Oremus for Sunday, August 25, 2024

Christ in the Synagogue at Nazareth, Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, 1658

Antiphon 1

Ant. With expectation I have waited for the Lord, *
and he has cast his look upon me;
he has heard my supplication
and he has put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God.
V. Blessed the man who has placed *
his trust in the Lord,
and has not gone over to the proud *
who follow false gods. Psalm 40

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: Reginald Heber
Tune: Eucharistic Hymn  https://tinyurl.com/j2evzbcy

1 Bread of the world in mercy broken,
wine of the soul in mercy shed,
by whom the words of life were spoken,
and in whose death our sins are dead.

2 Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
look on the tears by sinners shed;
and be thy feast to us the token
that by thy grace our souls are fed.

PSALMS

Psalm 119: 73-104 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y8qj25yx)

73  Thy hands have made me and fashioned me *
 O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me *
 because I have put my trust in thy word.
75  I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right *
 and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.
76  O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort *
 according to thy word unto thy servant.
77  O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live *
 for thy law is my delight.
78  Let the proud be confounded,
for they go wickedly about to destroy me *
 but I will be occupied in thy commandments.
79  Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies *
 be turned unto me.
80  O let my heart be sound in thy statutes *
 that I be not ashamed.

81  My soul hath longed for thy salvation *
 and I have a good hope because of thy word.
82  Mine eyes long sore for thy word *
 saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
83  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke *
 yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84  How many are the days of thy servant *
 when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
85  The proud have digged pits for me *
 which are not after thy law.
86  All thy commandments are true *
 they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
87  They had almost made an end of me upon earth *
 but I forsook not thy commandments.
88  O quicken me after thy loving-kindness *
 and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

89  O Lord, thy word *
 endureth for ever in heaven.
90  Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another *
 thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
91  They continue this day according to thine ordinance *
 for all things serve thee.
92  If my delight had not been in thy law *
 I should have perished in my trouble.
93  I will never forget thy commandments *
 for with them thou hast quickened me.
94  I am thine, O save me *
 for I have sought thy commandments.
95  The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me *
 but I will consider thy testimonies.
96  I see that all things come to an end *
 but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97  Lord, what love have I unto thy law *
 all the day long is my study in it.
98  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies *
 for they are ever with me.
99  I have more understanding than my teachers *
 for thy testimonies are my study.
100  I am wiser than the aged *
 because I keep thy commandments.
101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way *
 that I may keep thy word.
102  I have not shrunk from thy judgements *
 for thou teachest me.
103  O how sweet are thy words unto my throat *
 yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.
104  Through thy commandments I get understanding *
 therefore I hate all evil ways.
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 119:73-104 (Karl Kohlhase:
http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-119-73-104-KH.mp3)

Your hands made me and fashioned me;
help me understand your commandments.
May the fearful see and be glad,
because I wait for your word.
O LORD, I know your judgments are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your love become my comfort,
by your word unto your servant.
May your mercy come so I’ll live,
your law is my delight.
May the proud be ashamed of their lies;
while I meditate on your precepts.
May the fearful turn unto me,
even those who know your teachings.
May my heart become blameless in your laws,
so I will not be ashamed.

My soul longs for your salvation;
I wait upon your word.
My eyes go out for your word,
“When will you comfort me?”
Though a wineskin in the smoke,
I will not forget your laws.
How long are the days of your servant?
When will you judge those who hurt me?
For the proud have dug pits for me,
who are not in accord with your law.
All your commandments are faithful;
help me when I’m hurt by their lies!
They have almost destroyed me on earth,
but I’ll not forsake your precepts.
Revive me according to your love,
so I’ll keep the word of your mouth.

Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness is for all ages;
you set the earth firm, and it stands.
They stand to this day by your ordinances,
all things are for your servants.
If your law not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you revived me.
I am yours, please rescue me;
for I have sought your precepts.
Though the wicked looked out for my harm;
yet I discerned your teachings.
Saw the limit of all perfection;
your command is exceedingly broad.

O how I love your law!
My meditation all through the day.
Your commands make me wiser than my foes,
for they are ever mine.
I have insight beyond all my teachers,
for your teachings are my meditation.
Understanding more than the aged,
because your precepts I keep.
I’ve restrained my feet from all evil,
that I may keep your word.
I’ve not turned aside from your rulings,
for you yourself have taught me.
O how sweet are your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
From your precepts I get understanding;
so I hate every false way.

PRAYER

O God for whom there are no barriers,
no stones too big to remove,
roll away our resistance to you.
Let your words fill us with new life
and bring us out from the tomb of indifference,
alive again in you.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. CGP

THE WORD OF GOD

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders of Israel, its leaders, judges, and officers. They presented themselves before God. Then Joshua said to the entire people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Revere the Lord. Serve him honestly and faithfully. Put aside the gods that your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt and serve the Lord. But if it seems wrong in your opinion to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Choose the gods whom your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But my family and I will serve the Lord.”

Then the people answered, “God forbid that we ever leave the Lord to serve other gods! The Lord is our God. He is the one who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. He has done these mighty signs in our sight. He has protected us the whole way we’ve gone and in all the nations through which we’ve passed. The Lord has driven out all the nations before us, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.”

