and winged birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples,* princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens,* old and young together. Let them praise the name of the Lord,* for his name only is exalted, his splendour is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants,* the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 15:11-end]: Do not say, 'It was the Lord?s doing that I fell away'; ???for he does not do what he hates. Do not say, ?It was he who led me astray?; ???for he has no need of the sinful. The Lord hates all abominations; ???such things are not loved by those who fear him. It was he who created humankind in the beginning, ???and he left them in the power of their own free choice. If you choose, you can keep the commandments, ???and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water; ???stretch out your hand for whichever you choose. Before each person are life and death, ???and whichever one chooses will be given. For great is the wisdom of the Lord; ???he is mighty in power and sees everything; his eyes are on those who fear him, ???and he knows every human action. He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, ???and he has not given anyone permission to sin. HYMN Words: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) Tune: St Alphege In full and glad surrender I give myself to thee; Thine utterly, and only, And evermore to be. O Son of God, who lov'st me, I will be thine alone; And all I have, and all I am, Shall henceforth be thine own. Reign over me, Lord Jesus; O make my heart thy throne: It shall be thine, my Saviour, It shall be thine alone. O come and reign, Lord Jesus, Rule over everything; And keep me always loyal And true to thee, my king. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 4]: Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness', who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. ?But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture?'I believed, and so I spoke'?we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: In your glory, Lord, protect us by the power of your name, that we may be one as you are one. We are in the world but not of it. Protect us from the evil one. Give us your word and the full measure of your joy. Sanctify us by your truth. May your Spirit unite us in the love and glory of Father and Son. May we be one that the world may believe. As you sent your Son into the world so send us, to make your glory known. Vast and immense God, your actions are beyond our imagination, the wonders of your grace are infinite: May your Holy Spirit help us to recognize in the scriptures certain drops of this vast ocean of your revelation, that we may discern the multitude of ways in which your Son Jesus Christ is present with us. We ask this through him whose love was revealed on the cross and beyond, Jesus Christ. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer May God make safe to us each step, May God open to us each door, May God make clear to us each road. May God enfold us in loving arms.Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer uses phrases from a hymn by Colin Gibson. The closing prayer is based on a prayer from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts From steve.benner at oremus.org Thu Sep 10 21:58:41 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:58:41 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 11 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090910215841.C845D313C81@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Friday, September 11, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, O God, who shaped creation at earth's chaotic dawn, who framed us in your image; your goodness is revealed in mercy and compassion, you touch us with tenderness, and broken hearts are healed. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?* and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer;* by night as well, but I find no rest. Yet you are the Holy One,* enthroned upon the praises of Israel. Our forebears put their trust in you;* they trusted and you delivered them. They cried out to you and were delivered;* they trusted in you and were not put to shame. But as for me, I am a worm and no man,* scorned by all and despised by the people. All who see me laugh me to scorn;* they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying, 'He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him;* let him rescue him, if he delights in him.' Yet you are he who took me out of the womb,* and kept me safe upon my mother's breast. I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born;* you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb. Be not far from me, for trouble is near,* and there is none to help. Many young bulls encircle me;* strong bulls of Bashan surround me. They open wide their jaws at me,* like a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint;* my heart within my breast is melting wax. My mouth is dried out like a potsherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;* and you have laid me in the dust of the grave. Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me;* they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me;* they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing. Be not far away, O Lord;* you are my strength; hasten to help me. Save me from the sword,* my life from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth,* my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls. I will declare your name to my people;* in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Praise the Lord, you that fear him;* stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory. For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither does he hide his face from them;* but when they cry to him he hears them. My praise is of him in the great assembly;* I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise him:* 'May your heart live for ever!' All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord,* and all the families of the nations shall bow before him. For kingship belongs to the Lord;* he rules over the nations. To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship;* all who go down to the dust fall before him. My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him;* they shall be known as the Lord's for ever. They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn* the saving deeds that he has done. The Song of Christ(s Glory (Philippians 2.511) Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth; And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Psalm 149 Alleluia! Sing to the Lord a new song;* sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in his maker;* let the children of Zion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in the dance;* let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people* and adorns the poor with victory. Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;* let them be joyful on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their throat* and a twoedged sword in their hand; To wreak vengeance on the nations* and punishment on the peoples; To bind their kings in chains* and their nobles with links of iron; To inflict on them the judgement decreed;* this is glory for all his faithful people. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 16:17-end]: Do not say, ?I am hidden from the Lord, ???and who from on high has me in mind? Among so many people I am unknown, ???for what am I in a boundless creation? Lo, heaven and the highest heaven, ???the abyss and the earth, tremble at his visitation! The very mountains and the foundations of the earth ???quiver and quake when he looks upon them. But no human mind can grasp this, ???and who can comprehend his ways? Like a tempest that no one can see, ???so most of his works are concealed. Who is to announce his acts of justice? ???Or who can await them? For his decree is far off.? Such are the thoughts of one devoid of understanding; ???a senseless and misguided person thinks foolishly. Listen to me, my child, and acquire knowledge, ???and pay close attention to my words. I will impart discipline precisely ???and declare knowledge accurately. When the Lord created his works from the beginning, ???and, in making them, determined their boundaries, he arranged his works in an eternal order, ???and their dominion for all generations. They neither hunger nor grow weary, ???and they do not abandon their tasks. They do not crowd one another, ???and they never disobey his word. Then the Lord looked upon the earth, ???and filled it with his good things. With all kinds of living beings he covered its surface, ???and into it they must return. HYMN Words: Michael Hare Duke (born 1925) ? 1992 Stainer & Bell Ltd Used with permission Meter: 87 87 87 Sons and daughters of creation By God's will we came to be. Like a poet dreaming marvels He has spun our history, Working, till from shapeless chaos He evoked humanity. Dark within our first conceiving Run the rifts that still divide: Envy splits and anger hardens, Colour, gender, wealth collide: Sov'reign nations arm for conflict, Violence thrusting peace aside. Yet God holds his steadfast purpose Of humanity made one. Walls were breached and bounds transcended By the death of his own Son: And the way for love's encounter Through the Spirit's power begun. Down the restless generations, Called of God, his church has grown. Martyrs' heirs and prophets' children Penetrated lands unknown, Challenged by unlikeness, finding Gifts to complement their own. Now as partners in one mission, We must share across the earth Hope of what God will accomplish, Faith that promises new birth To the selves that sin has shattered, Love restoring each life's worth. Rich from all that we inherit, Strong with skills new worlds devise, Father, may we serve your Kingdom; Under crisis-clouded skies, Confidently reaffirming Where the morning's glory lies. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 5:1-10]: For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling? if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord? for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Blessed are you, eternal God, to be praised and glorified for ever. Hear us as we pray for your holy catholic Church, make us all one, that the world may believe. Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you: that the life of Christ may be revealed in us. Strengthen all who minister in Christ's name: give them courage to proclaim your Gospel. Inspire and lead those who hold authority in the nations of the world: guide them in the ways of justice and peace. Make us alive to the needs of our community: help us to share each other's joys and burdens. Look with kindness on our homes and families: grant that your love may grow in our hearts. Deepen our compassion for all who suffer from sickness, grief or trouble: in your presence may they find their strength. We remember those who have died: Father, into your hands we commend them. We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory: bring us all to share in your heavenly kingdom. Father, your tortured Son felt abandoned, and cried out in anguish from the cross, yet you delivered him He overcame the bonds of death and rose in triumph from the grave. Do not hide your face from those who cry to you: feed the hungry, strengthen the weak, and break the chains of the oppressed, that your people may rejoice in your saving deeds. