Oremus for Thursday, October 27, 2022

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/7exhewcj

The Lord became my protector.
He brought me out to a place of freedom;
he saved me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18

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: Fred Pratt Green ©
Tune: Erhalt uns, Herr https://tinyurl.com/bdevxb6s

1 O Christ, the healer, we have come
To pray for health, to plead for friends.
How can we fail to be restored,
When reached by love that never ends?

2 From ev’ry ailment flesh endures
Our bodies clamour to be freed;
Yet in our hearts we would confess
That wholeness is our deepest need.

3 How strong, O Lord, are our desires,
How weak our knowledge of ourselves!
Release in us those healing truths
Unconscious pride resists or shelves.

4 In conflicts that destroy our health
We recognize the world’s disease;
Our common life declares our ills:
Is there no cure, O Christ, for these?

5 Grant that we all, made one in faith,
In your community may find
The wholeness that, enriching us,
Shall reach the whole of humankind.

PSALMS

Psalm 126 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8tuft59)
1  When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion *
 then were we like unto them that dream.
2  Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
 and our tongue with joy.
3  Then said they among the heathen *
 The Lord hath done great things for them.
4  Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already *
 whereof we rejoice.
5  Turn our captivity, O Lord *
 as the rivers in the south.
6  They that sow in tears *
 shall reap in joy.
7  He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed *
 shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
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 127 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8tuft59)
1  Except the Lord build the house *
 their labour is but lost that build it.
2  Except the Lord keep the city *
 the watchman waketh but in vain.
3  It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early,
and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness *
 for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
4  Lo, children and the fruit of the womb *
 are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
5  Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant *
 even so are the young children.
6  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them *
 they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
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 128 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8ckoca7)
1  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord *
 and walk in his ways.
2  For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands *
 O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
3  Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine *
 upon the walls of thine house.
4  Thy children like the olive-branches *
 round about thy table.
5  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed *
 that feareth the Lord.
6  The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee *
 that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
7  Yea, that thou shalt see thy children’s children *
 and peace upon Israel.
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 129 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y7qelqeh)
1  Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up *
 may Israel now say.
2  Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up *
 but they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed upon my back *
 and made long furrows.
4  But the righteous Lord *
 hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
5  Let them be confounded and turned backward *
 as many as have evil will at Sion.
6  Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops *
 which withereth afore it be plucked up;
7  Whereof the mower filleth not his hand *
 neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
8  So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you *
 we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.
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 130 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9lymrb2)
1  Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord *
 Lord, hear my voice.
2  O let thine ears consider well *
 the voice of my complaint.
3  If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss *
 O Lord, who may abide it?
4  For there is mercy with thee *
 therefore shalt thou be feared.
5  I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him *
 in his word is my trust.
6  My soul fleeth unto the Lord *
 before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7  O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy *
 and with him is plenteous redemption.
8  And he shall redeem Israel *
 from all his sins.
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 131 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yaxt75nj)
1  Lord, I am not high-minded *
 I have no proud looks.
2  I do not exercise myself in great matters *
 which are too high for me.
3  But I refrain my soul, and keep it low,
like as a child that is weaned from his mother *
 yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
4  O Israel, trust in the Lord *
 from this time forth for evermore.
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 126 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-126-1.mp3)
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
4 The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Psalm 127 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-127.mp3)
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2 Unless the LORD watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4 Children are a heritage from the LORD, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-127.mp3)
1 Happy are they all who fear the LORD, *
and who follow in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4 The man who fears the LORD *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days
 of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children; *
may peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 129 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-129.mp3)1 “Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth,” *
let Israel now say;
2 “Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, *
but they have not prevailed against me.”
3 The plowmen plowed upon my back *
and made their furrows long.
4 The LORD, the Righteous One, *
has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them be put to shame and thrown back, *
all those who are enemies of Zion.
6 Let them be like grass upon the housetops, *
which withers before it can be plucked;
7 Which does not fill the hand of the reaper, *
nor the bosom of him who binds the sheaves;
8 So that those who go by say not so much as,
“The LORD prosper you. *
We wish you well in the Name of the LORD.”

Psalm 130 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-130.mp3)
1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5 My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 131 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-131.mp3)
1 O LORD, I am not proud; *
I have no haughty looks.
2 I do not occupy myself with great matters, *
or with things that are too hard for me.
3 But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother’s breast; *
my soul is quieted within me.
4 O Israel, wait upon the LORD, *
from this time forth for evermore.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart,
you promised your kingdom to those who are like children.
Never let pride reign in our hearts.
In compassion embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke
now and forever. Amen. ^BCW

THE WORD OF GOD

Reading: Joel 2:23-32

I will give signs in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. But everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be security, as the Lord has promised; and in Jerusalem, the Lord will summon those who survive.

