Oremus for Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The Last Judgment, Jean the Elder Bellegambe (c. 1470-c.1534)

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/39tcm7fv

My eyes are always on the Lord,
for he rescues my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
for I am alone and poor. Psalm 25

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: Latin; trans. John Mason Neale
Tune: Oriel https://tinyurl.com/ydscfbs2

1 To the name of our salvation
laud and honour let us pay,
which for many a generation
hid in God’s foreknowledge lay,
but with holy exultation
we may sing aloud to-day.

2 Jesus is the name we treasure,
name beyond what words can tell;
name of gladness, name of pleasure,
ear and heart delighting well;
name of sweetness passing measure,
saving us from sin and hell.

3 ‘Tis the name that whoso preacheth
speaks like music to the ear;
who in prayer this name beseecheth
sweetest comfort findeth near;
who its perfect wisdom reacheth
heavenly joy possesseth here.

4 Jesus is the name exalted
over every other name;
in this name, whene’er assaulted,
we can put our foes to shame:
strength to them who else had halted,
eyes to blind, and feet to lame.

5 Therefore we in love adoring
this most blessed name revere,
holy Jesu, thee imploring
so to write it in us here,
that hereafter heavenward soaring
we may sing with angels there.

PSALMS

Psalm 119:105-144 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/v825pov)
105  Thy word is a lantern unto my feet *
 and a light unto my paths.
106  I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed *
 to keep thy righteous judgements.
107  I am troubled above measure *
 quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.
108  Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord *
 and teach me thy judgements.
109  My soul is alway in my hand *
 yet do I not forget thy law.
110  The ungodly have laid a snare for me *
 but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.
111  Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever *
 and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
112  I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway *
 even unto the end.
113  I hate them that imagine evil things *
 but thy law do I love.
114  Thou art my defence and shield *
 and my trust is in thy word.
115  Away from me, ye wicked *
 I will keep the commandments of my God.
116  O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live *
 and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
117  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe *
 yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
118  Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes *
 for they imagine but deceit.
119  Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross *
 therefore I love thy testimonies.
120  My flesh trembleth for fear of thee *
 and I am afraid of thy judgements.
121  I deal with the thing that is lawful and right *
 O give me not over unto mine oppressors.
122  Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good *
 that the proud do me no wrong.
123  Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health *
 and for the word of thy righteousness.
124  O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy *
 and teach me thy statutes.
125  I am thy servant, O grant me understanding *
 that I may know thy testimonies.
126  It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand *
 for they have destroyed thy law.
127  For I love thy commandments *
 above gold and precious stone.
128  Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments *
 and all false ways I utterly abhor.
129  Thy testimonies are wonderful *
 therefore doth my soul keep them.
130  When thy word goeth forth *
 it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
131  I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath *
 for my delight was in thy commandments.
132  O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me *
 as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.
133  Order my steps in thy word *
 and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.
134  O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men *
 and so shall I keep thy commandments.
135  Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant *
 and teach me thy statutes.
136  Mine eyes gush out with water *
 because men keep not thy law.
137  Righteous art thou, O Lord *
 and true is thy judgement.
138  The testimonies that thou hast commanded *
 are exceeding righteous and true.
139  My zeal hath even consumed me *
 because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140  Thy word is tried to the uttermost *
 and thy servant loveth it.
141  I am small, and of no reputation *
 yet do I not forget thy commandments.
142  Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness *
 and thy law is the truth.
143  Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me *
 yet is my delight in thy commandments.
144  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting *
 O grant me understanding, and I shall live.
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 119:105-112 (http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119n.mp3)
Your word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my pathway.
I have taken an oath and I’ve confirmed it,
that I will keep your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord,
according to your Word.
Accept, O Lord, the willing praises of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
I’ve inclined my heart to do your statutes,
forever,  even to the end.
Your word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my pathway.

Psalm 109:113-120 (http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119o.mp3)
I hate the thoughts of doubleminded men,
but I love your law.
You are my refuge and you are my shield;
I’ve put my hope in your Word.
Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
Sustain me according to your promise, and I’ll live;
don’t let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I’ll always have regard for your decrees.
You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your testimonies.
My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.

Psalm 119:121-128 (http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119p.mp3)
I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s wellbeing;
let not the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
I’m your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your testimonies.
It is time for you to act, O Lord;
your law is being broken.
Because I love your commands more than gold,
more than pure gold,
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:129-136 (http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119q.mp3)
Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul has obeyed them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your Word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law, for your law is not obeyed.

Psalm 119:137-144 (http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119r.mp3)
Righteous are you, O Lord,
and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
fully worthy of trust.
My zeal wears me out
for my foes ignore your words.
your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
Though I am small and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
yet your commands delight me.
Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding,
give me understanding that I may live.