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer May God make safe to us each step, May God open to us each door, May God make clear to us each road. May God enfold us in loving arms.Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer uses phrases from a hymn by Colin Gibson. The closing prayer is based on a prayer from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts From steve.benner at oremus.org Sat Sep 12 17:00:01 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:00:01 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 13 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090912170001.92780313CA8@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Sunday, September 13, 2009 The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, O God, in Christ the walls that divide are broken down, the chains that enslave are thrown aside, and we are freed from death and despair to life and hope, liberated from hate and war and empowered to love and seek peace. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God,* and the firmament shows his handiwork. One day tells its tale to another,* and one night imparts knowledge to another. Although they have no words or language,* and their voices are not heard, Their sound has gone out into all lands,* and their message to the ends of the world. In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun;* it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course. It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again;* nothing is hidden from its burning heat. The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul;* the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart;* the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever;* the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold,* sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. By them also is your servant enlightened,* and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can tell how often he offends?* Cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me;* then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offence. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,* O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 24 The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it,* the world and all who dwell therein. For it is he who founded it upon the seas* and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 'Who can ascend the hill of the Lord?* and who can stand in his holy place?' 'Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,* who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud. 'They shall receive a blessing from the Lord* and a just reward from the God of their salvation.' Such is the generation of those who seek him,* of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors;* and the King of glory shall come in. 'Who is this King of glory?'* 'The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.' Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors;* and the King of glory shall come in. 'Who is he, this King of glory?'* 'The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.' Benedicite (The Song of the Three 3565) Bless the Lord all you works of the Lord: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord you heavens: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord you angels of the Lord: bless the Lord all you his hosts; bless the Lord you waters above the heavens: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord sun and moon: bless the Lord you stars of heaven; bless the Lord all rain and dew: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord all winds that blow: bless the Lord you fire and heat; bless the Lord scorching wind and bitter cold: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord dews and falling snows: bless the Lord you nights and days; bless the Lord light and darkness: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord frost and cold: bless the Lord you ice and snow; bless the Lord lightnings and clouds: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. O let the earth bless the Lord: bless the Lord you mountains and hills; bless the Lord all that grows in the ground: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord you springs: bless the Lord you seas and rivers; bless the Lord you whales and all that swim in the waters: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord all birds of the air: bless the Lord you beasts and cattle; bless the Lord all people on earth: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. O people of God bless the Lord: bless the Lord you priests of the Lord; bless the Lord you servants of the Lord: sing his praise and exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord all you of upright spirit: bless the Lord you that are holy and humble in heart. Psalm 117 Alleluia! Praise the Lord, all you nations;* laud him, all you peoples. For his lovingkindness towards us is great,* and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Jeremiah 7:1-11]: The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Stand in the gate of the Lord?s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah, you that enter these gates to worship the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. Do not trust in these deceptive words: ?This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.? For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever. Here you are, trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ?We are safe!??only to go on doing all these abominations? Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight? You know, I too am watching, says the Lord. HYMN Words: Joachim Neander (1650-1680) paraphrased Robert Bridges (1844-1930) Tune: Michael All my hope on God is founded; He doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, Only good and only true. God unknown, He alone Calls my heart to be his own. Pride of man and earthly glory, Sword and crown betray his trust; What with care and toil he buildeth, Tower and temple, fall to dust. But God's power, Hour by hour, Is my temple and my tower. God's great goodness ay endureth, Deep his wisdom, passing thought: Splendour, light, and life attend him, Beauty springeth out of nought. Evermore, >From his store New-born worlds rise and adore. Daily doth the almighty giver Bounteous gifts on us bestow; His desire our soul delighteth, Pleasure leads us where we go. Love doth stand At his hand; Joy doth wait on his command. Still from man to God eternal Sacrifice of praise be done, High above all praises praising For the gift of Christ his Son. Christ doth call One and all: Ye who follow shall not fall. SECOND READING [Philippians 4:4-13]: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Prayers My brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord who is gracious, just and compassionate. We pray for racial justice, in the world, in our nation and in our local communities: may we recognise the face of Christ in every person, of every language, nation, colour and culture. We pray for all those who are far from their homes and families: may they know the loving support of our communities. We pray for all those who are unemployed, or who are facing the loss of their work and income because of the economic situation: may they receive the help they need to give them new hope for the future. We pray for those still living in refugee camps in Sri Lanka following the conflict in that land: may they be enabled to return to their homes. We pray for those working for peace and justice in Afghanistan, in the face of the continuing conflict; and we remember all those, soldiers and civilians, who have been killed or injured in the violence. Heavenly Father, we bring our prayers to you, in the power of the Holy Spirit, through the one who suffered and died on the cross for us, to win victory over sin and death, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. God of mercy, help us to forgive, as you have forgiven us, to trust you, even when hope is failing, and to take up our cross daily and follow you in your redeeming work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Let your peace, O God, fill our hearts, our world, our universe. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer uses phrases from a hymn by Walter Farquahrson and a prayer by Satish Kumar. The closing prayer uses a sentence from the same prayer by Kumar. From steve.benner at oremus.org Mon Sep 14 23:11:30 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:11:30 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 15 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090914231130.B43A6313C26@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org ******************************************************* OREMUS for Tuesday, September 15, 2009 The Sorrows of Mary at the Cross O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of mercy, for the sacrifice of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As his body hung on the cross, a sharp sword pierced his Mother's heart; she shared in the sufferings of his passion, by which Christ died to take away our sins that his sacrifice might bear abundant fruit among his faithful people. For these and all your mercies, we praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. http://www.oremus.org/ocan.html Psalm 25 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you;* let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Let none who look to you be put to shame;* let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. Show me your ways, O Lord,* and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,* for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love,* for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;* remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. Gracious and upright is the Lord;* therefore he teaches sinners in his way. He guides the humble in doing right* and teaches his way to the lowly. All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness* to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O Lord,* forgive my sin, for it is great. Who are they who fear the Lord?* he will teach them the way that they should choose. They shall dwell in prosperity,* and their offspring shall inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him* and will show them his covenant. My eyes are ever looking to the Lord,* for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and have pity on me,* for I am left alone and in misery. The sorrows of my heart have increased;* bring me out of my troubles. Look upon my adversity and misery* and forgive me all my sin. Look upon my enemies, for they are many,* and they bear a violent hatred against me. Protect my life and deliver me;* let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,* for my hope has been in you. Deliver Israel, O God,* out of all his troubles. p> Salvator Mundi (Henry Allon) Jesus, Saviour of the world, come to us in your mercy: we look to you to save and help us. By your cross and your life laid down, you set your people free: we look to you to save and help us. When they were ready to perish, you saved your disciples: we look to you to come to our help. In the greatness of your mercy, loose us from our chains, forgive the sins of all your people. Make yourself known as our saviour and mighty deliverer; save and help us that we may praise you. Come now and dwell with us, Lord Christ Jesus: hear our prayer and be with us always. And when you come in your glory: make us to be one with you and to share the life of your kingdom. Psalm 147:1-12 Alleluia! How good it is to sing praises to our God!