C.S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis was born in 1898. He is best known as a popular apologist for Christianity in the twentieth century. He wrote novels on Christian themes for both children and adults, including “The Chronicles of Narnia”. He wrote other books, many based on talks he had given or articles he had written. These included The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity. There were more autobio-graphical works, Surprised by Joy, on his own Christian journey, and A Grief Observed, a moving account of his grief at the death of his wife. C.S. Lewis died on 22 November 1963. FATS
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/2afzv85h
The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world
and that which contains all things
understands what is said, alleluia. Wisdom 1
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: Fred Pratt Green ©
Tune: New Malden https://tinyurl.com/4d3cdcac
1 When our confidence is shaken
In beliefs we thought secure;
When the spirit in its sickness
Seeks but cannot find a cure:
God is active in the tensions
Of a faith not yet mature.
2 Solar systems, void of meaning,
Freeze the spirit into stone;
Always our researches lead us
To the ultimate Unknown:
Faith must die, or come full circle
To its source in God alone.
3 In the discipline of praying,
When it’s hardest to believe;
In the drudgery of caring,
When it’s not enough to grieve:
Faith maturing, learns acceptance
Of the insights we receive.
4 God is love; and He redeems us
In the Christ we crucify:
This is God’s eternal answer
To the world’s eternal why;
May we in this faith maturing
Be content to live and die.
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.
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.
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
O God,
you are light to the lost,
bread to the hungry,
deliverance to the captive,
healing to the sick, eternal vision to the dying,
and harbor to every soul in peril.
Gather the wanderers from every corner of the world
into the community of your mercy and grace,
that we may eternally praise you
for our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
The Lord’s word came to me: Human one, face Sidon, prophesy against it, and say, The Lord God proclaims: I’m against you, Sidon, and I will manifest my glory in you. When I’ve executed judgment against it and through it have manifested my holiness, they will know that I am the Lord. I will hurl plague against it, and blood will run in its streets. When the sword comes against it from all sides, the slain will fall within it. Then they will know that I am the Lord. The house of Israel will no longer suffer from the pricking thorn or painful briar of any of its neighbors who hold it in contempt. And they will know that I am the Lord God.
The Lord God proclaims: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they’ve scattered, and I demonstrate my holiness through them in the sight of the nations, they will live on their fertile land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. They will live on it in safety. They will build houses, plant vineyards, and live in safety. When I execute judgments against all who hold them in contempt on every side, they will know that I, the Lord, am their God.
HYMN: Psalm 76; para. Psalter, 1912
Tune: Lauda anima https://tinyurl.com/mszvu4v5
1 God is known among his people;
his name shines in Israel;
for of old he has established
his own house on Zion’s hill.
There he broke the sword and arrow,
bade the noise of war be still.
2 God, most excellent and awesome,
more than mountains, firm and high,
you have stripped the valiant-hearted
who on their own strength rely.
Who can stand before your anger
or your mighty hand defy?
3 When from heaven your judgment sounded,
all the earth in fear was still
when, to save the meek and lowly,
you worked out your righteous will.
Even human wrath shall praise you:
your design it shall fulfill.
4 Make your vows to God and keep them;
pay the LORD what is his own.
Come and bring your gifts before him;
worship God and him alone.
Mighty kings obey and fear him;
leaders bow before his throne.
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider was called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war justly. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on his head were many royal crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He wore a robe dyed with blood, and his name was called the Word of God. Heaven’s armies, wearing fine linen that was white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword that he will use to strike down the nations. He is the one who will rule them with an iron rod. And he is the one who will trample the winepress of the Almighty God’s passionate anger. He has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords.
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he called out with a loud voice and said to all the birds flying high overhead, “Come and gather for God’s great supper. Come and eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of generals, the flesh of the powerful, and the flesh of horses and their riders. Come and eat the flesh of all, both free and slave, both small and great.” Then I saw that the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies had gathered to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was seized, along with the false prophet who had done signs in the beast’s presence. (He had used the signs to deceive people into receiving the beast’s mark and into worshipping the beast’s image.) The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed by the sword that comes from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds ate their fill of their flesh.
HYMN: Thomas Kelly
Tune: Coronae https://tinyurl.com/mpkfcyyf
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!
As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
They replied, “Its master needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
As Jesus came to the city and observed it, he wept over it. He said, “If only you knew on this of all days the things that lead to peace. But now they are hidden from your eyes. The time will come when your enemies will build fortifications around you, encircle you, and attack you from all sides. They will crush you completely, you and the people within you. They won’t leave one stone on top of another within you, because you didn’t recognize the time of your gracious visit from God.”
When Jesus entered the temple, he threw out those who were selling things there. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a hideout for crooks.”
Jesus was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests, the legal experts, and the foremost leaders among the people were seeking to kill him. However, they couldn’t find a way to do it because all the people were enthralled with what they heard.
CANTICLE Luke 1:68-79
(Steve Angrisano: https://tinyurl.com/y7w6y7qh)
Through his holy prophets,
he promised from of old
to save us from who would harm us.
His mercy he would show,
rememb’ring his holy word.
Refrain:
Blessed be the Lord,
for he has raised up for us a mighty savior.
Our God has set us free,
fulfilling the promise to save his people.
You, my child,
have been chosen a prophet of the Lord,
proclaiming his forgiveness,
salvation to make known,
preparing the way of God. Refrain
In his tender compassion,
the dawn now breaks on high
to shine on those in the darkness:
a light unto our feet
into the way of peace. Refrain
THE PRAYERS AAPB
Gracious Lord and Father,
you have given us in Christ a merciful Savior
to present to you the world in all its need:
We give thanks
for the presence of Christ in our weakness and in our strength
for the power of Christ to transform our suffering . . .
for all ministries of healing
for all agencies of relief
for everyone who sets men free from fear, pain, distress . . .
for the assurance that your mercy knows no limit
for the privilege of sharing your work of renewal through prayer,
suffering and joy . . .
We pray for all who suffer
the hungry, refugees . . .
prisoners, the persecuted . . .
the workless, the homeless . . .
those who bring sin and suffering to others . . .
all who try to bring relief and care to those in need . . .
In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Plainsong Mode 2: https://tinyurl.com/yctqq8cf)DL
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.
Everliving God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life;
we thank you for the gifts that C.S. Lewis brought to proclaiming this
with imagination, eloquence, wit and passion;
help us to tell the good news of your love in our day,
that the world may know the riches of your mercy
and the joy that faith in you can bring;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FATS
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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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
FATS For All the Saints, © The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 2014
AAPB An Australian Prayer Book, © 1978 Anglican Church of Australia
The 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 107 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.
Oremus 