Antiphon1
Ant. The ordinances of the Lord are right, *
bringing joy to all hearts, sweeter than honey or the honeycomb.
Therefore your servant will observe them.
V. The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.
Day unto day conveys the message, *
and night unto night imparts the knowledge. Psalm 19
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!
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
THE WORD OF GOD
There’s no god, other than you, caring for everyone. There’s no one to whom you must prove that your judgments are right.
Your strength is the very origin of doing the right thing. Because you rule over all, you spare all. You show your strength to those who doubt how powerful you really are. You condemn the pride of those who should know better than to doubt you.
Still, though you rule absolutely, you exercise careful judgment. You govern us with amazing restraint. If you wanted to, you could do anything you wished. By your actions, you taught your people that those who do what is right must always want what is best for others. Your sons and daughters saw that you give to those who have sinned a chance to change their hearts and minds. In this way you encouraged them.
HYMN: Psalm 86:11-17; para. Bert Polman ©
Tune: Kirby Bedon https://tinyurl.com/y9xf2hwu
1 Lead me to do your will,
in me your trust instill,
teach me your word.
I will give thanks to you,
your praise I will pursue;
all glory be to you,
O Lord my God!
2 Great is your love to me;
from death you set me free
when foes alarm.
Your grace I surely know,
your anger, Lord, is slow;
your loving-kindness show,
save me from harm.
3 Show me your mercy true,
your servant’s strength renew,
salvation send.
A sign of favor show,
your comfort, LORD, bestow;
let those who hate me know
you are my friend.
So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it isn’t an obligation to ourselves to live our lives on the basis of selfishness. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.
I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
HYMN: John Oxenham
Tune: McKee https://tinyurl.com/4aaxchx3
1 In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.
2 In him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
his service is the golden cord,
close binding humankind.
3 Join hands, then, children of the faith,
whate’er your race may be;
who serves my Father as his child
is surely kin to me.
4 In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north;
all Christlike souls are one in him,
throughout the whole wide earth.
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like someone who planted good seed in his field. While people were sleeping, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and went away. When the stalks sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared.
“The servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Master, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then how is it that it has weeds?’ “‘An enemy has done this,’ he answered. “The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’ “But the landowner said, ‘No, because if you gather the weeds, you’ll pull up the wheat along with them. Let both grow side by side until the harvest. And at harvesttime I’ll say to the harvesters, “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned. But bring the wheat into my barn.”’”
Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Jesus replied, “The one who plants the good seed is the Human One. The field is the world. And the good seeds are the followers of the kingdom. But the weeds are the followers of the evil one. The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the present age. The harvesters are the angels. Just as people gather weeds and burn them in the fire, so it will be at the end of the present age. The Human One will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that cause people to fall away and all people who sin. He will throw them into a burning furnace. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Those who have ears should hear.”
CANTICLE 1 Peter 2:21-24
(Chant by John Michael Talbot: https://tinyurl.com/y94v9fvt)
Ant. If we share fully in the sufferings of Christ,
through Christ we shall know the fullness of his consolation.
Christ suffered for you,
and left you an example
to have you follow in his footsteps.
He did no wrong;
no deceit was found in his mouth.
When he was insulted,
he returned no insult.
When he was made to suffer,
he did not counter with threats.
Instead he delivered himself up
to the One who judges justly.
In his own body
he brought your sins to the cross,
so that all of us, dead to sin,
could live in accord with God’s will.
By his wounds you were healed.
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 Joe Milner
For the church: that we may allow the good seed of the Gospel to take root within us and bring forth a harvest of virtue and manifestations of the reign of God
For openness of mind and heart: that the parables of Jesus may help us recognize the limits of our vision and understanding, and move us toward examining our life and actions from new perspectives
For patience: that we may not judge one another but rather be open to the work that God is doing within each of us that will be revealed in God’s time
For a deepening of prayer: that we may offer our discontent, pain, and yearnings to God honestly and allow the Spirit to intercede for us
For Wisdom: that we may recognize the small ways God is at work in our lives so that we may cooperate with God who accomplishes great things
For healing and transformation of our weaknesses: that the Spirit of God will work within us to bring us to wholeness in the areas in which we are most wounded and vulnerable
For the grace of discernment: that we may defer judgment on those things that are unclear and await insight from God to make wise choices
For all who are bound by hatred and resentment: that the Spirit will cultivate forgiveness and compassion within hearts and wither the seeds of the Evil One that yield revenge, violence, and destruction
For the gift of humility: that we may recognize our strengths, abilities, and opportunities as gifts from God and be open to God’s invitations to serve each day
For all who have suffered abuse or who are in abusive relationships: that the Spirit will translate their cries and tears into prayers and lead them to safety and wholeness
For each of us: that we may be a leaven of compassion and justice in our society so that we may stifle the weeds of racism and oppression
For safe disposal of toxic waste: that God will touch the hearts of those who are removing the waste to act responsibly and to protect residents, young and old, from its dangers
For all suffering from the heat: that God will cool the weather, help those who are suffering to find places of shelter, and provide the resources needed to sustain them
For Peace: that God will bring an end to warfare in Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and between Israel and the Palestinians, protect the innocent from harm, and establish justice for all parties
(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 send your Son into a world
where the wheat must be winnowed from chaff
and wickedness clings even to what is good.
Let the fire of your Spirit purge us of greed and deceit,
so that, purified, we may find our peace in you
and you may delight in us.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near,
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen. BCW
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.
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 intercession is by Joe Milner http://liturgy.slu.edu
1 Adam Bartlett, Simple English Propers; audio from https://musicasacra.com/additional-publications/sep-practice-videos/ ©
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 © 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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