* how pleasant it is to honour him with praise! The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem;* he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted* and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars* and calls them all by their names. Great is our Lord and mighty in power;* there is no limit to his wisdom. The Lord lifts up the lowly,* but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;* make music to our God upon the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds* and prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass to grow upon the mountains* and green plants to serve us all. He provides food for flocks and herds* and for the young ravens when they cry. He is not impressed by the might of a horse,* he has no pleasure in human strength; But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him,* in those who await his gracious favour. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ruth 1:18-21]: When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, 'Is this Naomi?' She said to them, 'Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty; why call me Naomi when the Lord has dealt harshly with me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?' HYMN Words: Latin, thirteenth century; trans. The English Hymnal, 1906. Tune: Stabat mater http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/a/a383.html Hit "Back" in your browser to return to Oremus. At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close to Jesus at the last, Through her soul, of joy bereav d, bowed with anguish, deeply griev d, now at length the sword hath passed. O, that blessed one, grief-laden, blessed Mother, blessed Maiden, Mother of the all-holy One; O that silent, ceaseless mourning, O those dim eyes, never turning from that wondrous, suffering Son. Who, on Christ's dear mother gazing, in her trouble so amazing, born of woman, would not weep? Who, on Christ's dear Mother thinking, such a cup of sorrow drinking, would not share her sorrows deep? For his people's sins, in anguish, there she saw the victim languish, bleed in torments, bleed and die. Saw the Lord's anointed taken, saw her Child in death forrsaken, heard his last expiring cry. In the passion of my Maker, be my sinful soul partaker, may I bear with her my part; of his passion bear the token, in a spirit bowed and broken bear his death within my heart. May his wounds both wound and heal me, he enkindle, cleanse, and heal me, be his cross my hope and stay. May he, when the mountains quiver, from that flame which burns for ever shield me on the judgment day. Jesus, may thy cross defend me, and thy saving death befriend me, cherished by thy deathless grace: when to dust my dust returneth, grant a soul that to thee yearneth in thy paradise a place. SECOND READING [Luke 2:25-35]: Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.' And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, 'This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too.' The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Following the example of Mary's patient love, we pray for grace to follow God's will. We pray for the Church. May it follow Mary's example of patience, humility and trust. God of love, hear our prayer. We pray for women who serve as bishops, priests, deacons and ministers in your Church. Open our ears to their witness and teaching. God of love, hear our prayer. We pray for the world. Teach us to honor the wholeness of God's creation in both male and female. God of love, hear our prayer. We pray for mothers. May the knowledge of your love ease the burden of those who are live with poverty or anxiety. God of love, hear our prayer. We pray for women suffering from cruelty and indifference. Give us strength to give them comfort and relief. God of love, hear our prayer. We join with the Blessed Virgin Mary in intercession for the departed. In the hour of death, save us by the love of Christ which has raised them to eternal life. God of love, hear our prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, when you were raised upon the cross, your mother Mary stood beside you in your passion: may your Church, as it shares in your suffering and death, come to share more deeply in your risen life; for, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you are alive and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Mother, font whence love flows truest; Let me know the pain thou knewest, Let me weep as thou hast wept; Love divine within me burning, That diviner love returning, May thy Son this heart accept. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer uses phrases from a hymn by Walter Farquahrson and a prayer by Satish Kumar. The closing prayer uses a sentence from the same prayer by Kumar. The opening prayer of thanksgiving is adapted by Stephen Benner from _We Give You Thanks and Praise: The Ambrosian Eucharistic Prefaces_, translated by Alan Griffiths, (c) The Canterbury Press Norwich, 1999. The intercession is by Stephen Benner and is based on a prayer from _Leading Intercessions_, (c) 2000, Canterbury Press. The closing sentence is a poem by Jacopone da Todi, written in 1306. Mary at the Cross by Harriet Beecher Stowe O wondrous mother! since the dawn of time Was ever love, was ever grief, like thine? O highly favored in thy joy's deep flow, And favored, even in this, thy bitterest woe! Poor was that home in simple Nazareth Where, fairly growing, like some silent flower, Last of a kingly race, unknown and lowly, O desert lily, passed thy childhood's hour. The world knew not the tender, serious maiden, Who through deep loving years so silent grew, Full of high thought and holy aspiration, Which the o'ershadowing God alone might view. And then it came, that message from the highest, Such as to woman ne'er before descended, The almighty wings thy prayerful soul o'erspread, And with thy life the Life of worlds was blended. What visions then of future glory filled thee, the chosen mother of that King unknown, Mother fulfiller of all prophecy Which, through dim ages, wondering seers had shown! Well, did thy dark eye kindle, thy deep soul Rise into billows, and thy heart rejoice; Then woke the poet's fire, the prophet's song, Tuned with strange burning words thy timid voice. Then, in dark contrast, came the lowly manger, The outcast shed, the tramp of brutal feet; Again behold earth's learned and her lowly, Sages and shepherds, prostrate at thy feet. Then to the temple bearing--hark again What strange conflicting tones of prophecy Breathe o'er the child foreshadowing words of joy, High triumph blent with bitter agony! O highly favored thou in many an hour Spent in lone musings with thy wondrous Son, When thou didst gaze into that glorious eye, And hold that mighty hand within thine own. Blest through those thirty years, when in thy dwelling He lived a God disguised with unknown power; And thou his sole adorer, his best love, Trusting, revering, waited for his hour. Blest in that hour, when called by opening heaven With cloud and voice and the baptizing flame, Up from the Jordan walked th' acknowledged stranger, And awe-struck crowds grew silent as He came. Blessed, when full of grace, with glory crowned, He from both hands almighty favors poured, And, though He had not where to lay his head, Brought to his feet alike the slave and lord. Crowds followed; thousands shouted, "Lo, our King!" Fast beat thy heart. Now, now the hour draws nigh: Behold the crown, the throne, the nations bend! Ah, no! fond mother, no! behold Him die! Now by that cross thou tak'st thy final station, And shar'st the last dark trial of thy Son; Not with weak tears or woman's lamentation, But with high, silent anguish, like his own. Hail! highly favored, even in this deep passion; Hail! in this bitter anguish thou art blest,-- Blest in the holy power with Him to suffer Those deep death-pangs that lead to higher rest. All now is darkness; and in that deep stillness The God-man wrestles with that mighty woe; Hark to that cry, the rock of ages rending,-- "'T is finished!" Mother, all is glory now! By sufferings mighty as his mighty soul Hath the Redeemer risen forever blest; And through all ages must his heart-beloved Through the same baptism enter the same rest. From steve.benner at oremus.org Mon Sep 21 20:16:33 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:16:33 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 22 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090921201633.59B16313C19@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Philander Chase, Bishop of Ohio and of Illinois, missionary, 1852 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of miracles and of mercy, all creation sings your praise, for your grace is extravagant and unexpected. You lead us to repentance and the acceptance of your grace, that we may witness to your love, which embraces both those we call friend and those we call stranger. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 72 Give the king your justice, O God,* and your righteousness to the king's son; That he may rule your people righteously* and the poor with justice; That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people,* and the little hills bring righteousness. He shall defend the needy among the people;* he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor. He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,* from one generation to another. He shall come down like rain upon the mown field,* like showers that water the earth. In his time shall the righteous flourish;* there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. He shall rule from sea to sea,* and from the River to the ends of the earth. His foes shall bow down before him,* and his enemies lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute,* and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts. All kings shall bow down before him,* and all the nations do him service. For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress,* and the oppressed who has no helper. He shall have pity on the lowly and poor;* he shall preserve the lives of the needy. He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence,* and dear shall their blood be in his sight. Long may he live, and may there be given to him gold from Arabia;* may prayer be made for him always, and may they bless him all the day long. May there be abundance of grain on the earth, growing thick even on the hilltops;* may its fruit flourish like Lebanon, and its grain like grass upon the earth. May his name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures;* may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,* who alone does wondrous deeds! And blessed be his glorious name for ever!* and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen. A Song of God(s Chosen One (Isaiah 11.1,2,3b4a,6,9) There shall come forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear, But with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. The calf, the lion and the fatling together, with a little child to lead them. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Psalm 147:1-12 Alleluia! How good it is to sing praises to our God!