Oremus for Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Clement of Rome

Clement
Clement was a bishop in Rome at the end of the first century. About 96 he wrote a letter known as 1 Clement. It was sent in the name of the church in Rome to Corinth to settle a dispute there caused by some of the younger members of the church. Clement strongly up-held the notion of hierarchical authority divinely instituted in the church. These views were influential in the growth of episcopacy, and 1 Clement was highly regarded by the early church. FATS

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/znmfth86

We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection,
through whom we are saved and delivered. Galatians 6

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: Gordon Light ©
Tune:

1 My love colors outside the lines,
exploring paths that few could ever find;
and takes me into places where I’ve never been before,
and opens doors to worlds outside the lines.

Refrain:
We’ll never walk on water if we’re not prepared to drown:
body and soul need a soaking from time to time.
And we’ll never move the gravestones if we’re not prepared to die,
and realize there are worlds outside the lines.

2 My Lord colors outside the lines,
turns wounds to blessings, water into wine;
and takes me into places where I’ve never been before,
and opens doors to worlds outside the lines. [Refrain]

3 My soul longs to color outside the lines,
tear back the curtains, sun, come in and shine!
I want to walk beyond the bound’ries where I’ve never been before,
throw open doors to worlds outside the lines. [Refrain]

PSALMS

Psalm 110 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/wo7aol8)

1  The Lord said unto my Lord *
 Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion *
 be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
3  In the day of thy power shall the people offer thee
free-will offerings with an holy worship *
 the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
4  The Lord sware, and will not repent *
 Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
5  The Lord upon thy right hand *
 shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
6  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies *
 and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
7  He shall drink of the brook in the way *
 therefore shall he lift up his head.
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 111 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/vddmean)

1  I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart *
 secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great *
 sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3  His work is worthy to be praised, and had in honour *
 and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works *
 that they ought to be had in remembrance.
5  He hath given meat unto them that fear him *
 he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6  He hath shewed his people the power of his works *
 that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7  The works of his hands are verity and judgement *
 all his commandments are true.
8  They stand fast for ever and ever *
 and are done in truth and equity.
9  He sent redemption unto his people *
 he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.
10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom *
 a good understanding have all they that do thereafter;
the praise of it endureth for ever.
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 112 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yxyhobau)

1  Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord *
 he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth *
 the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
3  Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house *
 and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness *
 he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  A good man is merciful, and lendeth *
 and will guide his words with discretion.
6  For he shall never be moved *
 and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
7  He will not be afraid of any evil tidings *
 for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.
8  His heart is established, and will not shrink *
 until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor *
 and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10  The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him *
 he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away;
the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
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 113 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/s3ye4cx)

1  Praise the Lord, ye servants *
 O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  Blessed be the Name of the Lord *
 from this time forth for evermore.
3  The Lord’s Name is praised *
 from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4  The Lord is high above all heathen *
 and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God that hath his dwelling so high *
 and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?
6  He taketh up the simple out of the dust *
 and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7  That he may set him with the princes *
 even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house *
 and to be a joyful mother of children.
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 110 (Liturgical Folk https://tinyurl.com/9mtt9js)
1 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, *
    until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The LORD will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, *
    saying, “Rule over your enemies round about you.
3 Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; *
    in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,
    like dew from the womb of the morning.”
4 The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: *
    “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord who is at your right hand will smite kings
    in the day of his wrath he will rule over the nations.
6 He will heap high the corpses; *
    he will smash heads over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook beside the road; *
    therefore he will lift high his head.
The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: *
    “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (x2)

Psalm 111 (LSB https://tinyurl.com/m4wu4t4z)
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,*
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,*
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,*
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;*
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who | fear him;*
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works*
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;*
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,*
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.*
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;*
all those who practice it  have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
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.

Psalm 112 (Karl Kohlhase: https://tinyurl.com/u8nezcvs)

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty upon the earth;
the generation of the upright are blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
his righteousness lasting forever.

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.
Light rises in the dark for the upright;
he is gracious, compassionate and righteous.
It is well with the man who lends graciously;
he will maintain his cause in judgment.

