Antiphon 1
Ant. The Lord says: “I am pondering thoughts of peace and not of affliction*
you shall call upon me, and I will hear you;
and I will bring you back from all the lands where you are held captive.”
V. O Lord, you have favored your land, *
and brought back the captives of Jacob.
You forgave the guilt of your people, *
and covered all their sins.
You averted all your rage; *
you turned back the heat of your anger. Jeremiah 29; Psalm 85
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: John Mason Neale
Tune: Bangor https://tinyurl.com/4455zv4m
1 O very God of very God,
and very Light of Light,
whose feet this earth’s dark valley trod
that so it might be bright:
2 Our hopes are weak, our fears are strong,
thick darkness blinds our eyes;
cold is the night; thy people long
that thou, their Sun, wouldst rise.
3 And even now, though dull and gray,
the east is brightening fast,
and kindling to the perfect day
that never shall be past.
4 O guide us till our path is done,
and we have reached the shore
where thou, our everlasting Sun,
art shining evermore!
5 We wait in faith, and turn our face
to where the daylight springs,
till thou shalt come our gloom to chase,
with healing in thy wings.
PSALMS
Psalm 68 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/ybgjjxjc)
1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered *
let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away *
and like as wax melteth at the fire,
so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God *
let them also be merry and joyful.
4 O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his Name *
magnify him that rideth upon the heavens, as it were upon an horse;
praise him in his Name JAH, and rejoice before him.
5 He is a Father of the fatherless,
and defendeth the cause of the widows *
even God in his holy habitation.
6 He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house,
and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity *
but letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.
7 O God, when thou wentest forth before the people *
when thou wentest through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the heavens dropped at the presence of God *
even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God,
who is the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, sentest a gracious rain upon thine inheritance *
and refreshedst it when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation shall dwell therein *
for thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word *
great was the company of the preachers.
12 Kings with their armies did flee, and were discomfited *
and they of the household divided the spoil.
13 Though ye have lien among the pots,
yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove *
that is covered with silver wings, and her feathers like gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake *
then were they as white as snow in Salmon.
15 As the hill of Basan, so is God’s hill *
even an high hill, as the hill of Basan.
16 Why hop ye so, ye high hills? this is God’s hill,
in the which it pleaseth him to dwell *
yea, the Lord will abide in it for ever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels *
and the Lord is among them, as in the holy place of Sinai.
18 Thou art gone up on high, thou hast led captivity captive,
and received gifts for men *
yea, even for thine enemies,
that the Lord God might dwell among them.
19 Praised be the Lord daily *
even the God who helpeth us, and poureth his benefits upon us.
20 He is our God, even the God of whom cometh salvation *
God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.
21 God shall wound the head of his enemies *
and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his wickedness.
22 The Lord hath said,
I will bring my people again, as I did from Basan *
mine own will I bring again, as I did sometime from the deep of the sea.
23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies *
and that the tongue of thy dogs may be red through the same.
24 It is well seen, O God, how thou goest *
how thou, my God and King, goest in the sanctuary.
25 The singers go before, the minstrels follow after *
in the midst are the damsels playing with the timbrels.
26 Give thanks, O Israel, unto God the Lord in the congregations *
from the ground of the heart.
27 There is little Benjamin their ruler,
and the princes of Judah their counsel *
the princes of Zabulon, and the princes of Nephthali.
28 Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee *
stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us,
29 For thy temple’s sake at Jerusalem *
so shall kings bring presents unto thee.
30 When the company of the spear-men,
and multitude of the mighty are scattered abroad
among the beasts of the people,
so that they humbly bring pieces of silver *
and when he hath scattered the people that delight in war;
31 Then shall the princes come out of Egypt *
the Morians’ land shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
32 Sing unto God, O ye kingdoms of the earth *
O sing praises unto the Lord;
33 Who sitteth in the heavens over all from the beginning *
lo, he doth send out his voice, yea, and that a mighty voice.
