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 Brownlie
Tune: Morning Song https://tinyurl.com/3jem9cap
1 The King shall come when morning dawns
and light triumphant breaks,
when beauty gilds the eastern hills
and life to joy awakes.
2 Not as of old a little child,
to bear, and fight, and die,
but crowned with glory like the sun
that lights the morning sky.
3 O brighter than the rising morn
when He, victorious, rose
and left the lonesome place of death,
despite the rage of foes.
4 O brighter than that glorious morn
shall this fair morning be,
when Christ, our King, in beauty comes,
and we His face shall see.
5 The King shall come when morning dawns
and earth’s dark night is past;
O haste the rising of that morn,
the day that aye shall last.
6 And let the endless bliss begin,
by weary saints foretold,
when right shall triumph over wrong,
and truth shall be extolled.
7 The King shall come when morning dawns,
and light and beauty brings;
“Hail, Christ the Lord!” Thy people pray,
come quickly, King of kings!
PSALMS
Psalm 95 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yx5ywz8t)
1 O come, let us sing unto the Lord *
let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is a great God *
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are all the corners of the earth *
and the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it *
and his hands prepared the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and fall down *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For he is the Lord our God *
and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
8 To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *
as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness;
9 When your fathers tempted me *
proved me, and saw my works.
10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said *
It is a people that do err in their hearts,
for they have not known my ways;
11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath *
that they should not enter into my rest.
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 96 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/u9ylore)
1 O sing unto the Lord a new song *
sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
2 Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name *
be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his honour unto the heathen *
and his wonders unto all people.
4 For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised *
he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the heathen, they are but idols *
but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6 Glory and worship are before him *
power and honour are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people *
ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.
8 Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name *
bring presents, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness *
let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
10 Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King *
and that it is he who hath made the round world
so fast that it cannot be moved;
and how that he shall judge the people righteously.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad *
let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it *
then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.
13 For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth *
and with righteousness to judge the world,
and the people with his truth.
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 97 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/qm79zby)
1 The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof *
yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him *
righteousness and judgement are the habitation of his seat.
3 There shall go a fire before him *
and burn up his enemies on every side.
4 His lightnings gave shine unto the world *
the earth saw it, and was afraid.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord *
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens have declared his righteousness *
and all the people have seen his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that worship carved images,
and that delight in vain gods *
worship him, all ye gods.
8 Sion heard of it, and rejoiced *
and the daughters of Judah were glad, because of thy judgements, O Lord.
9 For thou, Lord, art higher than all that are in the earth *
thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 O ye that love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing which is evil *
the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints;
he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
11 There is sprung up a light for the righteous *
and joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous *
and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.
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 95 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-95.mp3)
1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
8 Harden not your hearts,
as your forebears did in the wilderness, *
at Meribah, and on that day at Massah,
when they tempted me.
9 They put me to the test, *
though they had seen my works.
10 Forty years long I detested that generation and said, *
“This people are wayward in their hearts;
they do not know my ways.”
11 So I swore in my wrath, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Psalm 96 (LSB Tone K: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-96-LSB.mp3)
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;*
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;*
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,*
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;*
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,*
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;*
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,*
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;*
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;*
tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;*
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;*
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the LORD, for he comes,*
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,*
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
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 97 (LSB Tone H: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-97-LSB.mp3)
1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;*
let the many coast lands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;*
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him*
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;*
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,*
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,*
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;*
worship him, all you gods!
8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,*
because of your judgments, O LORD.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;*
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!*
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,*
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,*
and give thanks to his holy name!
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
O God,
you clothe the sky with light, and ocean depths with darkness.
You work your mighty wonders among us.
Claim us for your purposes,
that we may be among those who see your glory and give you praise,
for you live and reign, now and forever. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
for the day of the Lord is near!
The Lord has established a sacrifice;
he has made holy those he has summoned.
At that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps;
I will punish the men growing fat on the sediment in their wine,
those saying to themselves, The Lord won’t do good or evil.
