Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/msvp3e5j
The Good Shepherd has risen,
who laid down his life for his sheep
and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.
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/mb6h9xfa
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
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.
Alleluia, alleluia!
HYMN: Paul Henkel
Tune: Wiltshire https://tinyurl.com/23x5upat
1 When we our gracious Lord entreat,
And on his word rely;
Tho’ disappointments first we meet:
His grace is ever nigh.
2 Our faith and patience must be tried,
To make us search the ground;
Although at first we are denied,
Yet sure relief is found.
3 Then shall we find his promise true,
Then will his pow’r be known,
And we shall know what Christ can do
When we find what is done.
4 That will produce that living faith,
That will effectual prove;
To ground our hope in life and death,
In Jesus and his love.
5 Now since I evidently see,
My Saviour’s grace reveal’d–
I am assur’d he e’er will be,
My life, my guard and shield.
PSALMS
Psalm 78 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/uq2kpk3)
1 Hear my law, O my people *
incline your ears unto the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable *
I will declare hard sentences of old;
3 Which we have heard and known *
and such as our fathers have told us;
4 That we should not hide them
from the children of the generations to come *
but to shew the honour of the Lord,
his mighty and wonderful works that he hath done.
5 He made a covenant with Jacob, and gave Israel a law *
which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children;
6 That their posterity might know it *
and the children which were yet unborn;
7 To the intent that when they came up *
they might shew their children the same;
8 That they might put their trust in God *
and not to forget the works of God, but to keep his commandments;
9 And not to be as their forefathers,
a faithless and stubborn generation *
a generation that set not their heart aright,
and whose spirit cleaveth not stedfastly unto God;
10 Like as the children of Ephraim *
who being harnessed, and carrying bows,
turned themselves back in the day of battle.
11 They kept not the covenant of God *
and would not walk in his law;
12 But forgat what he had done *
and the wonderful works that he had shewed for them.
13 Marvellous things did he in the sight of our forefathers,
in the land of Egypt *
even in the field of Zoan.
14 He divided the sea, and let them go through *
he made the waters to stand on an heap.
15 In the day-time also he led them with a cloud *
and all the night through with a light of fire.
16 He clave the hard rocks in the wilderness *
and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth.
17 He brought waters out of the stony rock *
so that it gushed out like the rivers.
18 Yet for all this they sinned more against him *
and provoked the most Highest in the wilderness.
19 They tempted God in their hearts *
and required meat for their lust.
20 They spake against God also, saying *
Shall God prepare a table in the wilderness?
21 He smote the stony rock indeed,
that the water gushed out, and the streams flowed withal *
but can he give bread also, or provide flesh for his people?
22 When the Lord heard this, he was wroth *
so the fire was kindled in Jacob,
and there came up heavy displeasure against Israel;
23 Because they believed not in God *
and put not their trust in his help.
24 So he commanded the clouds above *
and opened the doors of heaven.
25 He rained down manna also upon them for to eat *
and gave them food from heaven.
26 So man did eat angels’ food *
for he sent them meat enough.
27 He caused the east-wind to blow under heaven *
and through his power he brought in the south-west-wind.
28 He rained flesh upon them as thick as dust *
and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea.
29 He let it fall among their tents *
even round about their habitation.
30 So they did eat, and were well filled;
for he gave them their own desire *
they were not disappointed of their lust.
31 But while the meat was yet in their mouths,
the heavy wrath of God came upon them,
and slew the wealthiest of them *
yea, and smote down the chosen men that were in Israel.
32 But for all this they sinned yet more *
and believed not his wondrous works.
33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity *
and their years in trouble.
34 When he slew them, they sought him *
and turned them early, and enquired after God.
35 And they remembered that God was their strength *
and that the high God was their redeemer.
36 Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouth *
and dissembled with him in their tongue.
37 For their heart was not whole with him *
neither continued they stedfast in his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds *
and destroyed them not.
39 Yea, many a time turned he his wrath away *
and would not suffer his whole displeasure to arise.
40 For he considered that they were but flesh *
and that they were even a wind that passeth away,
and cometh not again.
41 Many a time did they provoke him in the wilderness *
and grieved him in the desert.
42 They turned back, and tempted God *
and moved the Holy One in Israel.
43 They thought not of his hand *
and of the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy;
44 How he had wrought his miracles in Egypt *
and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
45 He turned their waters into blood *
so that they might not drink of the rivers.
46 He sent lice among them, and devoured them up *
and frogs to destroy them.
47 He gave their fruit unto the caterpillar *
and their labour unto the grasshopper.
48 He destroyed their vines with hail-stones *
and their mulberry-trees with the frost.
