Oremus for Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Jesus Sends the Disciples, The Limbourg Brothers, LesTrès Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, 15c

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/37sehdz7

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you is found forgiveness,
O God of Israel. Psalm 130

Eternal God,
faithful in your tender compassion,
you give us hope for our life here and hereafter
through the victory of your only Son.
As we share his cup of salvation,
revive in us the joy of this everlasting gift.
We ask his in his name. Amen. BAS

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: Jeffery Rowthorn ©
Tune: Abbot’s Leigh https://tinyurl.com/2v2vjyac

1 Lord, you give the great commission:
“Heal the sick and preach the word.”
Lest the church neglect its mission,
and the gospel go unheard,
help us witness to your purpose
with renewed integrity:

Refrain:
With the Spirit’s gifts empow’r us
for the work of ministry.

2 Lord, you call us to your service:
“In my name, baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust your promise,
life abundant meant for each,
give us all new fervor, draw us
closer in community: [Refrain]

3 Lord, you make the common holy:
“This my body, this my blood.”
Let us all, for earth’s true glory,
daily lift life heavenward,
asking that the world around us
share your children’s liberty: [Refrain]

4 Lord, you show us love’s true measure:
“Father, what they do, forgive.”
Yet we hoard as private treasure
all that you so freely give.
May your care and mercy lead us
to a just society: [Refrain]

5 Lord, you bless with words assuring:
“I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring,
may we serve as you intend
and, amid the cares that claim us,
hold in mind eternity: [Refrain]

PSALMS

Psalm 116 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/r9c5ke7)
1  I am well pleased *
 that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer;
2  That he hath inclined his ear unto me *
 therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3  The snares of death compassed me round about *
 and the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
4  I shall find trouble and heaviness, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord *
 O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5  Gracious is the Lord, and righteous *
 yea, our God is merciful.
6  The Lord preserveth the simple *
 I was in misery, and he helped me.
7  Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul *
 for the Lord hath rewarded thee.
8  And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death *
 mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9  I will walk before the Lord *
 in the land of the living.
10  I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled *
 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
11  What reward shall I give unto the Lord *
 for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?
12  I will receive the cup of salvation *
 and call upon the Name of the Lord.
13  I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people *
 right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
14  Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant *
 I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid;
thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.
15  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
 and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
16  I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people *
 in the courts of the Lord’s house,
even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise 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 117 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/rxgv7mn)
1  O praise the Lord, all ye heathen *
 praise him, all ye nations.
2  For his merciful kindness is ever more and more towards us *
 and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise 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 118 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/tkh65hw)
1  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious *
 because his mercy endureth for ever.
2  Let Israel now confess, that he is gracious *
 and that his mercy endureth for ever.
3  Let the house of Aaron now confess *
 that his mercy endureth for ever.
4  Yea, let them now that fear the Lord confess *
 that his mercy endureth for ever.
5  I called upon the Lord in trouble *
 and the Lord heard me at large.
6  The Lord is on my side *
 I will not fear what man doeth unto me.
7  The Lord taketh my part with them that help me *
 therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies.
8  It is better to trust in the Lord *
 than to put any confidence in man.
9  It is better to trust in the Lord *
 than to put any confidence in princes.
10  All nations compassed me round about *
 but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
11  They kept me in on every side, they kept me in, I say, on every side *
 but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
12  They came about me like bees,
and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns *
 for in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13  Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall *
 but the Lord was my help.
14  The Lord is my strength, and my song *
 and is become my salvation.
15  The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous *
 the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
16  The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence *
 the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
17  I shall not die, but live *
 and declare the works of the Lord.
18  The Lord hath chastened and corrected me *
 but he hath not given me over unto death.
19  Open me the gates of righteousness *
 that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
20  This is the gate of the Lord *
 the righteous shall enter into it.
21  I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me *
 and art become my salvation.
22  The same stone which the builders refused *
 is become the head-stone in the corner.
23  This is the Lord’s doing *
 and it is marvellous in our eyes.
24  This is the day which the Lord hath made *
 we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25  Help me now, O Lord *
 O Lord, send us now prosperity.
26  Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord *
 we have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house of the Lord.
27  God is the Lord who hath shewed us light *
 bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar.
28  Thou art my God, and I will thank thee *
 thou art my God, and I will praise thee.
29  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious *
 and his mercy endureth for ever.
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 116 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-116.mp3)
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of
 my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever
 I called upon him.
2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.
3 Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *
“O LORD, I pray you, save my life.”
4 Gracious is the LORD and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.
5 The LORD watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.
6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *
for the LORD has treated you well.
7 For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8 I will walk in the presence of the LORD *
in the land of the living.
9 I believed, even when I said,
“I have been brought very low.” *
In my distress I said, “No one can be trusted.”
10 How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
12 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.
13 Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.
14 O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
16 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,
17 In the courts of the LORD’S house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