Their wealth will be looted and their houses destroyed.
They will rebuild houses, but not live in them;
they will plant vineyards, but not drink the wine.
The great day of the Lord is near;
it is near and coming very quickly.
The sound of the day of the Lord is bitter.
A warrior screams there.
That day is a day of fury,
a day of distress and anxiety,
a day of desolation and devastation,
a day of darkness and gloominess,
a day of clouds and deep darkness,
a day for blowing the trumpet and alarm against their invincible cities
and against their high towers.
I will make humanity suffer;
they will walk like the blind
because they sinned against the Lord.
Their blood will be poured out like dust
and their intestines like manure.
Moreover, their silver and their gold won’t be able to deliver them
on the day of the Lord’s fury.
His jealousy will devour the entire land with fire;
he will make an end,
a truly horrible one,
for all the inhabitants of the land.
HYMN: Psalm 90; para. Psalter, 1912, rev. Psalter Hymnal, 1987 ©
Tune: Stella https://tinyurl.com/yc3p3r43
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
through all the ages of our race.
Before you gave the mountains birth
or by your word created earth,
from everlasting you are God,
to everlasting our abode.
2 A thousand years are in your sight
brief as a portion of the night.
Short as a dream our seasons pass;
our lives are like the tender grass,
luxuriant at the break of day,
that in the evening fades away.
3 Your anger brings us sorrow, grief;
your wrath brings fear without relief.
Before your clear and searching sight
our secret sins are brought to light.
Beneath your wrath we pine and die,
our life expiring with a sigh.
4 For three-score years and ten we wait,
or four-score years if strength be great.
Yet grief and toil attend life’s day
our lives soon pass; we fly away.
Oh, who with true and reverent thought
can fear your anger as they ought?
5 O teach us, LORD, to count our days,
to set our hearts on wisdom’s ways.
Turn, LORD, to us in our distress;
in pity now your servants bless.
Let mercy’s dawn dispel our night,
let all our days with joy be bright.
6 LORD, may we with our children see
your glorious power and majesty.
O may your favor from above
come down and rest on us in love.
The work accomplished by our hand
establish, Lord yes, make it stand.
We don’t need to write to you about the timing and dates, brothers and sisters. You know very well that the day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. When they are saying, “There is peace and security,” at that time sudden destruction will attack them, like labor pains start with a pregnant woman, and they definitely won’t escape. But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awake and stay sober. People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.
HYMN: Henry Williams Baker
Tune: St Timothy https://tinyurl.com/3dzbn223
1 O Holy Ghost, thy people bless
who long to feel thy might,
and fain would grow in holiness
as children of the light
2 To thee we bring, who art the Lord,
our selves to be thy throne;
let every thought, and deed, and word
thy pure dominion own.
3 Life-giving Spirit, o’er us move,
as on the formless deep;
give life and order, light and love,
where now is death or sleep.
4 Great gift of our ascended King,
his saving truth reveal;
our tongues inspire his praise to sing,
our hearts his love to feel.
5 True Wind of Heaven, from south or north,
for joy or chastening, blow;
the garden-spices shall spring forth
if thou wilt bid them flow.
6 O Holy Ghost, of sevenfold might,
all graces come from thee;
grant us to know and serve aright
one God in Persons Three.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving on a trip. He called his servants and handed his possessions over to them. To one he gave five valuable coins, and to another he gave two, and to another he gave one. He gave to each servant according to that servant’s ability. Then he left on his journey.
“After the man left, the servant who had five valuable coins took them and went to work doing business with them. He gained five more. In the same way, the one who had two valuable coins gained two more. But the servant who had received the one valuable coin dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five valuable coins came forward with five additional coins. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Excellent! You are a good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’
“The second servant also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’
“Now the one who had received one valuable coin came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man. You harvest grain where you haven’t sown. You gather crops where you haven’t spread seed. So I was afraid. And I hid my valuable coin in the ground. Here, you have what’s yours.’