* how pleasant it is to honour him with praise! The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem;* he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted* and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars* and calls them all by their names. Great is our Lord and mighty in power;* there is no limit to his wisdom. The Lord lifts up the lowly,* but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;* make music to our God upon the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds* and prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass to grow upon the mountains* and green plants to serve us all. He provides food for flocks and herds* and for the young ravens when they cry. He is not impressed by the might of a horse,* he has no pleasure in human strength; But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him,* in those who await his gracious favour. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 36:1-17]: Have mercy upon us, O?God of all, ???and put all the nations in fear of you. Lift up your hand against foreign nations ???and let them see your might. As you have used us to show your holiness to them, ???so use them to show your glory to us. Then they will know, as we have known, ???that there is no God but you, O?Lord. Give new signs, and work other wonders; ???make your hand and right arm glorious. Rouse your anger and pour out your wrath; ???destroy the adversary and wipe out the enemy. Hasten the day, and remember the appointed time, ???and let people recount your mighty deeds. Let survivors be consumed in the fiery wrath, ???and may those who harm your people meet destruction. Crush the heads of hostile rulers ???who say, ?There is no one but ourselves.? Gather all the tribes of Jacob, ???and give them their inheritance, as at the beginning. Have mercy, O?Lord, on the people called by your name, ???on Israel, whom you have named your firstborn. HYMN Words: John Newton (1725-1807) Tune: Stracathro How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear. It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms the troubled breast; 'tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary rest. Dear name! the rock on which I build, my shield and hiding-place, my never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King, my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring. Weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought; but when I see thee as thou art, I'll praise thee as I ought. `Till then I would thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 11:1-15]: I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. I think that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. I may be untrained in speech, but not in knowledge; certainly in every way and in all things we have made this evident to you. Did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed God?s good news to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the friends who came from Macedonia. So I refrained and will continue to refrain from burdening you in any way. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boast of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And what I do I will also continue to do, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want an opportunity to be recognized as our equals in what they boast about. For such boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their end will match their deeds. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Eternal God, we rejoice today in the gift of life, which we have received by your grace, and the new life you give in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for the love of our families... (We thank you, Lord.) the affection of our friends... strength and abilities to serve your purpose today... this community in which we live... opportunities to give as we have received... God of grace, we offer our prayers for the needs of others and commit ourselves to serve them as we have been served in Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for those closest to us, families, friends, neighbors... (Lord, hear our prayer.) refugees and homeless men, women and children... the outcast and persecuted... those from whom we are estranged... the church in Africa... Your kingdom come, O Lord, with deliverance for the needy, with peace for the righteous, with overflowing blessing for all nations, with glory, honour and praise for the only Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith: We give you heartfelt thanks for the pioneering spirit of your servant Philander Chase, and for his zeal in opening new frontiers for the ministry of your Church. Grant us grace to minister in Christ's name in every place, led by bold witnesses to the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Teach us your ways of justice, O Lord, and lead us to practice your generosity. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer and closing prayer are adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts Philander Chase was born in New Hampshire in 1775. He graduated from Dartmouth, and then entered the ministry in the Episcopal Church. He felt the calling to preaching on the frontier and so moved west. He became bishop of Ohio, and also founded Kenyon College, raising the necessary funds in England. He ran into conflicts, both in his diocese and in the college, and so resigned his positions and moved to Michigan. However, the newly-formed diocese of Illinois called him in 1835 to be its bishop, and he served in this position until his death. [http://satucket.com/] From steve.benner at oremus.org Tue Sep 22 17:00:01 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:01 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 23 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090922170001.24AFD313C1F@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of miracles and of mercy, all creation sings your praise, for your grace is extravagant and unexpected. You lead us to repentance and the acceptance of your grace, that we may witness to your love, which embraces both those we call friend and those we call stranger. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 73 Truly, God is good to Israel,* to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped;* I had almost tripped and fallen; Because I envied the proud* and saw the prosperity of the wicked: For they suffer no pain,* and their bodies are sleek and sound; In the misfortunes of others they have no share;* they are not afflicted as others are; Therefore they wear their pride like a necklace* and wrap their violence about them like a cloak. Their iniquity comes from gross minds,* and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts. They scoff and speak maliciously;* out of their haughtiness they plan oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens,* and their evil speech runs through the world. And so the people turn to them* and find in them no fault. They say, 'How should God know?* is there knowledge in the Most High?' So then, these are the wicked;* always at ease, they increase their wealth. In vain have I kept my heart clean,* and washed my hands in innocence. I have been afflicted all day long,* and punished every morning. Had I gone on speaking this way,* I should have betrayed the generation of your children. When I tried to understand these things,* it was too hard for me; Until I entered the sanctuary of God* and discerned the end of the wicked. Surely, you set them in slippery places;* you cast them down in ruin. O how suddenly do they come to destruction,* come to an end and perish from terror! Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord,* when you arise you will make their image vanish. When my mind became embittered,* I was sorely wounded in my heart. I was stupid and had no understanding;* I was like a brute beast in your presence. Yet I am always with you;* you hold me by my right hand. You will guide me by your counsel,* and afterwards receive me with glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?* and having you I desire nothing upon earth. Though my flesh and my heart should waste away,* God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. Truly, those who forsake you will perish;* you destroy all who are unfaithful. But it is good for me to be near God;* I have made the Lord God my refuge. I will speak of all your works* in the gates of the city of Zion. A Song of the Bride (Isaiah 61.10,11; 62.13) I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; Who has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and has covered me with the cloak of integrity, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth puts forth her blossom, and as seeds in the garden spring up, So shall God make righteousness and praise blossom before all the nations. For Zion(s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem(s sake I will not rest, Until her deliverance shines out like the dawn, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your deliverance, and all rulers shall see your glory; Then you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of God will give. You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Psalm 147:13-end Alleluia! Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem;* praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;* he has blessed your children within you. He has established peace on your borders;* he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth,* and his word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool;* he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs;* who can stand against his cold? He sends forth his word and melts them;* he blows with his wind and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob,* his statutes and his judgements to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation;* to them he has not revealed his judgements. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 37:6-15]: Do not forget a friend during the battle, ???and do not be unmindful of him when you distribute your spoils. All counsellors praise the counsel they give, ???but some give counsel in their own interest. Be wary of a counsellor, ???and learn first what is his interest, ???for he will take thought for himself. He may cast the lot against you ???and tell you, ?Your way is good?, ???and then stand aside to see what happens to you. Do not consult one who regards you with suspicion; ???hide your intentions from those who are jealous of you. Do not consult with a woman about her rival ???or with a coward about war, with a merchant about business ???or with a buyer about selling, with a miser about generosity ???or with the merciless about kindness, with an idler about any work ???or with a seasonal labourer about completing his work, with a lazy servant about a big task? ???pay no attention to any advice they give. But associate with a godly person ???whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, who is like-minded with yourself, ???and who will grieve with you if you fail. And heed the counsel of your own heart, ???for no one is more faithful to you than it is. For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed ???than seven sentinels sitting high on a watch-tower. But above all pray to the Most High ???that he may direct your way in truth. HYMN Words: Thomas Greene, 18th century Tune: Warwick It is the Lord, my covenant God, Whose claims are all divine, Who has an undisputed right To govern me and mine. It is the Lord! Should I distrust Or contradict His will, Who cannot do but what is just And must be righteous still? It is the Lord who gives me all, My wealth, my friends, my ease, And of His bounties may recall Whatever part He please. It is the Lord who can sustain Beneath the heaviest load, >From whom assistance I obtain To tread the thorny road. It is the Lord, whose matchless skill Can from afflictions raise Matter eternity to fill With ever-growing praise. It is the Lord, my covenant God, Thrice blessed be His name! Whose gracious promise, sealed with blood, Must ever be the same. