Oremus for Friday, March 22, 2024

Thomas Ken
Thomas Ken was born at Berkhampstead in 1637 and educated at New College Oxford. He was ordained priest in 1662 and worked first in a poor parish in the diocese of Winchester and then at Winchester College for ten years. He served as chaplain to King Charles II for two years and was then consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells. After the king’s death and the accession of the Roman Catholic James II, the new king proposed to rescind the Restoration penal laws, but Thomas and six of his fellow bishops refused to comply with this and were imprisoned on this day in 1688. But such was the integrity of Thomas that, when the king abandoned his throne and fled and the king’s Protestant daughter Mary was offered the throne, together with her husband William of Orange, Thomas felt unable in good conscience to foreswear his still-living, anointed monarch. He was deprived of his See, along with many other non-jurors, as they became known, and for a time there was schism in the Anglican fold. But Thomas spent his final twenty years in quiet retirement, anxious not to make trouble, and renounced his rights to his bishopric. He wrote many hymns, still much used, and died on 19 March 1711. ^EH

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/4yxn6jvw

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness,
but will have the light of life. John 8

Gracious God,
our sins are too heavy to carry,
too real to hide,
and too deep to undo.
Forgive what our lips tremble to name,
what our hearts can no longer bear,
and what has become for us
a consuming fire of judgment.
Set us free from a past that we cannot change;
open to us a future in which we can be changed;
and grant us grace
to grow more and more in your likeness and image;
through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen. ^BCW

Music: https://tinyurl.com/ufxekitx

God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory 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.

HYMN: Thomas Ken
Tune: Morning Hymn https://tinyurl.com/yannnx3m

1 Awake, my soul, and with the sun
thy daily stage of duty run;
shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
to pay thy morning sacrifice.

2 Redeem thy mis-spent time that’s past,
and live this day as if thy last;
improve thy talent with due care;
for the great day thyself prepare.

3 Let all thy converse be sincere,
thy conscience as the noon-day clear;
think how all-seeing God thy ways
and all thy secret thoughts surveys.

4 Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
and with the angels bear thy part,
who all night long unwearied sing,
high praise to the eternal King.

5 Glory to thee, who safe hast kept
and hast refreshed me whilst I slept;
grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,
I may of endless light partake.

6 Lord, I my vows to thee renew;
disperse my sins as morning dew;
guard my first springs of thought and will,
and with thyself my spirit fill.

7 Direct, control, suggest, this day,
all I design or do or say;
that all my powers, with all their might,
in thy sole glory may unite.

8 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
praise him, all creatures here below,
praise him above, angelic host,
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

PSALMS

Psalm 107 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/sp6nct3)
1  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious *
and his mercy endureth for ever.
2  Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed *
and delivered from the hand of the enemy;
3  And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west *
from the north, and from the south.
4  They went astray in the wilderness out of the way *
and found no city to dwell in;
5  Hungry and thirsty *
their soul fainted in them.
6  So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble *
and he delivered them from their distress.
7  He led them forth by the right way *
that they might go to the city where they dwelt.
8  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness *
and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
9  For he satisfieth the empty soul *
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
10  Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death *
being fast bound in misery and iron;
11  Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord *
and lightly regarded the counsel of the most Highest;
12  He also brought down their heart through heaviness *
they fell down, and there was none to help them.
13  So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble *
he delivered them out of their distress.
14  For he brought them out of darkness,
and out of the shadow of death *
and brake their bonds in sunder.
15  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness *
and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men !
16  For he hath broken the gates of brass *
and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
17  Foolish men are plagued for their offence *
and because of their wickedness.
18  Their soul abhorred all manner of meat *
and they were even hard at death’s door.
19  So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble *
he delivered them out of their distress.
20  He sent his word, and healed them *
and they were saved from their destruction.
21  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness *
and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
22  That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and tell out his works with gladness!
23  They that go down to the sea in ships *
and occupy their business in great waters;
24  These men see the works of the Lord *
and his wonders in the deep.
25  For at his word the stormy wind ariseth *
which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26  They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep *
their soul melteth away because of the trouble.
27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man *
and are at their wit’s end.
28  So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble *
he delivereth them out of their distress.
29  For he maketh the storm to cease *
so that the waves thereof are still.
30  Then are they glad, because they are at rest *
and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
31  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness *
and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
32  That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people *
and praise him in the seat of the elders!
33  Who turneth the floods into a wilderness *
and drieth up the water-springs.
34  A fruitful land maketh he barren *
for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35  Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water *
and water-springs of a dry ground.
36  And there he setteth the hungry *
that they may build them a city to dwell in;
37  That they may sow their land, and plant vineyards *
to yield them fruits of increase.
38  He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly *
and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39  And again, when they are minished, and brought low *
through oppression, through any plague, or trouble;
40  Though he suffer them to be evil intreated through tyrants *
and let them wander out of the way in the wilderness;
41  Yet helpeth he the poor out of misery *
and maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
42  The righteous will consider this, and rejoice *
and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
43  Whoso is wise will ponder these things *
and they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.
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 107 (Kohlhase: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-107-KH.mp3)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
O let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
redeemed from the hand of their foe
Gathered from lands of east and west,
and from the north and south.
They roamed through the wild and desert lands;
without a place called home.

