Oremus for Saturday, April 27, 2024

Christina Rossetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1866

Christina Rossetti
Christina Rosetti, among the more important poets of the nineteenth century, was born in 1830 to a professor and his devout, evangelical wife. Her eldest sister, Maria, entered an Anglican convent and her poet-painter brother, Dante, was a leading figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement of the nineteenth century. She suffered from poor health most of her life, being diagnosed variously with tuberculosis or angina and led a retiring, somewhat cloistered life. Unlike some of the Pre-Raphaelites with whom she was in relationship, Rosetti embraced Christian faith and practice. Over five hundred of her poems were devotional. They were related to the liturgy, to the feasts and fasts of the liturgical year, and to biblical “dialogues” with Christ. She died of cancer in 1884. HWHM

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/28xk7a7x

The love of God has been poured into our hearts
through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia. Romans 5, 8

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: Christina Rossetti
Tune: All Hallows https://tinyurl.com/3cu9bd6b

1 None other Lamb, none other name,
none other hope in heav’n or earth or sea,
none other hiding place from guilt and shame,
none beside thee!

2 My faith burns low, my hope burns low;
only my heart’s desire cries out in me
by the deep thunder of its want and woe,
cries out to thee.

3 Lord, thou art Life, though I be dead;
love’s fire thou art, however cold I be:
nor heav’n have I, nor place to lay my head,
nor home, but thee.

PSALMS

Psalm 126 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8tuft59)
1  When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion *
 then were we like unto them that dream.
2  Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
 and our tongue with joy.
3  Then said they among the heathen *
 The Lord hath done great things for them.
4  Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already *
 whereof we rejoice.
5  Turn our captivity, O Lord *
 as the rivers in the south.
6  They that sow in tears *
 shall reap in joy.
7  He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed *
 shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
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 127 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8tuft59)
1  Except the Lord build the house *
 their labour is but lost that build it.
2  Except the Lord keep the city *
 the watchman waketh but in vain.
3  It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early,
and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness *
 for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
4  Lo, children and the fruit of the womb *
 are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
5  Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant *
 even so are the young children.
6  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them *
 they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
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 128 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8ckoca7)
1  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord *
 and walk in his ways.
2  For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands *
 O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
3  Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine *
 upon the walls of thine house.
4  Thy children like the olive-branches *
 round about thy table.
5  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed *
 that feareth the Lord.
6  The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee *
 that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
7  Yea, that thou shalt see thy children’s children *
 and peace upon Israel.
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 129 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y7qelqeh)
1  Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up *
 may Israel now say.
2  Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up *
 but they have not prevailed against me.
3  The plowers plowed upon my back *
 and made long furrows.
4  But the righteous Lord *
 hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
5  Let them be confounded and turned backward *
 as many as have evil will at Sion.
6  Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops *
 which withereth afore it be plucked up;
7  Whereof the mower filleth not his hand *
 neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
8  So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you *
 we wish you good luck in the Name 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 130 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9lymrb2)
1  Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord *
 Lord, hear my voice.
2  O let thine ears consider well *
 the voice of my complaint.
3  If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss *
 O Lord, who may abide it?
4  For there is mercy with thee *
 therefore shalt thou be feared.
5  I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him *
 in his word is my trust.
6  My soul fleeth unto the Lord *
 before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7  O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy *
 and with him is plenteous redemption.
8  And he shall redeem Israel *
 from all his sins.
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 131 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yaxt75nj)
1  Lord, I am not high-minded *
 I have no proud looks.
2  I do not exercise myself in great matters *
 which are too high for me.
3  But I refrain my soul, and keep it low,
like as a child that is weaned from his mother *
 yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
4  O Israel, trust in the Lord *
 from this time forth for evermore.
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 126 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-126-1.mp3)
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
4 The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Psalm 127 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-127.mp3)
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2 Unless the LORD watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4 Children are a heritage from the LORD, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-127.mp3)
1 Happy are they all who fear the LORD, *
and who follow in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4 The man who fears the LORD *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days
 of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children; *
may peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 129 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-129.mp3)1 “Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth,” *
let Israel now say;
2 “Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, *
but they have not prevailed against me.”
3 The plowmen plowed upon my back *
and made their furrows long.
4 The LORD, the Righteous One, *
has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them be put to shame and thrown back, *
all those who are enemies of Zion.
6 Let them be like grass upon the housetops, *
which withers before it can be plucked;
7 Which does not fill the hand of the reaper, *
nor the bosom of him who binds the sheaves;
8 So that those who go by say not so much as,
“The LORD prosper you. *
We wish you well in the Name of the LORD.”

Psalm 130 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-130.mp3)
1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5 My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 131 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-131.mp3)
1 O LORD, I am not proud; *
I have no haughty looks.
2 I do not occupy myself with great matters, *
or with things that are too hard for me.
3 But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother’s breast; *
my soul is quieted within me.
4 O Israel, wait upon the LORD, *
from this time forth for evermore.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart,
you promised your kingdom to those who are like children.
Never let pride reign in our hearts.
In compassion embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke
now and forever. Amen. BCW

THE WORD OF GOD

Listen to me,
    you who look for righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
    and to the quarry where you were dug.
Look to Abraham your ancestor,
    and to Sarah, who gave you birth.
They were alone when I called them,
    but I blessed them and made them many.
The Lord will comfort Zion;
    he will comfort all her ruins.
He will make her desert like Eden
    and her wilderness like the Lord’s garden.
Happiness and joy will be found in her—
    thanks and the sound of singing.