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 11:16-end]: I repeat, let no one think that I am a fool; but if you do, then accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord?s authority, but as a fool; since many boast according to human standards, I will also boast. For you gladly put up with fools, being wise yourselves! For you put up with it when someone makes slaves of you, or preys upon you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or gives you a slap in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone dares to boast of?I am speaking as a fool?I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman?I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked. And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus (blessed be he for ever!) knows that I do not lie. In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas set a guard on the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Prayer: God of all mercies, we praise you that you have brought us to this day, brightening our lives with the dawn of promise and hope in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for the warmth of sunlight, the wetness of rain and snow, and all that nourishes the earth... (We thank you, Lord.) the presence and power of your Spirit... the support and encouragement we receive from others... those who provide for public safety and wellbeing... the mission of the church around the world... Merciful God, strengthen us in prayer that we may lift up the brokenness of this world for your healing, and share the saving love of Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for those in positions of authority over others... (Lord, hear our prayer.) the lonely and forgotten... children without family or homes... agents of caring and relief... the church in Asia and the Middle East... Most High, you know our faithlessness and our blindness to the rewards of goodness. Guide us with your counsel and be the strength of our hearts, that we may not fall but rejoice in the life of your eternal city; through Jesus Christ our Mediator. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Teach us your ways of justice, O Lord, and lead us to practice your generosity. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer and closing prayer are adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts From steve.benner at oremus.org Wed Sep 23 17:51:44 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:51:44 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 24 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090923175144.D6565313C15@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Thursday, September 24, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of miracles and of mercy, all creation sings your praise, for your grace is extravagant and unexpected. You lead us to repentance and the acceptance of your grace, that we may witness to your love, which embraces both those we call friend and those we call stranger. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 80 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;* shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh,* stir up your strength and come to help us. Restore us, O God of hosts;* show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved. O Lord God of hosts,* how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears;* you have given them bowls of tears to drink. You have made us the derision of our neighbours,* and our enemies laugh us to scorn. Restore us, O God of hosts;* show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved. You have brought a vine out of Egypt;* you cast out the nations and planted it. You prepared the ground for it;* it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered by its shadow* and the towering cedar trees by its boughs. You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea* and its branches to the River. Why have you broken down its wall,* so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes? The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it,* and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it. Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven; behold and tend this vine;* preserve what your right hand has planted. They burn it with fire like rubbish;* at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish. Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand,* the son of man you have made so strong for yourself. And so will we never turn away from you;* give us life, that we may call upon your name. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;* show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved. A Song of Christ(s Appearing (1 Timothy 3.16;6.15,16) Christ Jesus was revealed in the flesh and vindicated in the spirit. He was seen by angels and proclaimed among the nations. Believed in throughout the world, he was taken up in glory. This will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, Who alone has immortality, and dwells in unapproachable light. To the King of kings and Lord of lords be honour and eternal dominion. Amen. Psalm 148 Alleluia! Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his;* praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon;* praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, heaven of heavens,* and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord;* for he commanded and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever;* he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth,* you seamonsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog,* tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills,* fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle,* creeping things and winged birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples,* princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens,* old and young together. Let them praise the name of the Lord,* for his name only is exalted, his splendour is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants,* the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 38:24-end]: The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure; ???only the one who has little business can become wise. How can one become wise who handles the plough, ???and who glories in the shaft of a goad, who drives oxen and is occupied with their work, ???and whose talk is about bulls? He sets his heart on ploughing furrows, ???and he is careful about fodder for the heifers. So it is with every artisan and master artisan ???who labours by night as well as by day; those who cut the signets of seals, ???each is diligent in making a great variety; they set their heart on painting a lifelike image, ???and they are careful to finish their work. So it is with the smith, sitting by the anvil, ???intent on his ironwork; the breath of the fire melts his flesh, ???and he struggles with the heat of the furnace; the sound of the hammer deafens his ears, ???and his eyes are on the pattern of the object. He sets his heart on finishing his handiwork, ???and he is careful to complete its decoration. So it is with is the potter sitting at his work ???and turning the wheel with his feet; he is always deeply concerned over his products, ???and he produces them in quantity. He moulds the clay with his arm ???and makes it pliable with his feet; he sets his heart on finishing the glazing, ???and he takes care in firing the kiln. All these rely on their hands, ???and all are skilful in their own work. Without them no city can be inhabited, ???and wherever they live, they will not go hungry. Yet they are not sought out for the council of the people, ???nor do they attain eminence in the public assembly. They do not sit in the judge?s seat, ???nor do they understand the decisions of the courts; they cannot expound discipline or judgement, ???and they are not found among the rulers. But they maintain the fabric of the world, ???and their concern is for the exercise of their trade. How different the one who devotes himself ???to the study of the law of the Most High! HYMN Words: James D Burns (1823-1864) Tune: Franconia With Thee, my Lord, my God, I would desire to be; By day, by night, at home, abroad, I would be still with Thee. With Thee when dawn comes in, And calls me back to care; Each day returning to begin With Thee, my God, in prayer. With Thee amid the crowd That throngs the busy mart; To hear Thy voice 'mid clamour loud, Speak softly to my heart. With Thee when day is done, And evening calms the mind; The setting as the rising sun With Thee my heart would find. With Thee when darkness brings The signal of repose, Calm in the shadow of Thy wings Mine eyelids I would close. With Thee, in Thee, by faith Abiding I would be; By day, by night, in life, in death, I would be still with Thee. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 12:1-13]: It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven?whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person?whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows? was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ?My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.? So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works. How have you been worse off than the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong! The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Loving God, as the rising sun chases away the night, so you have scattered the power of death in the rising of Jesus Christ, and you bring us all blessings in him. Especially we thank you for the community of faith in our church... (We thank you, Lord.) those with whom we work or share common concerns... the diversity of your children... indications of your love at work in the world... those who work for reconciliation... Mighty God, with the dawn of your love you reveal your victory over all that would destroy or harm, and you brighten the lives of all who need you. Especially we pray for families suffering separation... (Lord, hear our prayer) people different from ourselves... those isolated by sickness or sorrow... the victims of violence or warfare... the church in the Pacific region... Faithful Shepherd of your people, as we look for the light of your countenance restore in us the image of your glory and graft us into the risen life of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Teach us your ways of justice, O Lord, and lead us to practice your generosity. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer and closing prayer are adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts From steve.benner at oremus.org Thu Sep 24 17:00:00 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 25 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090924170000.63E63313C50@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Friday, September 25, 2009 Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, Spiritual Writer, 1626 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of miracles and of mercy, all creation sings your praise, for your grace is extravagant and unexpected. You lead us to repentance and the acceptance of your grace, that we may witness to your love, which embraces both those we call friend and those we call stranger. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 89:1-9,11-14,18-21,24-29, 52 Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing;* from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever;* you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens. 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one;* I have sworn an oath to David my servant: '"I will establish your line for ever,* and preserve your throne for all generations."' The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord,* and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones; For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?* who is like the Lord among the gods? God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones,* great and terrible to all those round about him. Who is like you, Lord God of hosts?* O mighty Lord, your faithfulness is all around you. You rule the raging of the sea* and still the surging of its waves. Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours;* you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it. You have made the north and the south;* Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name. You have a mighty arm;* strong is your hand and high is your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne;* love and truth go before your face. Truly, the Lord is our ruler;* the Holy One of Israel is our king. You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people:* 'I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people. 'I have found David my servant;* with my holy oil have I anointed him. 'My hand will hold him fast* and my arm will make him strong. 'My faithfulness and love shall be with him,* and he shall be victorious through my name. 'I shall make his dominion extend* from the Great Sea to the River. 'He will say to me, "You are my Father,* my God and the rock of my salvation." 'I will make him my firstborn* and higher than the kings of the earth. 'I will keep my love for him for ever,* and my covenant will stand firm for him. 'I will establish his line for ever* and his throne as the days of heaven. Blessed be the Lord for evermore!* Amen, I say, Amen. A Song of the Word of the Lord (Isaiah 55.611) Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; Let the wicked abandon their ways, and the unrighteous their thoughts; Return to the Lord, who will have mercy; to our God, who will richly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,( says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from above, and return not again but water the earth, Bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread to eat, So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me fruitless, But it will accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the task I gave it.( Psalm 149 Alleluia! Sing to the Lord a new song;* sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in his maker;* let the children of Zion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in the dance;* let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people* and adorns the poor with victory. Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;* let them be joyful on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their throat* and a twoedged sword in their hand; To wreak vengeance on the nations* and punishment on the peoples; To bind their kings in chains* and their nobles with links of iron; To inflict on them the judgement decreed;* this is glory for all his faithful people. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 42:15-21]: I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, ???and will declare what I have seen. By the word of the Lord his works are made; ???and all his creatures do his will. The sun looks down on everything with its light, ???and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. The Lord has not empowered even his holy ones ???to recount all his marvellous works, which the Lord the Almighty has established ???so that the universe may stand firm in his glory. He searches out the abyss and the human heart; ???he understands their innermost secrets. For the Most High knows all that may be known; ???he sees from of old the things that are to come. He discloses what has been and what is to be, ???and he reveals the traces of hidden things. No thought escapes him, ???and nothing is hidden from him. He has set in order the splendours of his wisdom; ???he is from all eternity one and the same. Nothing can be added or taken away, ???and he needs no one to be his counsellor. HYMN Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Meter: 77 77 77 Centre of our hopes Thou art, End of our enlarged desire, Stamp Thine image on our heart, Fill us now with heavenly fire; Overflowed by love divine, Seal our souls for ever Thine. All our works in Thee be wrought, Levelled at one common aim; Every word and every thought, Purge in the refining flame; Lead us, through the paths of peace, On to perfect holiness. Let us all together rise, To Thy glorious life restored, Here regain our paradise, Here prepare to meet our Lord, Here enjoy the earnest given, Travel hand in hand to Heaven. SECOND READING [2 Corinthians 12:14-end]: Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? Let it be assumed that I did not burden you. Nevertheless (you say) since I was crafty, I took you in by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves with the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps? Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? We are speaking in Christ before God. Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up. For I fear that when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; I fear that there may perhaps be quarrelling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again, my God may humble me before you, and that I may have to mourn over many who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practised. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, Our God, the God of our Fathers; Who turnest the shadow of death into the morning; and lightenest the face of the earth; Who separatest darkness from the face of the light ; and banishest night and bringest back the day; Who lightenest mine eyes, that I sleep not in death; Who deliverest me from the terror by night, from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Who drivest sleep from mine eyes, and slumber from mine eyelids; Who makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to praise Thee; because I laid me down and slept and rose up again, for the Lord sustained me; because I waked and beheld, and my sleep was sweet unto me. Blot out as a thick cloud my transgressions, and as a cloud my sins; grant me to be a child of light, a child of the day, to walk soberly, holily, honestly, as in the day, vouchsafe to keep me this day without sin. Thou who upholdest the falling and liftest the fallen, let me not harden my heart in provocation, or temptation or deceitfulness of any sin. Moreover, deliver me to-day from the snare of the hunter and from the noisome pestilence; from the arrow that flieth by day, from the sickness that destroyeth in the noon day. Defend this day against my evil, against the evil of this day defend Thou me. Let not my days be .spent in vanity, nor my years in sorrow. One day teileth another, and one night certifierh another. 0 let me hear Thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning, for in Thee is my trust; shew Thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, 0 Lord, from mine enemies, for I flee unto Thee. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth Thee, for Thou art my God: let Thy loving Spirit 1ead me forth into the land of righteousness. Quicken me, 0 Lord, for Thy Name's sake, and for Thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble: remove from me foolish imaginations, inspire those which are good and pleasing in Thy sight. Turn awav mine eyes lest they behold vanitv : let mine eyes look right on, and let mine eyelids look straight before me. Hedge up mine ears with thorns lest they incline to undisciplined words. Give me early the ear to hear, and open mine ears to the instruction of Thy oracles. Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. Let my word be seasoned with salt, that it may minister grace to the hearers. Let no deed be grief unto me nor offence of heart. Let me do some work for which Thou wilt remember me, Lord, for good, and spare me according to the greatness of Thv mercy. Into Thine hands I commend mv spirit, soul, and body, which Thou hast created, redeemed, regenerated, 0 Lord, Thou God of truth: and together with me all mine and all that belongs to me. Thou hast vouchsafed them to me, Lord, in Thy goodness. Guard us from all evil, guard our souls, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord. Guard us without falling, and place us immaculate in the presence of Thy glory in that day. Guard my going out and my coming in henceforth and for ever. Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of those who meet him. 0 God, make speed to save me, 0 Lord, make haste to help me. 0 turn Thee then unto me, and have mercy upon me; give Thy strength unto Thy servant, and help the son of Thine handmaid. Show some token upon me for good, that they who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because Thou, Lord, hast holpen me and comforted me. Amen. Lord God, who gave to Lancelot Andrewes many gifts of your Holy Spirit, making him a man of prayer and a pastor of your people: perfect in us that which is lacking in your gifts, of faith, to increase it, of hope, to establish it, of love, to kindle it, that we may live in the light of your grace and glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Remember us, gracious God, when we cannot see your way and purpose, and renew in us the joy of your kingdom of light and life. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Teach us your ways of justice, O Lord, and lead us to practice your generosity. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer and closing prayer are adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts The intercession is a commendation by Lancelot Andrewes. The second collect is from _Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England_, material from which is included in this service is copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2000. Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626), Bishop of Winchester, was on the committee of scholars that produced the King James Translation of the Bible, and probably contributed more to that work than any other single person. It is accordingly no surprise to find him not only a devout writer but a learned and eloquent one, a master of English prose, and learned in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and eighteen other languages. His sermons were popular in his own day, but are perhaps too academic for most modern readers. He prepared for his own use a manuscript notebook of Private Prayers, which was published after his death. The material was apparently intended, not to be read aloud, but to serve as a guide and stimulus to devout meditation. [James Kiefer, abridged] From steve.benner at oremus.org Sun Sep 27 20:35:12 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:35:12 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 28 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090927203512.F26DB313C14@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Monday, September 28, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of our salvation, we falter before the demands of your word and turn away from your call to life. Yet you pour out your mercy on us as you showed mercy to your people of old, that we may turn from our sinfulness and walk the path of self-emptying love made known in Jesus Christ. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,* and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul,* and forget not all his benefits. He forgives all your sins* and heals all your infirmities; He redeems your life from the grave* and crowns you with mercy and lovingkindness; He satisfies you with good things,* and your youth is renewed like an eagle's. The Lord executes righteousness* and judgement for all who are oppressed. He made his ways known to Moses* and his works to the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy,* slow to anger and of great kindness. He will not always accuse us,* nor will he keep his anger for ever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins,* nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. For as the heavens are high above the earth,* so is his mercy great upon those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west,* so far has he removed our sins from us. As a father cares for his children,* so does the Lord care for those who fear him. For he himself knows whereof we are made;* he remembers that we are but dust. Our days are like the grass;* we flourish like a flower of the field; When the wind goes over it, it is gone,* and its place shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever on those who fear him,* and his righteousness on children's children; On those who keep his covenant* and remember his commandments and do them. The Lord has set his throne in heaven,* and his kingship has dominion over all. Bless the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty ones who do his bidding,* and hearken to the voice of his word. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts,* you ministers of his who do his will. Bless the Lord, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion;* bless the Lord, O my soul. A Song of the Blessed (Matthew 5.310) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness( sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad for you are the light of the world, and great is your reward in heaven. Psalm 146 Alleluia! Praise the Lord, O my soul!* I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth,* for there is no help in them. When they breathe their last, they return to earth,* and in that day their thoughts perish. Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help!* whose hope is in the Lord their God; Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them;* who keeps his promise for ever; Who gives justice to those who are oppressed,* and food to those who hunger. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind;* the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger;* he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. The Lord shall reign for ever,* your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 43:13-19]: By his command he sends the driving snow ???and speeds the lightnings of his judgement. Therefore the storehouses are opened, ???and the clouds fly out like birds. In his majesty he gives the clouds their strength, ???and the hailstones are broken in pieces. The voice of his thunder rebukes the earth; ???when he appears, the mountains shake. At his will the south wind blows; ???so do the storm from the north and the whirlwind. He scatters the snow like birds flying down, ???and its descent is like locusts alighting. The eye is dazzled by the beauty of its whiteness, ???and the mind is amazed as it falls. He pours frost over the earth like salt, ???and icicles form like pointed thorns. HYMN Words: W Vernon Higham (born 1926) Tune: Turn us again, Shepherd Divine; Cherubim praise and heaven declares Thy Name: Name of Our Lord and name to us most dear; Kindle a flame. Kindle a flame, within the hearts, Stir us to seek and turn to God again: O let Thy grace draw forth our souls to Thee, Thy name to claim. Teach us to weep for godly gifts; Tears in great measure grant to us today: Tasting the bread, the sorrows of the Head, Whom men did slay. O bless the fruit for it is Thine, Pour forth Thy presence, see our cruel foes; Stir up Thy strength and come, O come O Lord! Remove our woes. Jerusalem is desolate, Yet once was full with glory and with grace; The shadow of Thy Cross spread through the land: We seek Thy face. Look down upon Thy heritage; Let fruits of grace flow down as holy wine; Revive Thy work, and cause Thine own to praise: Visit this vine! SECOND READING [1 Thessalonians 1]: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead?Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Almighty God, maker of all good things and Father of all; you have shown us in Christ the purpose of your creation and call us to be responsible in the world. We pray for the world all the nations.... our own country.... those in authority.... the peace of the world.... racial harmony.... those who maintain order.... Almighty God, we give you thanks for the order of created things the resources of the earth and the gift of human life.... for the continuing work of creation, man's share in it, and for creative vision and inventive skill.... for your faithfulness to man in patience and in love, and for every human response of obedience and humble achievement.... May we delight in your purpose and work to bring all things to their true end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. As your merciful goodness endures for ever, O Lord, remember that we are but dust; do not deal with us according to our sins but, in your compassion, redeem our life and crown us with your mercy and lovingkindness; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Pour out your Spirit, O God, over all the world, to inspire every heart with knowledge and love of you. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer is adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts. The closing prayer use phrases from a prayer in _Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language_ (c) Canterbury Press, Norwich, 1999. From steve.benner at oremus.org Tue Sep 29 22:06:58 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:06:58 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 30 September 2009 Message-ID: <20090929220658.D644B313C20@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Jerome, Translator of the Scriptures, Teacher of the Faith, 420 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of our salvation, we falter before the demands of your word and turn away from your call to life. Yet you pour out your mercy on us as you showed mercy to your people of old, that we may turn from our sinfulness and walk the path of self-emptying love made known in Jesus Christ. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 119:113-128 I hate those who have a divided heart,* but your law do I love. You are my refuge and shield;* my hope is in your word. Away from me, you wicked!* I will keep the commandments of my God. Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live,* and let me not be disappointed in my hope. Hold me up and I shall be safe,* and my delight shall be ever in your statutes. You spurn all who stray from your statutes;* their deceitfulness is in vain. In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross;* therefore I love your decrees. My flesh trembles with dread of you;* I am afraid of your judgements. I have done what is just and right;* do not deliver me to my oppressors. Be surety for your servant's good;* let not the proud oppress me. My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation* and for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your lovingkindness* and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; grant me understanding,* that I may know your decrees. It is time for you to act, O Lord,* for they have broken your law. Truly, I love your commandments* more than gold and precious stones. I hold all your commandments to be right for me;* all paths of falsehood I abhor. A Song of Redemption (Colossians 1.1318a,19,20a) The Father has delivered us from the dominion of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son; In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. All things were created through him and for him, he is before all things and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the Church, he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell; and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things. Psalm 147:13-end Alleluia! Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem;* praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;* he has blessed your children within you. He has established peace on your borders;* he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth,* and his word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool;* he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs;* who can stand against his cold? He sends forth his word and melts them;* he blows with his wind and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob,* his statutes and his judgements to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation;* to them he has not revealed his judgements. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15]: Let us now sing the praises of famous men, ???our ancestors in their generations. The Lord apportioned to them great glory, ???his majesty from the beginning. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, ???and made a name for themselves by their valour; those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; ???those who spoke in prophetic oracles; those who led the people by their counsels ???and by their knowledge of the people?s lore; ???they were wise in their words of instruction; those who composed musical tunes, ???or put verses in writing; rich men endowed with resources, ???living peacefully in their homes? all these were honoured in their generations, ???and were the pride of their times. Some of them have left behind a name, ???so that others declare their praise. But of others there is no memory; ???they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, ???they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, ???whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their wealth will remain with their descendants, ???and their inheritance with their children?s children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; ???their children also, for their sake. Their offspring will continue for ever, ???and their glory will never be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace, ???but their name lives on generation after generation. The assembly declares their wisdom, ???and the congregation proclaims their praise. HYMN Words: Alan Gaunt 1991 by Stainer & Bell Ltd. Used with permission Tune: Bourbon http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/g/g318.html Hit "Back" in your browser to return to Oremus. God's Spirit, as a rising gale, tears down our false tranquility; come surging through our settled minds, demolish our complacency! God's Spirit, as the breath of life, creation's source and guide and goal, breathe life into our souls again; restore our faith and make us whole. God's Spirit, as an icy blast, strike through the scorching enmity that burns our human love to ash; extinguish all hostility. God's Spirit, as a healing breeze, stream gently through our troubled days, to set us on our feet again, with confidence, delight, and praise. God's Spirit, fierce and wild, and yet unfolding like a mother's womb, surprise us: bring us, newly born, with Jesus leaping from the tomb! SECOND READING [1 Thessalonians 2:17- 3:13]: As for us, brothers and sisters,* when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you?in person, not in heart?we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18For we wanted to come to you?certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again?but Satan blocked our way. 19For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20Yes, you are our glory and joy! 3Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming* the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, 3so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. 