HYMN: A. Cleveland Coxe
Tune: Blaenhafren https://tinyurl.com/bdef5tpn

1 We are living, we are dwelling,
In a grand and awful time,
In an age on ages telling;
To be living is sublime.
Hark! the waking up of nations,
Hosts advancing to the fray;
Hark! what soundeth is creation’s
Groaning for the latter day.

2 Will ye play, then? will ye dally
Far behind the battle line?
Up! it is Jehovah’s rally;
God’s own arm hath need of thine.
Worlds are charging, heav’n beholding;
Thou hast but an hour to fight;
Now, the blazoned cross unfolding,
On, right onward for the right!

3 Sworn to yield, to waver, never;
Consecrated, born again;
Sworn to be Christ’s soldiers ever,
On! for Christ at least be men!
On! let all the soul within you
For the truth’s sake go abroad!
Strike! let every nerve and sinew
Tell on ages, tell for God.

Reading: Hebrews 11:23-31

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months when he was born, because they saw that the child was beautiful and they weren’t afraid of the king’s orders. By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter when he was grown up. He chose to be mistreated with God’s people instead of having the temporary pleasures of sin. He thought that the abuses he suffered for Christ were more valuable than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking forward to the reward. By faith he left Egypt without being afraid of the king’s anger. He kept on going as if he could see what is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, in order that the destroyer could not touch their firstborn children. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if they were on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were drowned. By faith Jericho’s walls fell after the people marched around them for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute wasn’t killed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace.

HYMN: James Montgomery
Tune: St Michael https://tinyurl.com/3vb5u6ub

1 Stand up, and bless the Lord,
ye people of His choice;
stand up, and bless the Lord your God
with heart, and soul, and voice.

2 Tho’ high above all praise,
above all blessing high,
who would not fear His holy Name,
and laud and magnify?

3 O for the living flame,
from His own altar brought,
to touch our lips, our minds inspire,
and wing to heav’n our thought!

4 There, with benign regard,
our hymns He deigns to hear;
though unrevealed to mortal sense,
the spirit feels Him near.

5 God is our strength and song,
and His salvation ours;
then be His love in Christ proclaimed
with all our ransomed pow’rs.

6 Stand up and bless the Lord,
the Lord your God adore;
stand up, and bless His glorious Name
henceforth for evermore.

Reading: Matthew 15:29-39

Jesus moved on from there along the shore of the Galilee Sea. He went up a mountain and sat down. Large crowds came to him, including those who were paralyzed, blind, injured, and unable to speak, and many others. They laid them at his feet, and he healed them. So the crowd was amazed when they saw those who had been unable to speak talking, and the paralyzed cured, and the injured walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Now Jesus called his disciples and said, “I feel sorry for the crowd because they have been with me for three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry for fear they won’t have enough strength to travel.” His disciples replied, “Where are we going to get enough food in this wilderness to satisfy such a big crowd?” Jesus said, “How much bread do you have?” They responded, “Seven loaves and a few fish.”

He told the crowd to sit on the ground. He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. After he gave thanks, he broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full. The disciples collected seven baskets full of leftovers. Four thousand men ate, plus women and children. After dismissing the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.

CANTICLE Isaiah 55:6-11
(Setting by Gregory Wilbur: https://tinyurl.com/yawmg8fp)

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,
Call ye upon him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

And let him return unto the Lord,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
My ways and thoughts are higher than yours.

And let him return unto the Lord,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

For as the rain cometh down, and snow from heaven,
And maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to sow,
that it may give bread to eat.

So shall my world be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
It shall not return unto me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please it shall prosper
in the thing whereunto I sent it.

THE PRAYERS ^BCW

God of all mercies, we praise you that you have brought us to this new 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…
the presence and power of your Spirit . . .
the support and encouragement we receive from others . . .
those who provide for public safety and well-being . . .
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 in the saving love of Jesus Christ.
Especially we pray for
those in positions of authority over others . . .
the lonely and forgotten . . .
children without families or homes . . .
agents of caring and relief . . .
the church in Asia and the Middle East. . . .

(Karin Simmons: https://tinyurl.com/y7vwp7dd)

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.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

God, whose love streams like fresh water
into the deserts of our hearts,
you turn us from greed and partiality
to healing and justice.
Make us companions of those who long for your deliverance,
and give us safe passage at the last into the land of your shalom. Amen. ^RCLP

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

---

^BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.

^RCLP Revised Common Lectionary Prayers. © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.

The main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.

The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and are chanted by Ryland Angel. 

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 © 2022 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.