Pay attention to me, my people;
    listen to me, my nation,
        for teaching will go out from me,
        my justice, as a light to the nations.
    I will quickly bring my victory.
My salvation is on its way,
    and my arm will judge the peoples.
    The coastlands hope for me;
    they wait for my judgment.
Look up to the heavens,
        and gaze at the earth beneath.
    The heavens will disappear like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like clothing,
    and its inhabitants will die like gnats.
But my salvation will endure forever,
    and my righteousness will be unbroken.
Listen to me, you who know what is right,
    people who carry my teaching in your heart:
    Don’t fear human scorn,
    and don’t be upset when they abuse you.
The moth will eat them as if they were clothing,
    and the worm will eat them like wool,
    but my righteousness is forever,
    and my salvation for all generations.

HYMN: Christina Rossetti
Tune: Peace 

Therefore, O friend, I would not if I might
Rebuild my house of lies, wherein I joyed
One time to dwell: my soul shall walk in white,
Cast down but not destroyed.

Therefore in patience I possess my soul;
Yea, therefore as a flint I set my face,
To pluck down, to build up again the whole—
But in a distant place.

Beauty for ashes, oil of joy for grief,
Garment of praise for spirit of heaviness:
Although to-day I fade as doth a leaf,
I languish and grow less.

Although to-day He prunes my twigs with pain,
Yet doth His blood nourish and warm my root:
To-morrow I shall put forth buds again
And clothe myself with fruit.

Although to-day I walk in tedious ways,
To-day His staff is turned into a rod,
Yet will I wait for Him the appointed days
And stay upon my God.

“But after three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear came over those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them. At that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed by the earthquake, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

The second horror is over. The third horror is coming soon.

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying,

“The kingdom of the world has become
    the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ,
        and he will rule forever and always.”

Then the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God. They said,

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
    who is and was,
        for you have taken your great power and enforced your rule.
        The nations were enraged, but your wrath came.
The time came for the dead to be judged.
The time came to reward your servants, the prophets and saints,
            and those who fear your name, both small and great,
            and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the chest containing his covenant appeared in his temple. There were lightning, voices, thunder, an earthquake, and large hail.

HYMN: Thomas Kelly
Tune: Coronae https://tinyurl.com/3tyy2nr6

1 Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious:
see the Man of Sorrows now;
from the fight returned victorious,
every knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.

2 Crown the Savior, angels, crown Him;
rich the trophies Jesus brings;
in the seat of pow’r enthrone Him,
while the vault of heaven rings.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crown the Savior King of kings.

3 Sinners in derision crowned Him,
mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
saints and angels crowd around Him,
own His title, praise His name.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame!

4 Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark! those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings, and Lord of lords!

Jesus said, “The Spirit is the one who gives life and the flesh doesn’t help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Yet some of you don’t believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning who wouldn’t believe and the one who would betray him. He said, “For this reason I said to you that none can come to me unless the Father enables them to do so.” At this, many of his disciples turned away and no longer accompanied him. Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are God’s holy one.”

CANTICLE Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
(Chant by John Michael Talbot: https://tinyurl.com/ycrn2d4f)

Ant. The Father has given Christ all power, honor, and kingship,
All people will obey him.
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
you have begun your reign.
the nations have raged in anger,
but then came your day of wrath
and the moment to judge the dead:
the time to reward your servants the prophets
and the holy ones who revere you,
the great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
the reign of our god and the authority
of his anointed one,
for the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
and you that dwell therein!
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 WS2

God of life,
we rejoice in the resurrection of your Son,
his defeat over death, and his gift of new life.
We praise you for the reflections of that new life
in creation . . .
in nations and governments around the world . . .
in the ministry of the church universal . . .
in our community as it . . .
in the sacrifice of those who serve . . .
in our new life in Christ . . .

To you as the giver of new life and renewed hope
we bring our prayers
for creation and its care . . .
for the nations of the world . . .
for our nation and its leaders . . .
for this community and those who are in authority . . .
for the church universal as it works on your behalf . . .
for this local church in its ministry . . .
for persons with particular needs . . .
We pray all this in your name, the Lord and giver of life. Amen.

(Karin Simmons: https://tinyurl.com/y7vwp7dd)

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.
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.

O Lord, Jesus Christ,
who art as a shadow of a great rock in a weary land,
who beholdest thy weak creatures
weary of labour, weary of pleasure,
weary of hope deferred, weary of self;
in thine abundant compassion,
and fellow feeling with us,
and unutterable tenderness,
bring us, we pray thee,
unto thy rest. Amen. Rossetti

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.

HWHM Holy Women, Holy Men © 2010 The Church Pension Fund.

WS2 The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources

The main scripture readings © 2011, Common English Bible.

The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and are chanted by Ryland Angel. 

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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