Irenaeus
Irenæus was probably a native of Smyrna, born in about 130. As a boy, he had heard Polycarp preach, who had in turn been a disciple of the apostle John. Irenæus is thus one of the important connections between the apostolic Church and the second century. He studied at Rome, and later became a priest at Lyon in Gaul, succeeding as bishop upon the martyrdom of his predecessor in 177. He contended against the mythological, unhistorical beliefs of the Gnostics, giving positive value to the full humanity of the incarnate Christ, and affirmed the public teaching rôle of the episcopate to combat false doctrine. He is honoured as the first great Catholic theologian, one who drew upon the emerging traditions of East and West. Irenæus is believed to have been martyred in about the year 200. EH
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/38pfkwa7
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose,
near restful waters he leads me. Psalm 23
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: Thomas à Kempis; trans. Benjamin Webb
Tune: Deo gracias (Agincourt) https://tinyurl.com/mr2bfare
1 O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
how passing thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake!
2 He sent no angel to our race,
of higher or of lower place,
but wore the robe of human frame,
and He Himself to this world came.
3 For us baptized, for us He bore
His holy fast, and hungered sore;
for us temptations sharp He knew,
for us the tempter overthrew.
4 For us to wicked men betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in crown of thorns arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross and death
for us at length gave up His breath.
5 For us He rose from death again,
for us He went on high to reign,
for us He sent His Spirit here
to guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.
6 All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad —
the Trinity whom we adore
forever and forevermore.
PSALMS
Psalm 136 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y7f3bagv)
1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious *
and his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of all gods *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O thank the Lord of all lords *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Who only doeth great wonders *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
5 Who by his excellent wisdom made the heavens *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 Who laid out the earth above the waters *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
7 Who hath made great lights *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
8 The sun to rule the day *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
9 The moon and the stars to govern the night *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
10 Who smote Egypt with their first-born *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
12 With a mighty hand, and stretched out arm *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
13 Who divided the Red sea in two parts *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
14 And made Israel to go through the midst of it *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
15 But as for Pharaoh and his host, he overthrew them in the Red sea *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
16 Who led his people through the wilderness *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
17 Who smote great kings *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
18 Yea, and slew mighty kings *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
19 Sehon king of the Amorites *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
20 And Og the king of Basan *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
21 And gave away their land for an heritage *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
22 Even for an heritage unto Israel his servant *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
23 Who remembered us when we were in trouble *
for his mercy endureth for ever;
24 And hath delivered us from our enemies *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven *
for his mercy endureth for ever.
27 O give thanks unto the Lord of lords *
for his mercy 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 137 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yd8m98dk)
1 By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept *
when we remembered thee, O Sion.
2 As for our harps, we hanged them up *
upon the trees that are therein.
3 For they that led us away captive required of us then a song, and melody, in our heaviness *
Sing us one of the songs of Sion.
4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song *
in a strange land?
5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem *
let my right hand forget her cunning.
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth *
yea if I prefer not Jerusalem in my mirth.
7 Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Jerusalem *
how they said, Down with it, down with it, even to the ground.
8 O daughter of Babylon, wasted with misery *
yea, happy shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us.
9 Blessed shall he be that taketh thy children *
and throweth them against the stones.
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 138 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y85o6fdm)
1 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart *
even before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name,
because of thy loving-kindness and truth *
for thou hast magnified thy Name, and thy Word, above all things.
3 When I called upon thee, thou heardest me *
and enduedst my soul with much strength.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord *
for they have heard the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord *
that great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly *
as for the proud, he beholdeth them afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me *
thou shalt stretch forth thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies,
and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me *
yea, thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever;
despise not then the works of thine own hands.
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 136 (LSB Tone J: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-136-LSB.mp3
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,*
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,*
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
4 to him who alone does great wonders,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 to him who struck down great kings,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,*
for his steadfast love endures forever.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,*
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,*
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,*
for his steadfast love 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 137 (Liturgical Folk: https://tinyurl.com/2884yvfs)
1 By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, *
when we remembered you, O Zion.
2 As for our harps, we hung them up *
on the trees in the midst of that land.
3 For those who led us away captive asked us for a song,
and our oppressors called for mirth: *
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”
4 How shall we sing the LORD’S song *
upon an alien soil?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, *
let my right hand forget its skill.
6 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you, *
if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.
7 Remember the day of Jerusalem, O LORD,
against the people of Edom, *
who said, “Down with it! down with it!
even to the ground!”
8 O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, *
happy the one who pays you back
for what you have done to us!
9 Happy shall he be who takes your little ones, *
and dashes them against the rock!
Psalm 138
1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;*
before the gods I sing your praise
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name
for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,*
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;*
my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,*
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,*
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,*
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;*
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;*
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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 of everlasting love,
through your Word you made all things
in heaven and on earth;
you have opened to us the path from death to life.