Psalm 117 (LSB Tone A: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-117-LSB.mp3)
1 Praise the LORD, all nations!*
 Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,*
 and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
 Praise the 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..

Psalm 118 (LSB Tone I: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-118-LSB.mp3)
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;*
 for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,*
 “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,*
 “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say,*
 “His steadfast love endures forever.”
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD;*
 the LORD answered me and set me free.
6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.*
 What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is on my side as my helper;*
 I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD*
 than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD*
 than to trust in princes.
10 All nations surrounded me;*
 in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;*
 in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;*
 in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,*
 but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;*
 he has become my salvation.
15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous:*
 “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the LORD exalts,*
 the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live,*
 and recount the deeds of the LORD.
18 The LORD has disciplined me severely,*
 but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,*
 that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD;*
 the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me*
 and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected*
 has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the LORD’s doing;*
 it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the LORD has made;*
 let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we pray, O LORD!*
 O LORD, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessèd is he who comes in the name of the LORD!*
 We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27The LORD is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.*
 Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
 up to the horns of the altar!
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;*
 you are my God; I will extol you.
29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;*
 for his steadfast love endures forever!
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.

PRAYER

Lord God,
you have revealed your kindness to every people and nation.
Gather the whole world to yourself,
that in all the various languages of the earth
one hymn of praise may rise to you;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018

THE WORD OF GOD
READING: 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 17-24, 31-37
The Philistines assembled their troops for war at Socoh of Judah. They camped between Socoh and Azekah at Ephes-dammim. Saul and the Israelite army assembled and camped in the Elah Valley, where they got organized to fight the Philistines. The Philistines took positions on one hill while Israel took positions on the opposite hill. There was a valley between them.

A champion named Goliath from Gath came out from the Philistine camp. He was more than nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore bronze scale-armor weighing one hundred twenty-five pounds. He had bronze plates on his shins, and a bronze scimitar hung on his back. His spear shaft was as strong as the bar on a weaver’s loom, and its iron head weighed fifteen pounds. His shield-bearer walked in front of him.

He stopped and shouted to the Israelite troops, “Why have you come and taken up battle formations? I am the Philistine champion, and you are Saul’s servants. Isn’t that right? Select one of your men, and let him come down against me. If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will become your slaves, but if I overcome him and kill him, then you will become our slaves and you will serve us. I insult Israel’s troops today!” The Philistine continued, “Give me an opponent, and we’ll fight!” When Saul and all Israel heard what the Philistine said, they were distressed and terrified.

Jesse said to his son David, “Please take your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread. Deliver them quickly to your brothers in the camp. And here, take these ten wedges of cheese to their unit commander. Find out how your brothers are doing and bring back some sign that they are okay. They are with Saul and all the Israelite troops fighting the Philistines in the Elah Valley.”

So David got up early in the morning, left someone in charge of the flock, and loaded up and left, just as his father Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp right when the army was taking up their battle formations and shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines took up their battle formations opposite each other. David left his things with an attendant and ran to the front line. When he arrived, he asked how his brothers were doing. Right when David was speaking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came forward from the Philistine ranks and said the same things he had said before. David listened. When the Israelites saw Goliath, every one of them ran away terrified of him.

The things David had said were overheard and reported to Saul, who sent for him. “Don’t let anyone lose courage because of this Philistine!” David told Saul. “I, your servant, will go out and fight him!”

“You can’t go out and fight this Philistine,” Saul answered David. “You are still a boy. But he’s been a warrior since he was a boy!” “Your servant has kept his father’s sheep,” David replied to Saul, “and if ever a lion or a bear came and carried off one of the flock, I would go after it, strike it, and rescue the animal from its mouth. If it turned on me, I would grab it at its jaw, strike it, and kill it. Your servant has fought both lions and bears. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them because he has insulted the army of the living God.