34 Ascribe ye the power to God over Israel *
his worship, and strength is in the clouds.
35 O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places *
even the God of Israel;
he will give strength and power unto his people;
blessed be God.
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 68 (LSB Tone K: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-68-LSB.mp3)
1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;*
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;*
as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!
3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God;*
they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;*
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the LORD; exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows*
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,*
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,*
when you marched through the wilderness,
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,*
before God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;*
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;*
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
11 The Lord gives the word;*
the women who announce the news are a great host:
12 “The kings of the armies— they flee, they flee!”*
The women at home divide the spoil—
13 though you men lie among the sheepfolds—*
the wings of a dove covered with silver,
its pinions with shimmering gold.
14 When the Almighty scatters kings there,*
let snow fall on Zalmon.
15 O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan;*
O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!
16 Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,*
at the mount that God desired for his abode,
yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?
17 The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
thousands upon thousands;*
the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.
18 You ascended on high,
leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts among men,*
even among the rebellious,
that the LORD God may dwell there.
19 Blessèd be the Lord, who daily bears us up;*
God is our salvation.
20 Our God is a God of salvation,*
and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.
21 But God will strike the heads of his enemies,*
the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways.
22 The Lord said, “I will bring them back from Bashan,*
I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,
23 that you may strike your feet in their blood,*
that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.”
24 Your procession is seen, O God,*
the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary—
25 the singers in front, the musicians last,*
between them virgins playing tambourines:
26 “Bless God in the great congregation,*
the LORD, O you who are of Israel’s fountain!”
27 There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead,
the princes of Judah in their throng,*
the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
28 Summon your power, O God,*
the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem*
kings shall bear gifts to you.
30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds,
the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples.*
Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute;
scatter the peoples who delight in war.
31 Nobles shall come from Egypt;*
Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;*
sing praises to the Lord,
33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;*
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,*
whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary;*
the God of Israel—
he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessèd be God!
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.
PRAYER
God our strong fortress,
do not desert us in old age.
Help us to follow your will
through all our years
and under all circumstances,
that forever we may praise your faithfulness;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
Reading: Malachi 4:1-2a
Look, the day is coming,
burning like an oven.
All the arrogant ones and all those doing evil will become straw.
The coming day will burn them,
says the Lord of heavenly forces,
leaving them neither root nor branch.
But the sun of righteousness will rise on those revering my name;
healing will be in its wings
so that you will go forth and jump about like calves in the stall.
HYMN: Psalm 98; para. Dewey Westra
Tune: Genevan 98 (Rendez à Dieu) https://tinyurl.com/29s29a5s
1 Sing, sing a new song to the LORD God
for all the wonders he has wrought;
his right hand and his arm most holy
the victory to him have brought.
The LORD has shown his great salvation,
to Israel his love made known;
he has revealed to every nation
his truth in righteousness alone.
2 Shout, make a joyful noise before him,
O all the earth, his praises sing;
with harp and trumpet sound adore him,
make music to the LORD, the King.
Let oceans roar with all their fullness,
the world and all who dwell therein;
proclaim the power of God with boldness,
exalt him ever and again.
3 Let all the streams in joyous union
now clap their hands and praise accord;
let mountains sing in glad communion
and skip for joy before the LORD.
He comes, he comes to judge the people,
arrayed in truth and equity;
he shall redeem the world from evil,
and righteous shall his judgment be.
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay away from every brother or sister who lives an undisciplined life that is not in line with the traditions that you received from us. You yourselves know how you need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you. We didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, we worked night and day with effort and hard work so that we would not impose on you. We did this to give you an example to imitate, not because we didn’t have a right to insist on financial support. Even when we were with you we were giving you this command: “If anyone doesn’t want to work, they shouldn’t eat.” We hear that some of you are living an undisciplined life. They aren’t working, but they are meddling in other people’s business. By the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and encourage such people to work quietly and put their own food on the table. Brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged in doing what is right.