HYMN: Henry Williams Baker
Tune: Ein feste Burg https://tinyurl.com/mrhrr47w

1 Rejoice today with one accord,
Sing out with exultation!
Rejoice and praise our mighty Lord,
Whose arm hath brought salvation.
The greatness of His name
His works of love proclaim:
His goodness He hath shown,
And He is God alone;
Let all His saints adore Him.

2 When in distress to Him we cried,
He heard our sad complaining;
O trust in Him, whate’er betide,
His love is all-sustaining;
Our hearts to Him shall raise
Triumphant songs of praise;
And let all voices say,
“O praise the Lord alway,”
Let all His saints adore Him.

By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter when he was grown up. He chose to be mistreated with God’s people instead of having the temporary pleasures of sin. He thought that the abuses he suffered for Christ were more valuable than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking forward to the reward.

By faith he left Egypt without being afraid of the king’s anger. He kept on going as if he could see what is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, in order that the destroyer could not touch their firstborn children.

HYMN: John Needham
Tune: Arlington https://tinyurl.com/2jcjav8n

1 Rise, O my soul, pursue the path
By ancient worthies trod;
Aspiring, view those holy men
Who lived and walked with God.

2 Tho’ dead, they speak in reason’s ear,
And in example live;
Their faith, and hope and mighty deeds,
Still fresh instruction give.

3 ’Twas thro’ the Lamb’s most precious blood
They conquered ev’ry foe;
To His almighty pow’r and grace
Their crowns of life they owe.

4 Lord, may I ever keep in view
The patterns Thou hast giv’n,
And ne’er forsake the blessed road
That led them safe to heav’n.

Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Then the Jews debated among themselves, asking, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “I assure you, unless you eat the flesh of the Human One and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in them. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me lives because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. It isn’t like the bread your ancestors ate, and then they died. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

CANTICLE Isaiah 55:6-11
(Setting by Gregory Wilbur: https://tinyurl.com/yawmg8fp)

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,
Call ye upon him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

And let him return unto the Lord,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
My ways and thoughts are higher than yours.

And let him return unto the Lord,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

For as the rain cometh down, and snow from heaven,
And maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to sow,
that it may give bread to eat.

So shall my world be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
It shall not return unto me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please it shall prosper
in the thing whereunto I sent it.

THE PRAYERS Joe Milner

For the Church: that we will find nourishment and sustenance in Christ, the Bread of Life, for our daily journey and the fulfillment for all the hungers and yearnings of our hearts

For the ability to imitate Christ: that we may put on the mind and heart of Christ and be empowered to show compassion and forgiveness to others

For the grace to encounter Christ: that we may recognize Christ in each person that we meet and show them dignity and respect

For the grace to forgive: that, having experienced God’s generous forgiveness to us, we may be free to forgive all who have wronged us

For a new vision of our life journey: that we may be open to the vision God holds for us and that we may be free to rely upon God as we encounter trials, struggles, and doubts

For a transformation of our minds and hearts: that the Holy Spirit will free us from all bitterness and anger and guide us in living as children of God each day

For all who have been wounded by the anger and malice of others: that God will heal their hearts, renew their spirits, and free them to live life fully

For healing of racism: that the Holy Spirit will open us to the prejudice and discrimination that exists within us and in the society around us so that we may promote greater justice and understanding

For strength to fulfill our responsibilities: that renewed by Word of God, we may lay down our lives in sacrificial love to those to whom we are committed and for those who have been entrusted to our care

For those who have been evicted from their homes or who are facing eviction: that God will move leaders to act to protect them and free up the needed resources for their safe shelter and food

For greater respect for human life: that God will move hearts from seeking revenge and guide us towar ending the death penalty

For an end to nuclear proliferation: that God will show us the true destructive power of nuclear weapons and inspire us to protect the earth for future generations

For relief from the Covid virus: that God will guide researchers to a better understanding of the virus so that the human family may be protected and that the sick may be restored to wholeness

For relief from wildfires and drought: that God will help all who are fighting the wildfires, give strength to those who have evacuated, and send rain to relieve the areas suffering from drought

For all who have died: that they may share in the fullness of eternal life to which the Bread of Life introduced them

For the people of Afghanistan: that God will preserve them from bloodshed, open passage ways for those who have cooperated with western nations, and fill hearts with hope in their darkest moments

For the people of Haiti: that God will protect them from further harm, give them strength, and open the hearts of many to assist them

(Traditional chant: http://oremus.org/chant/LP-1940.mp3)

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And 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.

Source of life,
you feed us with the spiritual milk of your love
and deliver us from darkness to light.
Encompass us in the circle of your protection,
that, secure in your sustaining power,
we may find the wisdom and strength
to challenge the evils of our time. Amen. RCLP

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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ELW Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.

RCLP Revised Common Lectionary Prayers. © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.

1 Adam Bartlett, Simple English Propers; audio from https://musicasacra.com/additional-publications/sep-practice-videos/ ©

The intercession is by Joe Milner http://liturgy.slu.edu

The three main scripture readings are from the The New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Edition, The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The reading from John is © Common English Bible.

The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language version of Psalm 119 is 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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