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.
For he will never be shaken;
the righteous are remembered forever.
He will not fear evil tidings;
his steadfast heart trusts in the LORD.

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.
His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
even when he looks on his enemies.
He’s donated freely unto the poor,
his righteousness lives forever.

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.
His horn will be exalted in honor;
the wicked will see and be vexed,
He’ll gnash his teeth and melt away;
the desire of the wicked will perish.

Hallelujah! How blessed is the man, who fears the LORD,
with great delight in His commandments.

Psalm 113 (Grail https://tinyurl.com/yterk33s)
Ant. Sing praise to our God, all his saints.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
May the name of the LORD be blest
both now and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
praised be the name of the LORD!
High above all nations is the LORD,
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the LORD, our God,
who has risen on high to his throne,
yet stoops from the heights to look down
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from the dung heap he raises the poor,
to set them in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home
and gladdens her heart with children.
Ant. Sing praise to our God, all his saints.

PRAYER

Sovereign God,
you subdue the arrogant
and raise the humble;
you feed the hungry
and reveal the poverty of wealth.
Help us to praise your name in all times and places,
that we may be faithful servants
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW

WORD OF GOD

Reading: Isaiah 65:1-12

I was ready to respond to those who didn’t ask.
    I was ready to be found by those who didn’t look for me.
I said, “I’m here! I’m here!” to a nation
    that didn’t call on my name.
I extended my hands all day
    to a rebellious people
        walking in a way that isn’t good,
        following their own plans;
    people who provoke me to my face continually,
        sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on bricks,
    who sit in tombs
        and spend the night among rocks;
    who eat swine’s flesh
        with broth of unclean meat in their bowls;
    who say, “Keep to yourself!
    Keep away from me! I’m too holy for you.”
These people ignite my anger
    like a fire that burns all day.
Look, this stands written before me.
    I won’t be silent, but I will repay;
    I will repay in full measure
    your sins and the sins of your ancestors as well,
        says the Lord.
Since they burned incense on the mountains,
    and mocked me in the hills,
I will count out to them
    full payment for their actions.

The Lord proclaims:
As new wine is found in the grape cluster,
    and someone says, “Don’t destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,”
    so I will do for the sake of my servants
    and not destroy everything:
I will bring out offspring from Jacob,
    and from Judah, heirs to my mountains.
My chosen ones will take possession;
    my servants will dwell there.
Sharon will become a pasture for sheep,
    and the Achor Valley a resting place for cattle,
    for my people who seek me.
But you who abandon the Lord,
        who forget my holy mountain,
        who set a table for a god of good fortune,
        and fill cups of mixed wine for a god of fate:
    I will offer you to the sword.
        You will all bow down for slaughter,
        because I called and you didn’t answer;
        I spoke and you wouldn’t hear.
        You did what I considered evil,
        and chose what I didn’t want.

HYMN: Henry Scott Holland
Tune: Rhuddlan https://tinyurl.com/2p8v5mm6

1 Judge Eternal, throned in splendor,
Lord of lords and King of kings,
with your living fire of judgment
purge this land of bitter things;
solace all its wide dominion
with the healing of your wings.

2 Still the weary folk are pining
for the hour that brings release,
and the city’s crowded clangor
cries aloud for sin to cease,
and the homesteads and the woodlands
plead in silence for their peace.

3 Crown, O God, your own endeavor;
cleave our darkness with your sword;
feed the faithless and the hungry
with the richness of your word;
cleanse the body of this nation
through the glory of the Lord.

Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Brothers and sisters, we have a request for you concerning our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming and when we are gathered together to be with him. We don’t want you to be easily confused in your mind or upset if you hear that the day of the Lord is already here, whether you hear it through some spirit, a message, or a letter supposedly from us. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. That day won’t come unless the rebellion comes first and the person who is lawless is revealed, who is headed for destruction. He is the opponent of every so-called god or object of worship and promotes himself over them. So he sits in God’s temple, displaying himself to show that he is God. You remember that I used to tell you these things while I was with you, don’t you? Now you know what holds him back so that he can be revealed when his time comes. The hidden plan to live without any law is at work now, but it will be secret only until the one who is holding it back is out of the way. Then the person who is lawless will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath from his mouth. When the Lord comes, his appearance will put an end to him. When the person who is lawless comes, it will happen through Satan’s effort, with all kinds of fake power, signs, and wonders. It will happen with every sort of wicked deception of those who are heading toward destruction because they have refused to love the truth that would allow them to be saved. This is why God will send them an influence that will mislead them so that they will believe the lie. The result will be that everyone will be judged who is not convinced by the truth but is happy with injustice.

HYMN: Percy Dearmer
Tune: Personent hodie https://tinyurl.com/4v3xf6cd

1 God is love: his the care,
tending each, everywhere.
God is love–all is there!
Jesus came to show him,
that we all might know him:
[Refrain:]
Sing aloud, loud, loud!
sing aloud, loud, loud!
God is good!
God is truth!
God is beauty! Praise him!

2 None can see God above;
all must learn to love,
thus may we Godward move,
finding him in others,
sisters all, and brothers: [Refrain]

3 Jesus shared joy and pain,
lived and died, rose again,
rules our hearts, now as then;
for he came to save us
by the truth he gave us: [Refrain]

4 To our Lord praise we sing–
light and life, friend and king,
coming down love to bring,
pattern for our duty,
showing God in beauty:

Reading: Matthew 21:23-27

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people came to him as he was teaching. They asked, “What kind of authority do you have for doing these things? Who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I have a question for you. If you tell me the answer, I’ll tell you what kind of authority I have to do these things. Where did John get his authority to baptize? Did he get it from heaven or from humans?” They argued among themselves, “If we say ‘from heaven,’ he’ll say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But we can’t say ‘from humans’ because we’re afraid of the crowd, since everyone thinks John was a prophet.” Then they replied, “We don’t know.” Jesus also said to them, “Neither will I tell you what kind of authority I have to do these things.”

CANTICLE Isaiah 12:2-6
(Uptown Worship Band: https://tinyurl.com/y8q877og)

Refrain:
Surely, it is God who saves;
I will and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my sure defense,
and he will be my Savior.

Therefore you shall draw water
and rejoice from the salvation spring.
On that day you shall say,
give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name. Refrain

Make his deeds known among the people;
they remember his Name on high.
Sing praise to the Lord, for he has done great things,
and this is known in all the world. Refrain

Cry aloud, O Zion, ring out your joy,
for the great one in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS BCW

Eternal God, we thank you for being with us today, and for every sign of your
truth and love in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for
the gift of peace in Christ . . .
reconciliation in our relationships . . .
each new insight into your love . . .
energy and courage to share your love . . .
the ministries of the church. . . .

Gracious God, we remember in our own hearts the needs of others, that we may
reach up to claim your love for them, and reach out to give your love in the name
of Christ. Especially we pray for
racial harmony and justice . . .
those imprisoned . . .
strangers we have met today . . .
friends who are bereaved . . .
Orthodox and Coptic churches. . . .

(Traditional chant: http://oremus.org/chant/LP-1940.mp3)

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And 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.

Almighty God, you chose your servant Clement of Rome to recall the Church in Corinth to obedience and stability: Grant that your Church may be grounded and settled in your truth by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; reveal to it what is not yet known; fill up what is  acking; confirm what has already been revealed; and keep it blameless in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. HWHM

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


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

FATS For All the Saints, © The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 2014

HWHM Holy Women, Holy Men © 2010 The Church Pension Fund.

The Lord’s Prayer is the traditional chant as set in The Hymnal 1940 and sung by Kathryn Mannyng https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsJ2TB9pLbU

The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.

The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The contemporary version of Psalm 110 is from The Book of Common Prayer (1979); Psalm 111 is from Lutheran Service Book; Psalm 112 is in the version sung by Karl Kohlhase; and Psalm 113 is from The Grail Psalms.

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.

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