HYMN: Norman MacLeod
Tune: Courage, brother! https://tinyurl.com/ypptt7c6
1 Courage, brother! do not stumble,
though your path be dark as night;
there’s a star to guide the humble:
trust in God, and do the right.
Let the road be rough and dreary,
and its end far out of sight;
foot it bravely; strong or weary,
trust in God, trust in God,
trust in God, and do the right.
2 Perish policy and cunning,
perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
trust in God, and do the right.
Some will hate you, some will love you,
some will flatter, some will slight;
heed them not, and look above you:
trust in God, trust in God,
trust in God, and do the right.
3 Simple rule and safest guiding,
inward peace, and inward might,
star upon our path abiding,
trust in God, and do the right.
Courage, sister! do not stumble,
though your path be dark as night;
there’s a star to guide the humble:
trust in God, trust in God,
trust in God, and do the right.
Reading: Luke 21:5-19
Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and ornaments dedicated to God. Jesus said, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”
They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”
Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other. There will be great earthquakes and wide-scale food shortages and epidemics. There will also be terrifying sights and great signs in the sky. But before all this occurs, they will take you into custody and harass you because of your faith. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will provide you with an opportunity to testify. Make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance. I’ll give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to counter or contradict. You will be betrayed by your parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, and friends. They will execute some of you. Everyone will hate you because of my name. Still, not a hair on your heads will be lost. By holding fast, you will gain your lives.”
CANTICLE Revelation 4:11, 5:9-10, 13
(Chant by Joe Cox: https://tinyurl.com/y499lmmp)
Ant. Splendor and honor and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *
for ever and for evermore. Ant.
PRAYERS Joe Milner
For the Church: that we may offer hope and vision to all the human family in times of
confusion and offer support to those who are searching for God
For the grace of perseverance: that God will strengthen and sustain us in remaining
faithful in our discipleship in times of trial and distress
For a spirit of hope: that God will drive disabling fear from our hearts and help us face
the future with confidence and trust that God is always with us and will never abandon us
For leaders of the Christian community: that their ministry and preaching will help their
communities of faith to continue their deeds of loving service and witness to the Gospel until Christ comes in glory
For all who are experiencing an “end of their world”: that those who have become ill,
lost employment, been divorced, or are grieving the death of a loved one may know
God’s comforting presence this day and be strengthened by God’s Spirit
For children who are rejected, abused, or neglected: that God’s tender compassion
will comfort them and that they may experience love and nurture
For freedom from deceit: that we may hear the voice of the one true shepherd who
calls us to life and not be confused by the many voices whose promises are false and whose fruit is destruction
For families that are divided and in opposition to one another: that God’s peace may
touch their hearts and lead them toward reconciliation and healing
For all who are persecuted, deprived of their rights, and used as pawns by the powers
of this world: that the Sun of Justice may rise for them, heal their wounds, and raise
the lowly to high places
For inspiration and guidance: that the Spirit will lead to freedom all who are addicted
and give courage to all who are working to assist them
For peace: that God will bring an end to the violence in Ukraine, sustain the ceasefire
in Ethiopia, and protect the human family from weapons of mass destruction
For all veterans: that they may know God’s presence in their hearts, be healed of
physical and mental injuries, and be blessed with health and well being
For all who have been elected to office: that God will give them wisdom to address the
pressing issues and a spirit of collaboration to achieve the best for their country
For all who have died, particularly those who have served as our pastors, teachers,
mentors, and spiritual guides: that God will lead them into the fullness of life in God’s
presence forever
Setting by Eric Wyse:2
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.
God, our God,
you hear our cry and listen to our prayer.
Grant that we may know that our redeemer lives
and, trusting in you,
be confident that we will not be lost or forgotten.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. RCLP
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
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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 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 traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language version of Psalm 68 is in the version used in Lutheran Service Book: Pew Edition Concordia Publishing House, and is from the Next to the Word of God YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVRYL-MRebncw584Ql2xfg.
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.
Oremus 