4In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. 5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labour had been in vain. Timothy?s Encouraging Report 6?But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us?just as we long to see you. 7For this reason, brothers and sisters,* during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 8For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. 9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. 11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Holy Father, you have reconciled us to yourself in Christ; by your Spirit you enable us to live as your children. We pray for personal relationships the home, and family life.... children deprived of home.... friends, relations and neighbours.... relationships in daily life and work.... those who are estranged.... ministries of care and healing... Holy Father, we give you thanks for the obedience of Christ fulfilled in the cross, his bearing of the sin of the world, his mercy for the world, which never fails.... for the joy of human love and friendship, the lives to which our own are bound, the gift of peace with you and each other.... for the communities in whose life we share and all relationships in which reconciliation may be known.... Help us to share in Christ's ministry and to love and serve one another in peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the unity of the Spirit is one with you for ever. Amen. O Lord, how manifold are all your works and the earth is full of your creatures. Send forth your Spirit again this day to renew the face of the earth, that the whole creation may reflect the majesty of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Lord, O God of truth, your Word is a lantern to our feet and a light upon our path: We give you thanks for your servant Jerome, and those who, following in his steps, have labored to render the Holy Scriptures in the language of the people; and we pray that your Holy Spirit will overshadow us as we read the written Word, and that Christ, the living Word, will transform us according to your righteous will; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Pour out your Spirit, O God, over all the world, to inspire every heart with knowledge and love of you. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer is adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts. The closing prayer use phrases from a prayer in _Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language_ (c) Canterbury Press, Norwich, 1999. From steve.benner at oremus.org Wed Sep 30 17:00:00 2009 From: steve.benner at oremus.org (Steve Benner) Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000 (GMT) Subject: OREMUS: 1 October 2009 Message-ID: <20090930170000.E0CB7313C4A@justus2.anglican.org> ******************************************************* Visit our website at http://www.oremus.org for more resources, a link to our store in association with Amazon and other opportunities to support this ministry. This ministry can only continue with your support. ******************************************************* OREMUS for Thursday, October 1, 2009 Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Blessed are you, God of our salvation, we falter before the demands of your word and turn away from your call to life. Yet you pour out your mercy on us as you showed mercy to your people of old, that we may turn from our sinfulness and walk the path of self-emptying love made known in Jesus Christ. For these and all your mercies, we praise you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! An opening canticle may be sung. Psalm 126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,* then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter,* and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations,* 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us,* and we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O Lord,* like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears* will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,* will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. Psalm 128 Happy are they all who fear the Lord,* and who follow in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of your labour;* happiness and prosperity shall be yours. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house,* your children like olive shoots round about your table. Whoever fears the Lord* shall thus indeed be blessed. The Lord bless you from Zion,* and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children's children;* may peace be upon Israel. A Song of Trust (Isaiah 26.14,79,12) We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. The way of the righteous is level; you who are upright make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgements, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and renown is the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed all that we have done you have done for us. Psalm 148 Alleluia! Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his;* praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon;* praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, heaven of heavens,* and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord;* for he commanded and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever;* he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth,* you seamonsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog,* tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills,* fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle,* creeping things and winged birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples,* princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens,* old and young together. Let them praise the name of the Lord,* for his name only is exalted, his splendour is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants,* the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Alleluia! FIRST READING [Job 1:1-12]: There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. His sons used to go and hold feasts in one another's houses in turn; and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the feast days had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt-offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, 'It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.' This is what Job always did. One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, 'Where have you come from?' Satan answered the Lord, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.' The Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.' Then Satan answered the Lord, 'Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.' The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!' So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. HYMN Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Tune: Abridge, Arlington, Martyrdom, St Stephen, Song 67 O for a heart to praise my God, A heart from sin set free, A heart that always feels thy blood So freely spilt for me; A heart resigned, submissive, meek, My great redeemer's throne, Where only Christ is heard to speak, Where Jesus reigns alone; A humble, lowly, contrite heart, Believing, true, and clean; Which neither life nor death can part >From him that dwells within; A heart in every thought renewed, And full of love divine; Perfect, and right, and pure, and good, A copy, Lord, of thine! My heart, thou know'st, can never rest Till thou create my peace: Till of mine Eden repossest, >From self, and sin, I cease. Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart; Come quickly from above, Write thy new name upon my heart, Thy new, best name of love. SECOND READING [1 Thessalonians 4:1-12]: Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you knows how to control your own body in holiness and honour, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrongs or exploits a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly towards outsiders and be dependent on no one. The Benedictus (Morning), the Magnificat (Evening), or Nunc dimittis (Night) may follow. Prayer: Eternal God, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead and exalted him to your right hand in glory, and through him called your Church into being, that your people might know you, and that they might make your name known. We pray for the church the Church universal, and local, especially.... the unity of the Church.... the ministries of the Church.... the mission of the Church.... the renewal of the Church.... all Christians in this place.... Eternal God, we give you thanks for the apostolic gospel committed to your Church, the continuing presence and power of your Spirit, the ministry of Word, Sacrament and Prayer.... for the divine mission in which we are called to share, the will to unity and its fruit in common action, the faithful witness of those who are true to Christ.... for all works of compassion and every service that proclaims your love. In peace and unity may your people offer the unfailing sacrifice of praise, and make your glory known; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Creator God, whose Son is the true vine and we the branches: make us fruitful in your service, sharing your love and joy and peace with all your children, in the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Savior has taught us. - The Lord's Prayer Pour out your Spirit, O God, over all the world, to inspire every heart with knowledge and love of you. Amen. ******************************************************* The psalms are from _Celebrating Common Prayer_ (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, which is used with permission. The canticle is from _Common Worship: Daily Prayer, Preliminary Edition_, copyright (c) The Archbishops' Council, 2002. The biblical passage is from The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright (c) 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The opening prayer is adapted from _Revised Common Lectionary Prayers_, copyright (c) 2002 Consultation on Common Texts. The closing prayer use phrases from a prayer in _Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language_ (c) Canterbury Press, Norwich, 1999.