49 He smote their cattle also with hail-stones *
and their flocks with hot thunderbolts.
50 He cast upon them the furiousness of his wrath,
anger, displeasure, and trouble *
and sent evil angels among them.
51 He made a way to his indignation,
and spared not their soul from death *
but gave their life over to the pestilence;
52 And smote all the first-born in Egypt *
the most principal and mightiest in the dwellings of Ham.
53 But as for his own people, he led them forth like sheep *
and carried them in the wilderness like a flock.
54 He brought them out safely, that they should not fear *
and overwhelmed their enemies with the sea.
55 And brought them within the borders of his sanctuary *
even to his mountain which he purchased with his right hand.
56 He cast out the heathen also before them *
caused their land to be divided among them for an heritage,
and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
57 So they tempted, and displeased the most high God *
and kept not his testimonies;
58 But turned their backs, and fell away like their forefathers *
starting aside like a broken bow.
59 For they grieved him with their hill altars *
and provoked him to displeasure with their images.
60 When God heard this, he was wroth *
and took sore displeasure at Israel.
61 So that he forsook the tabernacle in Silo *
even the tent that he had pitched among men.
62 He delivered their power into captivity *
and their beauty into the enemy’s hand.
63 He gave his people over also unto the sword *
and was wroth with his inheritance.
64 The fire consumed their young men *
and their maidens were not given to marriage.
65 Their priests were slain with the sword *
and there were no widows to make lamentation.
66 So the Lord awaked as one out of sleep *
and like a giant refreshed with wine.
67 He smote his enemies in the hinder parts *
and put them to a perpetual shame.
68 He refused the tabernacle of Joseph *
and chose not the tribe of Ephraim;
69 But chose the tribe of Judah *
even the hill of Sion which he loved.
70 And there he built his temple on high *
and laid the foundation of it like the ground
which he hath made continually.
71 He chose David also his servant *
and took him away from the sheep-folds.
72 As he was following the ewes great with young ones he took him *
that he might feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
73 So he fed them with a faithful and true heart *
and ruled them prudently with all his power.
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 78 (Karl Kohlhase: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-78-KH.mp3)
Listen, listen, listen, O my people
Listen, my people, to instruction;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
and utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known,
our fathers passed on to us.
Not hiding them from their children,
but telling generations to come
The praise of the LORD and his strength,
the wonderful works he has done.
He established a witness in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
Which he commanded our fathers,
to teach them to their children,
that ages to come might know,
even children yet to be born,
Listen, listen, listen, O my people
They’d rise to tell their children,
to fix their hearts upon God
And not to forget the works of God,
but keep all his commands,
And not be like their fathers,
a stubborn rebellious age,
who would not prepare its heart,
with spirits unfaithful to God.
Ephraim’s sons were archers with bows,
but left in the day of battle.
Not keeping God’s covenant,
refusing to walk in his law;
forgetting about his deeds,
his miracles that he showed them.
His wonders before their fathers,
in Egypt and Zoan’s field.
Listen, listen, listen, O My people
Dividing the sea so they passed through,
making the waters stand in a heap.
Leading with cloud by day,
with a light of fire by night.
He split the rocks in the wilderness,
gave drink in full like the ocean depths.
He brought a stream from the rock,
made waters run down like rivers.
Yet they persisted in sin in the desert
against the Most high.
In their heart putting God to the test,
by asking for food they desired.
Against their God they grumbled,
in deserts will God set table?
He struck the rock so that waters,
gushed forth in flowing streams.
Listen, listen, listen, O My people
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
But now, says the Lord—
the one who created you, Jacob,
the one who formed you, Israel:
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched
and flame won’t burn you.
I am the Lord your God,
the holy one of Israel, your savior.
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
you are honored, and I love you.
I give people in your place,
and nations in exchange for your life.
Don’t fear,
I am with you.
From the east I’ll bring your children;
from the west I’ll gather you.
I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!”
and to the south, “Don’t detain them.”
Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name
and whom I created for my glory,
whom I have formed and made.
Bring out the blind people who have eyes,
the deaf ones who have ears.
All the nations are gathered together;
the peoples are assembled.
Which of them announced this?
Who predicted to us the past events?
Let them bring their witnesses as a defense;
let them hear and say, “It’s true!”
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
my servant, whom I chose,
so that you would know and believe me
and understand that I am the one.
Before me no god was formed;
after me there has been no other.
I, I am the Lord,
and there is no savior besides me.
I announced, I saved, I proclaimed,
not some stranger among you.
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and I am God.
From the dawn of time, I am the one.
No one can escape my power.
I act, and who can undo it?