There they were hungry and full of thirst;
their soul then fainted within.
They cried to the LORD in their distress,
who saved them from their trials.
He also led them by straight paths,
to find a place called home.
Give thanks to the LORD for his great love,
unto the sons of men!

For he satisfies the thirsty soul,
the hungry soul with good.
Some dwelt in the dark, and shades of death,
those bound in anguish and chains,
For they had rebelled against God’s words,
and spurned the Most High’s voice.
He humbled their heart with weariness;
they stumbled with none to help.

They cried to the LORD in their distress,
who saved them from their trials.
Led out of the dark and the shades of death,
and broke their bands apart.
Give thanks to the LORD for his great love,
unto the sons of men!
For he’s broken down the gates of bronze,
and cut the bars of iron.

The fools, set on their rebellious ways,
were humbled for their sins.
Their soul abhorring all kinds of food,
approached the gates of death.
They cried to the LORD in their distress,
who saved them from their trials.
He sent out his word to heal them,
and saved them from their ruin.

Give thanks to the LORD for his great love,
unto the sons of men!
As sacrifice bring thanksgiving,
and tell his works in song.
Of those in ships gone to the sea,
whose work is on great waters;
they’ve seen the works done by the LORD,
his wonders in the deep.

He spoke then to raise a stormy wind,
to lift the waves of the sea.
They rose up to heav’n, sank to the depths;
their soul in sadness sank.
They reeled and they rocked like drunken men,
and were at their wits’ end.
They cried to the LORD in their distress,
who saved them from their trials.

He caused the storm to become still,
the ocean’s waves were hushed.
Then they were glad when it was calm;
led to a pleasant harbor.
Give thanks to the LORD for his great love,
unto the sons of men!
Exalt in the congregation,
praise him in his home of old.

He makes of the streams a wilderness,
the springs a thirsty ground;
makes fruit-bearing land a waste of salt,
when evil dwells therein.
The desert he turns into a lake,
dry land to springs of water;
and there he will make the hungry dwell,
to build a place called home.

Give thanks to the LORD,
for he is good, his love is everlasting.
O let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
redeemed from the hand of their foe
Gathered from lands of east and west,
and from the north and south.
They roamed through the wild and desert lands;
without a place called home.

To sow their fields and vineyards plant,
to bring a fruitful yield.
He blesses them so they increase,
their herds will never fail.
When they’re diminished and bowed down,
when hurt, oppressed or grieved,
he pours contempt on the princes,
who roam a pathless waste.

But he sets the poor secure on high,
away from all their pains,
his tribes shall become just like a flock;
the just shall see and be glad;
But unrighteousness will shut its mouth.
Now where is the one who’s wise?
Now let him give heed and understand
the kindness of the LORD.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
O let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
who found a place called home
O let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
who found a place called home

PRAYER

Blessed are those who put their trust in you, O God,
our sure rock and refuge.
Guard us from giving to any other
the allegiance which belongs only to you.
Shine upon us with the brightness of your light,
that we may love you with a pure heart
and praise you forever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ^BCW

THE WORD OF GOD

READING: Jeremiah 33:1-9

While he was still confined to the prison quarters, the Lord’s word came to Jeremiah a second time: The Lord proclaims, the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Call to me and I will answer and reveal to you wondrous secrets that you haven’t known.

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, proclaims about the houses of this city and the palaces of the kings of Judah that were torn down to defend against the siege ramps and weapons of the invading Babylonians. They will be filled with the corpses of those slain in my fierce anger. I hid my face from the people of this city because of all their evil deeds, but now I will heal and mend them. I will make them whole and bless them with an abundance of peace and security. I will bring back the captives of Judah and Israel, and I will rebuild them as they were at first. I will cleanse them of all the wrongdoing they committed against me, and I will forgive them for all of their guilt and rebellion. Then this city will bring me great joy, praise, and renown before all nations on earth, when they hear of all the good I provide for them. They will be in total awe at all the good and prosperity I provide for them.

HYMN: Thomas Ken
Tune: Tallis’ Canon

1 Glory to thee, who safe hast kept
And hast refreshed me whilst I slept;
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.

2 Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.

3 Lord, I my vows to thee renew;
Scatter my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with thyself my spirit fill.

4 Direct, control, suggest, this day
All I design, or do, or say;
That all my powers, with all their might,
In thy sole glory may unite.

5 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below,
Praise him above, y heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters. But for the cowardly, the faithless, the vile, the murderers, those who commit sexual immorality, those who use drugs and cast spells, the idolaters and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

HYMN: Thomas Ken
Tune: Old 44th https://tinyurl.com/mva7xcc5

1 Since we can’t doubt God’s love
Unmeasurably kind
To his unerring gracious will
Be ev’ry wish resigned
Good when he gives supremely
Nor less when he denies
Ev’n crosses from his sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise

2 Whate’er I ask I surely know
And stedfastly believe
He will the thing desired bestow
Or else a better give To thee
I therefore, Lord, submit
My ev’ry fond request
And own adoring at thy feet
Thy will is always best

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 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.

LITANY OF CONFESSION ^CW:TS

We pray to the Lord for courage to give up other things
and to give ourselves to him this Lent.

Give your Church the courage
to give up her preoccupation with herself
and to give more time to your mission in the world.