PRAYER

Guide us, O God,
by your Word and Spirit,
that in your light we may see light,
in your truth find freedom,
and in your will discover your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. BCW

THE WORD OF GOD

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders, and worship from a distance. Only Moses may come near to the Lord. The others shouldn’t come near, while the people shouldn’t come up with him at all.”

Moses came and told the people all the Lord’s words and all the case laws. All the people answered in unison, “Everything that the Lord has said we will do.” Moses then wrote down all the Lord’s words. He got up early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He set up twelve sacred stone pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. He appointed certain young Israelite men to offer entirely burned offerings and slaughter oxen as well-being sacrifices to the Lord. Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls. The other half of the blood he threw against the altar. Then he took the covenant scroll and read it out loud for the people to hear. They responded, “Everything that the Lord has said we will do, and we will obey.”

Moses then took the blood and threw it over the people. Moses said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord now makes with you on the basis of all these words.”

HYMN: Charles Wesley
Tune: Stockton https://tinyurl.com/nhnjbdty

1 Come, let us join our friends above,
That have obtained the prize,
And on the eagle wings of love
To joy celestial rise.

2 Let all the saints terrestrial sing
With those to glory gone;
For all the servants of our King
In earth and heav’n are one.

3 One family, we dwell in Him,
One Church above, beneath;
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death.

4 One army of the living God,
To His command we bow;
Part of His host has crossed the flood,
And part is crossing now.

5 E’en now by faith we join our hands
With those that went before,
And greet the blood-besprinkled bands
On the eternal shore.

6 Lord Jesus, be our constant Guide,
And when the word is given,
Bid the cold waves of death divide,
And land us all in heaven.

While I was with you, I didn’t burden any of you even though I needed things. The believers who came from Macedonia gave me everything I needed. I kept myself from being a financial drain on you in any way, and I will continue to keep myself from being a burden.

Since Christ’s truth is in me, I won’t stop telling the entire area of Greece that I’m proud of what I did. Why? Is it because I don’t love you? God knows that I do! But I’m going to continue to do what I’m doing. I want to contradict the claims of the people who want to be treated like they are the same as us because of what they brag about. Such people are false apostles and dishonest workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. It is no great surprise then that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

I repeat, no one should take me for a fool. But if you do, then allow me to be a fool so that I can brag like a fool for a bit. I’m not saying what I’m saying because the Lord tells me to. I’m saying it like I’m a fool. I’m putting my confidence in this business of bragging. Since so many people are bragging based on human standards, that is how I’m going to brag too. Because you, who are so wise, are happy to put up with fools. You put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone places themselves over you, or if someone hits you in the face. I’m ashamed to say that we have been weak in comparison! But in whatever they challenge me, I challenge them (I’m speaking foolishly).

HYMN: Carl P Daw ©
Tune: Rendez à Dieu https://tinyurl.com/29s29a5s

1 Mark how the Lamb of God’s self offering
our human sinfulness takes on
in the birth waters of the Jordan
as Jesus is baptized by John.
Hear how the voice from heaven thunders,
“Lo, this is my beloved Son.”
See how in dovelike form the Spirit
descends on God’s anointed one.

2 From this assurance of God’s favor
Jesus goes to the wilderness,
there to endure a time of testing
that readied him to teach and bless.
So we, by water and the Spirit
baptized into Christ’s ministry,
are often led to paths of service
through mazes of adversity.

3 Grant us, O God, the strength and courage
to live the faith our lips declare;
bless us in our baptismal calling;
Christ’s royal priesthood help us share.
Turn us from every false allegiance,
that we may trust in Christ alone:
raise up in us a chosen people
transformed by love to be your own.

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 15:3-4
(Chant by Joe Cox: https://tinyurl.com/yb3kd863)

Ant. All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
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. Ant.

THE PRAYERS BCW

Great and wonderful God, we praise and thank you for the gift of renewal in Jesus
Christ. Especially we thank you for
opportunities for rest and recreation . . .
the regenerating gifts of the Holy Spirit . . .
activities shared by young and old . . .
fun and laughter . . .
every service that proclaims your love. . . .

You make all things new, O God, and we offer our prayers for the renewal of the
world and the healing of its wounds. Especially we pray for
those who have no leisure . . .
people enslaved by addictions . . .
those who entertain and enlighten . . .
those confronted with temptation . . .
the church in North America. . . .

(Plainsong Mode 2: https://tinyurl.com/yctqq8cf)DL

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread of life;
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, who is faithful
when all the foundations crumble:
in the time of crisis,
as holy places fall
and nations stumble,
give us the conviction
to bear witness to love,
whatever the cost;
through Jesus Christ, the Word and Wisdom of God. Amen. PIC

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 three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible

The traditional version of the psalms is from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern versions of Psalm 119 are © 2007-2019 Tom Quinlan. http://www.zcpress.org/music/psalm-119/

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.

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