Søren Aabye Kierkegaard
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 5, 1813, Kierkegaard became more influential after his lifetime than he was during it. His father was Michael Pederson Kierkegaard (d. 1838), an erstwhile farmer who had moved to the capital city and became a prosperous wool merchant. Michael was also a melancholy, puritanical who passed his disposition down to his guild-ridden son. Søren, initially planning to become a minister in the state Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, studied theology at the University of Copenhagen from 1830 to 1840. Living off inherited wealth, he focused on writing books and articles (often under pseudonyms) in the fields of theology, psychology, ethics, and philosophy.
Although our saint never lost his faith in God, he came to condemn the state church as a mockery of Christianity, so he never pursued ordination. Kierkegaard had another objection to the Danish state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark: It made being a Christian too easy. Challenges were inherent in the Christian pilgrimage of faith, our saint understood. Did not Jesus command each person to take up his or her cross and follow Him? The union of church and state in Denmark robbed the Danish state church of its authenticity and power, Kierkegaard argued.
In the thought of Kierkegaard proof negated faith. If one could prove the Incarnation, the existence of God, and the truth of Christianity, one would negate faith and replace it with evidence. A leap of faith was necessary. Absolute knowledge was neither rational nor possible, our saint insisted, contradicting Georg Hegel. Kierkegaard also contradicted a raft of Greek philosophers who taught that people have the truth inside them and need merely to become conscious of that fact. No, he wrote, both the truth and the ability to understand it come from outside–from God, to be precise. He died at age 42 in Copenhagen on November 11, 1855. 1
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/823z9syw
We have come to know and to believe
in the love that God has for us. 1 John 4
Great Companion, You have loved us first.
May we never forget that You are love,
So that this sure conviction might triumph in our hearts
Over the whirling of the world,
Over the inquietude of the soul,
Over the anxiety for the future,
Over the fright of the past,
Over the distress of the moment.
May this conviction discipline our soul
So that our hearts might remain faithful and sincere
In the love which we bear to all those we love as ourselves. Amen. Kierkegaard
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: Timothy Dwight
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/27d42ube
1 I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
the house of Thine abode,
the church our blest Redeemer saved
with His own precious blood.
2 I love Thy church, O God!
Her walls before Thee stand,
dear as the apple of Thine eye
and graven on Thy hand.
3 For her my tears shall fall;
for her my prayers ascend;
to her my cares and toils be giv’n,
till toils and cares shall end.
4 Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heav’nly ways,
her sweet communion, solemn vows,
her hymns of love and praise.
5 Sure as Thy truth shall last,
to Zion shall be giv’n
the brightest glories earth can yield,
and brighter bliss of heav’n.
PSALMS
Psalm 62 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9slywgl)
1 My soul truly waiteth still upon God *
for of him cometh my salvation.
2 He verily is my strength and my salvation *
he is my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against every man *
ye shall be slain all the sort of you;
yea, as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge.
4 Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt *
their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth,
but curse with their heart.
5 Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God *
for my hope is in him.
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation *
he is my defence, so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my health, and my glory *
the rock of my might, and in God is my trust.
8 O put your trust in him alway, ye people *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.
9 As for the children of men, they are but vanity *
the children of men are deceitful upon the weights,
they are altogether lighter than vanity itself.
10 O trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity *
if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same *
that power belongeth unto God;
12 And that thou, Lord, art merciful *
for thou rewardest every man according to his work.
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 63 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y7dmyzy2)
1 O God, thou art my God *
early will I seek thee.
2 My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee *
in a barren and dry land where no water is.
3 Thus have I looked for thee in holiness *
that I might behold thy power and glory.
4 For thy loving-kindness is better than the life itself *
my lips shall praise thee.
5 As long as I live will I magnify thee on this manner *
and lift up my hands in thy Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness *
when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips.
7 Have I not remembered thee in my bed *
and thought upon thee when I was waking?
8 Because thou hast been my helper *
therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul hangeth upon thee *
thy right hand hath upholden me.