“His master replied, ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest grain where I haven’t sown and that I gather crops where I haven’t spread seed? In that case, you should have turned my money over to the bankers so that when I returned, you could give me what belonged to me with interest. Therefore, take from him the valuable coin and give it to the one who has ten coins. Those who have much will receive more, and they will have more than they need. But as for those who don’t have much, even the little bit they have will be taken away from them. Now take the worthless servant and throw him out into the farthest darkness.’
“People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth.”
CANTICLE Jonah 2:2-9
(Patrick Schlabs: https://tinyurl.com/yy9zwfv6)
You cast me out into the deep
And there your floods surround
I sank beneath the raging sea
As billows crashed around
I was thrown out from your sight
And I was driven away
I know I will see with my eyes
Again your holy place
Refrain:
I called to God in my distress
He has heard my voice
I cried to him out of the depths
He answered my call, he answered my call
The waters closed in over me
They came to bring me death
I was covered up by the deep
Weeds choked out my breath
I sank down to the mountain roots
The earth had locked me in
Just as the grave sealed up its gates
You saved me from the pit Refrain
As my life fainted away
I remembered you my God
All those who hope in idols vain
Forsake their hope of loveI called to God in my distress
He has heard my voice
I cried to him out of the depths
He answered my call
So with my voice I will give thanks
A sacrifice to you
What I have vowed I now will pay
Salvation comes from you
Salvation comes from you
Salvation comes from you
THE PRAYERS Joe Milner
For the Church: that we may be aware of the gifts of faith, time, and opportunity that God has entrusted to us, be good stewards of these gifts, and diligently utilize them in the service of God and our neighbor
For the grace of awareness: that God will rouse our inner selves, help us to be alert, and avoid the numbing effects of consumerism, escapism, and selfishness
For freedom from fear: that God will free us from paralyzing fear and help us to trust God’s faithfulness and love as we live life each day
For parents: that God will give them strength and patience as they guide and nurture their children through the challenges of the pandemic
For all who are facing an end, to a relationship, to employment, to good health, or to independent living: that God may give them hope and lead them through the pain and confusion of the adjustments that are required
For all who are seeking employment: that God will lead them to opportunities to use their gifts and talents in life-giving and productive ways
For all spouses and engaged couples: that they may recognize the gift that they are to one another and continue to grow in their dedication and love for each other
For all who are facing responsibilities that seem overwhelming: that God will give them courage, help them to see the small steps they need to take, and deepen their trust in God who is always with them
For all who are suffering, immigrants, those recovering from natural disasters, and those who are grieving: that God will bring light and strength to their spirits
For healing: that our nation may turn from adversarial conflicts and allow God to show us ways to work together to promote the common good
For healing within local communities: that God heal the wounds caused by all forms of prejudice and discrimination so that we may all work together to confront poverty, disease, and injustice
For all who are combating the coronavirus: that God will bring healing to the sick, strength to their caregivers, and wisdom to those researching cures
For the growth of peace: that the Spirit will give insight to all warring parties awakening them to the value of human life and the long-term impact of violence
For all who have died, particularly those killed by violence and natural disasters: that God will welcome them into the light and joy of God’s presence forever
(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.
Merciful God
resisting the iron fist
which reaps where it did not sow:
give us courage to accept
your faith in us
and compassion to stand
with all who are cast aside;
through Jesus Christ, who became nothing
that we might have everything. 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
Donation to Support This Ministry
Since 1993, Oremus has been done on a volunteer basis. If you are able, please consider supporting this work at the PayPal link below. For software reasons, I’ve set the value at $10.00, but feel free to change it. Thank you.
$10.00
BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
ELW The Lord’s Prayer is from Setting Five in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
1 Adam Bartlett, Simple English Propers; audio from https://musicasacra.com/additional-publications/sep-practice-videos/ ©
The intercessions are by Joe Milner, http://liturgy.slu.edu
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 version of Psalm 95 is from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is sung by Ryland Angel. Psalms 96 and 97 are from Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, and are 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 © 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.
Oremus 