Antiphon1
Ant. In you have I put my trust, O Lord; I said:
“You are my God, my destiny is in your hands.”
V. Let your face shine on your servant. *
Save me in your merciful love.
Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, *
for I call on you;
let the wicked be shamed! *
Let them be silenced in the grave! Psalm 31
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires, known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ycn4djk5
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will declare your praise.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to you, O Christ, Alleluia!
HYMN: James Weldon Johnson
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/y3u4k335
1 Lift ev’ry voice and sing,
till earth and heaven ring,
ring with the harmonies of liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise
high as the list’ning skies,
let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun
of our new day begun,
let us march on till victory is won.
2 Stony the road we trod,
bitter the chast’ning rod,
felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
yet with a steady beat,
have not our weary feet
come to the place for which our people sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered.
We have come, treading our path thro’ the blood of the slaughtered,
out from the gloomy past,
till now we stand at last
where the bright gleam of our bright star is cast.
3 God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
thou who hast brought us thus far on the way,
thou who hast by thy might
led us into the light,
keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee;
lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee;
shadowed beneath thy hand,
may we forever stand,
true to our God, true to our native land.
PSALMS
For psalms in contemporary language, https://tinyurl.com/y9tjh7rk
Psalm 102 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/tru8yxv)
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord *
and let my crying come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble *
incline thine ear unto me when I call; O hear me, and that right soon.
3 For my days are consumed away like smoke *
and my bones are burnt up as it were a fire-brand.
4 My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass *
so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 For the voice of my groaning *
my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh.
6 I am become like a pelican in the wilderness *
and like an owl that is in the desert.
7 I have watched, and am even as it were a sparrow *
that sitteth alone upon the house-top.
8 Mine enemies revile me all the day long *
and they that are mad upon me are sworn together against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes as it were bread *
and mingled my drink with weeping;
10 And that because of thine indignation and wrath *
for thou hast taken me up, and cast me down.
11 My days are gone like a shadow *
and I am withered like grass.
12 But, thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever *
and thy remembrance throughout all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion *
for it is time that thou have mercy upon her, yea, the time is come.
14 And why? thy servants think upon her stones *
and it pitieth them to see her in the dust.
15 The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord *
and all the kings of the earth thy Majesty;
16 When the Lord shall build up Sion *
and when his glory shall appear;
17 When he turneth him unto the prayer of the poor destitute *
and despiseth not their desire.
18 This shall be written for those that come after *
and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord.
19 For he hath looked down from his sanctuary *
out of the heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
20 That he might hear the mournings of such as are in captivity *
and deliver the children appointed unto death;
21 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion *
and his worship at Jerusalem;
22 When the people are gathered together *
and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.
23 He brought down my strength in my journey *
and shortened my days.
24 But I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age *
as for thy years, they endure throughout all generations.
25 Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth *
and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure *
they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
27 And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed *
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
28 The children of thy servants shall continue *
and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 103 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/wclpdz5)
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul *
and all that is within me praise his holy Name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul *
and forget not all his benefits;
3 Who forgiveth all thy sin *
and healeth all thine infirmities;
4 Who saveth thy life from destruction *
and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things *
making thee young and lusty as an eagle.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement *
for all them that are oppressed with wrong.
7 He shewed his ways unto Moses *
his works unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy *
long-suffering, and of great goodness.
9 He will not alway be chiding *
neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins *
nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
11 For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth *
so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
12 Look how wide also the east is from the west *
so far hath he set our sins from us.
13 Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children *
even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth whereof we are made *
he remembereth that we are but dust.
15 The days of man are but as grass *
for he flourisheth as a flower of the field.
16 For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone *
and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord
endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him *
and his righteousness upon children’s children;
18 Even upon such as keep his covenant *
and think upon his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven *
and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength *
ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his words.
21 O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts *
ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
22 O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of his,
in all places of his dominion *
praise thou the Lord, O my soul.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
PRAYER
God of might and mercy,
you bring us to new life each day,
and nurture us in your tender love.
Keep us far from all sinfulness,
that our lives may be a blessing to you;
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7
Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God.’
And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’
Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’
HYMN: Carolyn Gillette ©
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/y43awp6o
Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’,
siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’,
siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
Siyahamba, hamba,
siyahamba, hamba,
siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
Siyahamba, hamba,
siyahamba, hamba,
siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
We are marching in the light of God;
we are marching in the light of God.
We are marching in the light of God;
we are marching in the light of God.
We are marching, marching,
we are marching, marching,
we are marching in the light of God.
We are marching, marching,
we are marching, marching,
we are marching in the light of God.
Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
HYMN: John Newton
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/y4q44dd4
1 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
2 ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
3 Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
4 The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
5 Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
6 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.
Reading: Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said, ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
CANTICLE Ephesians 1:3-10
(John Michael Talbot https://tinyurl.com/ya8y3kqs)
Ant. God chose us in his Son to be his beloved children.
Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
who bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him before the world began, *
to be holy and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ, *
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, *
the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, *
to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on the earth
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
THE PRAYERS BCW
Give us your peace, O God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all
your children, and be thankful for your love revealed in Jesus Christ. Especially
we thank you for
people who reveal your truth and righteousness . . .
courage to be bold disciples . . .
those who show hospitality . . .
surprises that have blessed us . . .
the unity of the church of Jesus Christ. . . .
Give us your peace, O God, that we may be confident of your care for us and all
your children, as we remember the needs of others. Especially we pray for
friends and relatives who are far away . . .
neighbors in special need . . .
those who suffer hunger and thirst . . .
those who work at night while others sleep . . .
Episcopal and Methodist churches. . . .
Setting: Sanford Dole https://tinyurl.com/y7ldq7h5
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
Donation to Support This Ministry
Since 1993, Oremus has been done on a volunteer basis. If you are able, please consider supporting this work at the PayPal link below. For software reasons, I’ve set the value at $10.00, but feel free to change it. Thank you.
$10.00
BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
EH Exciting Holiness, Ed. Brother Tristram SSF © European Province of the Society of Saint Francis, 1997
RCLP Revised Common Lectionary Prayers. © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.
BCP The Book of Common Prayer (1979), The Episcopal Church
1 Adam Bartlett, Simple English Propers; audio from https://musicasacra.com/additional-publications/sep-practice-videos/ ©
The three main scripture readings are from the The New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Edition, The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662).
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2020 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
Oremus 