10 These also that seek the hurt of my soul *
they shall go under the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword *
that they may be a portion for foxes.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God;
all they also that swear by him shall be commended *
for the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
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 64 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/ydc4zq6h)
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the froward *
and from the insurrection of wicked doers;
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword *
and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words;
4 That they may privily shoot at him that is perfect *
suddenly do they hit him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in mischief *
and commune among themselves how they may lay snares,
and say, that no man shall see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practise it *
that they keep secret among themselves,
every man in the deep of his heart.
7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow *
that they shall be wounded.
8 Yea, their own tongues shall make them fall *
insomuch that whoso seeth them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all men that see it shall say, This hath God done *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him *
and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.
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 62 (Plainsong: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-62.mp3)
1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together, *
as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
4 They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; *
lies are their chief delight.
5 They bless with their lips, *
but in their hearts they curse.
6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8 In God is my safety and my honor; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Psalm 63 (Gregorian Tone III.4)
1 O God, you are my God; *
early will I seek you.
2 My soul thirsts for you, my flesh also longs after you, *
in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
3 Thus I have looked upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and glory.
4 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall praise you.
5 As long as I live I will magnify you, *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, *
when my mouth praises you with joyful lips.
7 When I remember you on my bed, *
I meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 Because you have been my helper, *
therefore under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand has upheld me.
10 Those who seek to destroy my life *
shall go down into the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *
that they may be a portion for jackals.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God;
all those who swear by him shall be commended, *
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 64 (Gregorian Tone III.4)
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; *
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the wicked, *
and from the tumult of evildoers,
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword, *
and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words,
4 That they may secretly shoot at the one who is blameless; *
suddenly do they shoot him, and fear not.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose, *
and discuss among themselves how they may lay snares,
and say that no one shall see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practice a cunning plot; *
for the human heart and mind are very deep.
7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *
and they shall be wounded.
8 Indeed, their own tongues shall make them fall, *
so that all who see them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all shall fear and tell what God has done, *
for they shall perceive that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord and put their trust in him, *
and all who are true of heart shall be glad.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
PRAYER
Creator of unfailing light,
deep within our hearts we long for your presence.
Give us the light of your steadfast love,
that our lives may proclaim your goodness,
our work give you honor,
and our voices bless you forever;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018
THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Jeremiah 31:1-9
At that time, declares the Lord,
I will be the God of all the families of Israel,
and they will be my people.
The Lord proclaims:
The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness.
As Israel searched for a place of rest,
the Lord appeared to them from a distance:
I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.
And so with unfailing love,
I have drawn you to myself.
Again, I will build you up,
and you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel.
Again, you will play your tambourines
and dance with joy.
Again, you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
farmers will plant and then enjoy the harvests.
The time will come when
the watchmen shout from
the highlands of Ephraim:
“Get ready! We’re going up to Zion
to the Lord our God!”
The Lord proclaims:
Sing joyfully for the people of Jacob;
shout for the leading nation.
Raise your voices with praise and call out:
“The Lord has saved his people,
the remaining few in Israel!”
I’m going to bring them back from the north;
I will gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the disabled,
expectant mothers and those in labor;
a great throng will return here.
With tears of joy they will come;
while they pray, I will bring them back.
I will lead them by quiet streams
and on smooth paths so they don’t stumble.
I will be Israel’s father,
Ephraim will be my oldest child.
HYMN: Jean Ingelow
Tune: Artavia https://tinyurl.com/7fr682ry
1 I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me;
it was not I that found, O Savior true;
no, I was found of Thee.
2 Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea;
’twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
as Thou, dear Lord, on me.
3 I find, I walk, I love, but O, the whole
of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou wert long beforehand with my soul,
always Thou lovedst me.