HYMN: Thomas Dorsey ©
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/4dhpkemx
1 Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, help me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord;
lead me home.
2 When my way grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life is almost gone,
hear my cry, hear my call,
hold my hand lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord;
lead me home.
3 When the darkness appears
and the night draws near
and the day is almost gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet, hold my hand.
Take my hand, precious Lord;
lead me home.
Then, in between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb, standing as if it had been slain. It had seven horns and seven eyes, which are God’s seven spirits, sent out into the whole earth. He came forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one seated on the throne. When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each held a harp and gold bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They took up a new song, saying,
“You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals,
because you were slain,
and by your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
You made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they will rule on earth.”
HYMN: Christopher Idle ©
Tune: O quanta qualia https://tinyurl.com/mr3mjpwh
1 Here from all nations, all tongues, and all peoples,
countless the crowd but their voices are one.
Vast is the sight and majestic their singing:
“God has the vict’ry: he reigns from the throne!”
2 These have come out of the great tribulation;
now they may stand in the presence of God,
serving their Lord day and night in his temple,
ransomed and cleansed by the Lamb’s precious blood.
3 Gone is their thirst and no more shall they hunger;
God is their shelter, his pow’r at their side.
Sun shall not pain them, no burning will torture;
Jesus the Lamb is their shepherd and guide.
4 He will go with them to clear living water
flowing from springs which his mercy supplies.
Gone is their grief, and their trials are over;
God wipes away ev’ry tear from their eyes.
5 Blessing and glory and wisdom and power
be to the Savior again and again.
Might and thanksgiving and honor forever
be to our God: Alleluia! Amen.
After two days Jesus left for Galilee. (Jesus himself had testified that prophets have no honor in their own country.) When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him because they had seen all the things he had done in Jerusalem during the festival, for they also had been at the festival.
He returned to Cana in Galilee where he had turned the water into wine. In Capernaum there was a certain royal official whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus was coming from Judea to Galilee, he went out to meet him and asked Jesus if he would come and heal his son, for his son was about to die. Jesus said to him, “Unless you see miraculous signs and wonders, you won’t believe.”
The royal official said to him, “Lord, come before my son dies.” Jesus replied, “Go home. Your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and set out for his home.
While he was on his way, his servants were already coming to meet him. They said, “Your son lives!” So he asked them at what time his son had started to get better. And they said, “The fever left him yesterday at about one o’clock in the afternoon.” Then the father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did while going from Judea to Galilee.
CANTICLE Luke 1:46-55
(Brian Moss: https://tinyurl.com/339zmc65)
Who am I to receive this gift?
A child of heaven and earth
How can I give him my kiss?
I have been blessed and I give praise
To him whose song is age to age
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
I will rejoice in you, my God, the Mighty One
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
All glory be to you, Immanuel, the Son of Man
Kings will bow to the least of these
The humble lift – ed up
The poor are filled with good things
Mercy extends to those who fear
The Lord, our God, drawing us near
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
I will rejoice in you, my God, the Mighty One
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
All glory be to you, Immanuel, the Son of God
Holy is his name. Holy, holy, holy is his name.
Holy is his name. Holy, holy, holy is his name.
Holy is his name.
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
I will rejoice in you, my God, the Mighty One
Sing out my soul, sing out my soul
All glory be to you, Immanuel, the Son
All glory be to you, Immanuel, the Son of God with us
THE PRAYERS BCW18
Almighty God,
who taught us to pray not only for ourselves
but for people everywhere,
hear us as we in the name of Jesus Christ.
For the leaders of the world,
that they may put aside their differences
and seek the peace of Christ, we pray:
Have mercy on us.
For the Church,
that we serve one another with a humility
which sets aside hierarchies of power, we pray:
Have mercy on us.
Release us from the curse of stigma
and labels that cast out the unacceptable, we pray:
Have mercy on us.
That we may long for the day
when all may feast at the table of our Lord,
when no one will be an outsider,
and all will be loved, we pray:
Have mercy on us
Setting by Eric Wyse:2
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.
As you cause the sun to rise, O God,
bring the light of Christ to dawn in our souls
and dispel all darkness.
Give us grace to reflect Christ’s glory;
and let his love show in our deeds,
his peace shine in our words,
and his healing in our touch,
that all may give him praise, now and forever. Amen. BCW
https://tinyurl.com/rkxkpmc
Go in peace, alleluia, alleluia!
Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:
Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church,
and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
BCW18 The intercession is adapted from Book of Common Worship (2018), Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
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 78 is in the version sung by Karl Kohlhase http://www.k4communications.com/karl/index.html.
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 © 2024 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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