“The Lord,” David added, “who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears, will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.” “Go!” Saul replied to David. “And may the Lord be with you!”

HYMN: John Bunyan
Tune: Monks Gate https://tinyurl.com/5f2rkbup

1. All who would valiant be
‘Gainst all disaster,
Let them in constancy
Follow the master.
There’s no discouragement
Shall make them once relent
Their first avowed intent
To be true pilgrims.

2. Who so beset them round
With dismal stories,
Do but themselves confound;
Their strength the more is.
No foes shall stay their might;
Though they with giants fight,
They will make good their right
To be true pilgrims.

3. Since, Lord, you will defend
Us with your Spirit,
We know we at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
We’ll fear not what they say,
We’ll labor night and day
To be true pilgrims.

READING: 2 Corinthians 9:1-11
It’s unnecessary for me to write to you about this service for God’s people. I know about your willingness to help. I brag about you to the Macedonians, saying, “Greece has been ready since last year,” and your enthusiasm has motivated most of them.

But I’m sending the brothers so that our bragging about you in this case won’t be empty words, and so that you can be prepared, just as I keep telling them you will be. If some Macedonians should come with me and find out that you aren’t ready, we (not to mention you) would be embarrassed as far as this project goes.

This is why I thought it was necessary to encourage the brothers to go to you ahead of time and arrange in advance the generous gift you have already promised. I want it to be a real gift from you. I don’t want you to feel like you are being forced to give anything. What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever.

The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us.

HYMN: Martin Rinckart; trans. Catherine Winkworth
Tune: Nun danket https://tinyurl.com/3wtfxyzx

1 Now thank we all our God
with hearts and hands and voices,
who wondrous things hath done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mother’s arms
hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

2 O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
in this world and the next.

3 All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son, and him who reigns
with them in highest heaven,
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

READING: Luke 9:1-11
Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. He sent them out to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. Wherever they don’t welcome you, as you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” They departed and went through the villages proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Herod the ruler heard about everything that was happening. He was confused because some people were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. Herod said, “I beheaded John, so now who am I hearing about?” Herod wanted to see him.

When the apostles returned, they described for Jesus what they had done. Taking them with him, Jesus withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds figured it out, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about God’s kingdom, and healed those who were sick.

CANTICLE Matthew 5:2-12
(Znammeny Chant https://tinyurl.com/37jctjvy)

Ant. In thy kingdom remember us, O Lord,
when thou comest in thy kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those that hunger
and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those that are persecuted
for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men
shall revile you and persecute you
and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad,
for great is your reward in heaven.

THE PRAYERS AAPB
Eternal God,
you raised Jesus our Lord from death and gave him glory,
and through him you called your church into being
that your people might know you,
and that they might make your Name known:

We give thanks
for the gospel committed to your church for the whole world
for the continuing presence and power of the Holy Spirit
for the ministry of word, sacrament, and prayer . . .
for the mission you have called us to share
for the call to unity and its fruit in common action
for the faithful witness of those who follow our Lord . . .
for all works of Christian compassion
for every service which proclaims your love . . .

We pray for the church
universal and local . . .
the ministries of the church . . .
the mission of the church . . .
the renewal of the church . . .
our fellow Christians in this place . . .

In peace and unity may your people offer you the unfailing
sacrifice of praise,
that the whole world may know your rule,
and all nations know your salvation and your glory;
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 it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread of life;
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.

O Lord, God of hosts,
our constant companion and sure defense,
be pleased to dwell with us this day,
to receive our worship and our praise,
and to truly transform our lives,
that when we are sent out
we may carry with us
only your sufficient grace and perfect power,
as we proclaim your healing love
for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen. CWC

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.

DL © Daniel Lawson; used with permission.

BCW2018 Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 2018

BAS Book of Alternative Services © 1985, Anglican Church of Canada.

AAPB An Australian Prayer Book, © 1978 Anglican Church of Australia

CWC Connections Worship Companion, ed. David Gambrell © Westminster John Knox Press

The 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 116 is from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is sung by Ryland Angel. Psalms 117 and 118 are in the version used in Lutheran Service Book: Pew Edition Concordia Publishing House, and are from the Next to the Word of God YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVRYL-MRebncw584Ql2xfg.

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 © 2025 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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