READING: Revelation 21:9-21
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues spoke with me. “Come,” he said, “I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” He took me in a Spirit-inspired trance to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. The city had God’s glory. Its brilliance was like a priceless jewel, like jasper that was as clear as crystal. It had a great high wall with twelve gates. By the gates were twelve angels, and on the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel’s sons. There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. The city wall had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the Lamb’s twelve apostles.
The angel who spoke to me had a gold measuring rod with which to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. Now the city was laid out as a square. Its length was the same as its width. He measured the city with the rod, and it was fifteen hundred miles. Its length and width and height were equal. He also measured the thickness of its wall. It was two hundred sixteen feet thick, as a person—or rather, an angel—measures things. The wall was built of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like pure glass. The city wall’s foundations were decorated with every kind of jewel. The first foundation was jasper, the second was sapphire, the third was chalcedony, and the fourth was emerald. The fifth was sardonyx, the sixth was carnelian, the seventh was chrysolite, and the eighth was beryl. The ninth was topaz, the tenth was chrysoprase, the eleventh was jacinth, and the twelfth was amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was made from a single pearl. And the city’s main street was pure gold, as transparent as glass.
HYMN: John R Clements
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/yt447yt5
1 In the land of fadeless day
Lies the city four-square;
It shall never pass away,
And there is no night there.
Refrain:
God shall wipe away all tears;
There’s no death, no pain, nor fears;
And they count not time by years,
For there is no night there.
2 All the gates of pearl are made,
In the city four-square;
All the streets with gold are laid,
And there is no night there. [Refrain]
3 And the gates shall never close
To the city four-square;
There life’s crystal river flows,
And there is no night there. [Refrain]
4 There they need no sunshine bright,
In that city four-square;
For the Lamb is all the light,
And there is no night there. [Refrain]
READING: Luke 17:20-25
Pharisees asked Jesus when God’s kingdom was coming. He replied, “God’s kingdom isn’t coming with signs that are easily noticed. Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ Don’t you see? God’s kingdom is already among you.”
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “The time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Human One, and you won’t see it. People will say to you, ‘Look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Don’t leave or go chasing after them. The Human One will appear on his day in the same way that a flash of lightning lights up the sky from one end to the other. However, first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”
CANTICLE Philippians 2:6-11
(Chant by John Michael Talbot: https://tinyurl.com/y8ljx8y7)
Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.
He was known to be of human estate
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death,
death on a cross!
Because of this,
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
above every other name,
So that at Jesus’ name
every knee must bend
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth,
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father:
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
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 WS
Let us pray for those who suffer from illness,
from the pain of memory,
from torture, from victimization,
especially those hurt by the church or its members . . .
Let us pray for those who are outcast,
or imprisoned, or oppressed . . .
Let us pray for those who are hungry, or homeless, or poor,
and for those who are unemployed or exploited . . .
Let us pray for the coming of justice in the world,
offering what we have and receiving what we need
of the earth’s beauty . . .
Let us pray for peace that is a just reconciliation . . .
Let us pray for the earth on which we walk
and to which we will one day return . . .
And let us offer our own petitions,
trusting in God’s wisdom and compassion . . .
God hears the prayers of the faithful,
and in his arms we find safe harbor and understanding. Amen.
(Plainsong: https://tinyurl.com/ahnrtv59)ELW
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.
Heavenly Father,
help us to remember that you are always with us,
even when we walk through the valley of the shadow,
that, with your philosopher Søren Kierkegaard,
we may believe what we have not seen
and trust that which we cannot test,
and thus come at length to the eternal joy
prepared for those who love you;
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. HWHM?, alt.
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
BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
PIC Prayers for An Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare
BCW2018 Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 2018
ELW The Lord’s Prayer is from Setting Five in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
WS Worship Sourcebook © Faith Alive Christian Resources
HWHM Holy Women, Holy Men © 2010 The Church Pension Fund.
The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern version of Psalm 62 is from Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is sung by Ryland Angel. Psalms 63 and 64 are from Book of Common Prayer (2019) and the St Bernard Breviary https://www.bernardbreviary.com/chant-helps.
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.
Oremus 