Listen to the song of the universe,
the hymn of resurrection sung by your church,
and give us your blessing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
The Lord’s messenger called out to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I give my word as the Lord that because you did this and didn’t hold back your son, your only son, I will bless you richly and I will give you countless descendants, as many as the stars in the sky and as the grains of sand on the seashore. They will conquer their enemies’ cities. All the nations of the earth will be blessed because of your descendants, because you obeyed me.”
HYMN: Heinrich Theobald Schenk; trans. Frances Cox
Tune: All Saints https://tinyurl.com/y2t4kuy6
1 Who are these like stars appearing,
these before God’s throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
praising loud their heav’nly King.
2 Who are these of dazzling brightness,
these in God’s own truth arrayed,
clad in robes of purest whiteness,
robes whose lustre ne’er shall fade,
ne’er be touched by time’s rude hand?
Whence come all this glorious band?
3 These are they who have contended
for their Savior’s honor long,
wrestling on ’til life was ended,
foll’wing not the sinful throng;
these, who well the fight sustained,
triumph thro’ the Lamb have gained.
4 These are they whose hearts were riven,
sore with woe and anguish tried,
who in pray’r full oft have striven
with the God they glorified;
now, their painful conflict o’er,
God has bid them weep no more.
5 These, like priests, have watched and waited,
off’ring up to Christ their will;
soul and body consecrated,
day and night to serve him still:
now in God’s most holy place
blest they stand before his face.
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel. The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ. Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time. Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison.
What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad.
HYMN: Augustus Toplady
Tune: Trewen https://tinyurl.com/yckhcmjn
1 A debtor to mercy alone,
of covenant mercy I sing;
nor fear, with Your righteousness on,
my person and off’ring to bring.
The terrors of law and of God
with me can have nothing to do;
my Savior’s obedience and blood
hide all my transgressions from view.
2 The work which His goodness began,
the arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is yea and amen,
and never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now,
nor all things below or above,
can make Him His purpose forgo,
or sever my soul from His love.
3 My name from the palms of His hands
eternity will not erase;
impressed on His heart it remains,
in marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end shall endure,
as sure as the earnest is giv’n;
more happy, but not more secure,
the glorified spirits in heav’n.
When those who tended the pigs saw what happened, they ran away and told the story in the city and in the countryside. People came to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully dressed and completely sane. They were filled with awe. Those people who had actually seen what had happened told them how the demon-possessed man had been delivered. Then everyone gathered from the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and returned across the lake. The man from whom the demons had gone begged to come along with Jesus as one of his disciples. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell the story of what God has done for you.” So he went throughout the city proclaiming what Jesus had done for him.
CANTICLE 1 Samuel 2
(Jason Silver: https://tinyurl.com/y3zdb8z9)
My heart exults in the Lord;
and my strength is exalted in God.
I loudly denounce my enemies,
for I am so glad you rescued me.
There is no Holy One like the Lord,
There is no Rock like our God.
Boast no more so very proud,
no arrogance come out of your mouth;
the Lord is our God who knows,
and by him our actions they are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
the feeble ones strengthened anew.
The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
but those who are hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven babes,
but she who has many is forlorn.
The Lord kills and the Lord brings to life;
brings down to the grave, raises up.
The Lord makes poor and he makes rich;
he brings us low, also exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit down with princes
and to inherit an honorable seat.
The pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he set the world.
He watches over his holy ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in the dark.
For not by might does one prevail;
the Lord’s adversaries shall be shattered.
The Most High will thunder in heaven.
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed ones.
THE PRAYERS BCW
We praise you, God our creator, for your handiwork in shaping and sustaining
your wondrous creation. Especially we thank you for
the miracle of life and the wonder of living . . .
particular blessings coming to us in this day . . .
the resources of the earth . . .
gifts of creative vision and skillful craft . . .
the treasure stored in every human life. . . .
We dare to pray for others, God our Savior, claiming your love in Jesus Christ for
the whole world, committing ourselves to care for those around us in his name.
Especially we pray for
those who work for the benefit of others . . .
those who cannot work today . . .
those who teach and those who learn . . .
people who are poor . . .
the church in Europe. . . .
(Plainsong: https://tinyurl.com/ahnrtv59)ELW
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 of peace,
who through the ministry of your servant Irenæus,
strengthened the true faith
and brought harmony to your Church:
keep us steadfast in your true religion,
and renew us in faith and love,
that we may always walk in the way that leads to eternal life;
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. EH
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.
EH Exciting Holiness, Ed. Brother Tristram SSF © European Province of the Society of Saint Francis, 1997
ELW The Lord’s Prayer is from Setting Five in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language versions of Psalms 136 and 138 are in the version used in Lutheran Service Book: Pew Edition Concordia Publishing House, and are from the Next to the Word of God YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVRYL-MRebncw584Ql2xfg. Psalm 137 is in the version from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is performed by Liturgical Folk https://www.liturgicalfolk.com/.
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 © 2023 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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