Oremus for January 23, 2026

The Tower of Babel, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1563

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/3p25j5h5

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God is my saving strength. Psalm 18

Gracious and holy God,
feed us at the table of holy wisdom,
that we may honor, love, and obey you as your children.
May we remember your wonders and ponder your works,
so that we delight to do what you ask of us,
by the power given to us in Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018

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: Joachim Neander; trans. Robert Bridges
Tune: Michael https://tinyurl.com/bdeyhe27

1 All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.

2 Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.

3 God’s great goodness aye endureth,
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.

4 Daily doth th’ Almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.

5 Still from earth to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.

PSALMS

Psalm 110 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/wo7aol8)

1  The Lord said unto my Lord *
 Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion *
 be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
3  In the day of thy power shall the people offer thee
free-will offerings with an holy worship *
 the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
4  The Lord sware, and will not repent *
 Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
5  The Lord upon thy right hand *
 shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
6  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies *
 and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
7  He shall drink of the brook in the way *
 therefore shall he lift up his head.
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 111 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/vddmean)

1  I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart *
 secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great *
 sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3  His work is worthy to be praised, and had in honour *
 and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works *
 that they ought to be had in remembrance.
5  He hath given meat unto them that fear him *
 he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6  He hath shewed his people the power of his works *
 that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7  The works of his hands are verity and judgement *
 all his commandments are true.
8  They stand fast for ever and ever *
 and are done in truth and equity.
9  He sent redemption unto his people *
 he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.
10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom *
 a good understanding have all they that do thereafter;
the praise of it 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 112 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yxyhobau)

1  Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord *
 he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth *
 the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
3  Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house *
 and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness *
 he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  A good man is merciful, and lendeth *
 and will guide his words with discretion.
6  For he shall never be moved *
 and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
7  He will not be afraid of any evil tidings *
 for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.
8  His heart is established, and will not shrink *
 until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor *
 and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10  The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him *
 he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away;
the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
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 113 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/s3ye4cx)

1  Praise the Lord, ye servants *
 O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  Blessed be the Name of the Lord *
 from this time forth for evermore.
3  The Lord’s Name is praised *
 from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4  The Lord is high above all heathen *
 and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God that hath his dwelling so high *
 and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?
6  He taketh up the simple out of the dust *
 and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7  That he may set him with the princes *
 even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house *
 and to be a joyful mother of children.
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 110 (Gregorian Tone V.1)

1 The Lord said unto my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, *
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The Lord shall send the scepter of your power out of Zion: *
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”
3 In the day of your power the people, in holy raiment, shall
offer you freewill offerings; *
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth belongs to you.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not recant: *
“You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord at your right hand *
shall smite kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge the nations; *
he shall fill the lands with dead bodies,
and strike down heads over many countries.
7 He shall drink from the brook by the way; *
therefore shall he lift up his head.
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 111 (Gregorian Tone V.I)

1 Praise the Lord.
I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, *
in the company of the upright, and among the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, *
sought out by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is worthy to be praised and held in honor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He has made his marvelous works to be had in remembrance; *
The Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He has given food to those who fear him; *
he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, *
that he may give them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are true.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
and are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
a good understanding have all those who live accordingly;
his praise endures for ever.
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 112 (Gregorian Tone V.1)

1 Praise the Lord! Blessèd is the one who fears the Lord, *
who has great delight in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house, *
and his righteousness shall endure for ever.
4 For the upright, there rises light in the darkness; *
he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5 It is good for him to be generous in lending *
and to guide his words with discretion.
6 For he shall never be moved, *
and the righteous shall be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings, *
for his heart is steadfast and trusts in the Lord.
8 His heart is established, and will not fear; *
at the last he shall see his desire upon his enemies.
9 He has given freely to the poor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever;
his horn shall be exalted with honor.
10 The ungodly shall see it, and shall be angry; *
he shall gnash his teeth, and waste away;
the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
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 113 (Gregorian Tone V.1)

1 Praise the Lord. Sing praises, you servants of the Lord; *
O praise the Name of the Lord.
2 Blessèd be the Name of the Lord, *
from this time forth for evermore.
3 The Lord’s Name be praised *
from the rising up of the sun to the going down of the same.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who has his dwelling so high, *
and yet humbles himself to behold the things that
are in heaven and earth?
6 He takes up the lowly out of the dust, *
and lifts the poor out of the ashes,
7 That he may set them with the princes, *
even with the princes of his people.
8 He gives the barren woman a home to dwell in, *
and makes her to be a joyful mother of children.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 ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

PRAYER

Eternal God,
you have given righteousness, justice, peace, and love
for the enlightenment of all people.
Keep us always in that light,
so that throughout our lives we may show forth your glory
as revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018, alt.

THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Genesis 11:1-9
All people on the earth had one language and the same words. When they traveled east, they found a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them hard.” They used bricks for stones and asphalt for mortar. They said, “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves so that we won’t be dispersed over all the earth.”

Then the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the humans built. And the Lord said, “There is now one people and they all have one language. This is what they have begun to do, and now all that they plan to do will be possible for them. Come, let’s go down and mix up their language there so they won’t understand each other’s language.” Then the Lord dispersed them from there over all of the earth, and they stopped building the city. Therefore, it is named Babel, because there the Lord mixed up the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord dispersed them over all the earth.

HYMN: Mary Nelson Keithahn ©
Tune: Bridegroom https://tinyurl.com/55sdz5n3

When the world is babbling ’round us,
deafening us to human need,
when its selfish ways confound us
as we satisfy our greed,
find us and free us, O God.

When we fail to hear you call us,
when we turn and run away
until evil times befall us,
causing us to stop and pray,
find us, forgive us, O God.

Let your holy spirit enter
into hearts on wings of dove.
Let your will be at the center
of our lives afire with love.
Find us, and fill us, O God.

Make us one with Christ in caring
for the outcast and the lost,
that in joyful, selfless sharing
we may never count the cost.
Find us, and form us, O God.

READING: Galatians 6:1-10
Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too. Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are important when they aren’t, they’re fooling themselves. Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. Each person will have to carry their own load.

Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher. Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit. Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.

HYMN: Albert Bayly ©
Tune: Beach Spring https://tinyurl.com/fef6p3hh

1 Lord, whose love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
offered mercy’s perfect deed,
we, your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart,
consecrating to your purpose
ev’ry gift that you impart.

2 Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As, O Lord, your deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
use the love your Spirit kindles
still to save and make us whole.

3 As we worship, grant us vision,
till your love’s revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness,
dawns upon our human sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to tireless striving,
your abundant life to share.

4 Sent from worship as your servants,
forth in your dear name we go,
to the child, the youth, the aged,
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
counsel, aid, and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom
may your mercy know and live.

READING: Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

CANTICLE Judith 16.13-16 (Lucy Walker: https://tinyurl.com/3j5ekpvz)
Refrain:
All   You sent forth your Spirit, O God,
and you continue to show mercy to all.
1    I will sing a new song to my God, 
for you are great and glorious,
truly strong and invincible.
2    May your whole creation serve you, 
for you spoke and all things came to be.
3    You sent forth your Spirit and they were formed, 
for no one can resist your voice.
4    Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths; 
at your presence rocks shall melt like wax.
5    But to those who fear you, 
you continue to show mercy.
6    No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, 
but whoever fears the Lord
shall stand in your sight for ever.
All   Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
All   You sent forth your Spirit, O God,
and you continue to show mercy to all.

THE PRAYERS AAPB
Holy Father,
you have reconciled us to yourself in Christ;
and by your Holy Spirit you enable us to be your children:

We give thanks
for Christ your obedient son
for his bearing of the sin of the world in his own body on the cross
for his victory over evil and suffering and death . . .
for the joy and wonder of human love and friendship
for the lives to which our own are bound
for the gift of peace with you and with one another . . .
for the communities in whose life we share
for all human relationships in which reconciliation is experienced. . .
We pray for our families and friends
home and family life. . .
children who have no home. . .
friends and relations. . .
neighbors. . .
those we meet in our daily life and work. . .
those from whom we are estranged. . .

Help us to share in the obedience of your Son,
that we may love and serve one another in your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
is one with you for ever. Amen.

(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.

Troubled God,
in every generation
you call your people to contend
against the brutality of sin and betrayal.
Keep us steadfast even in our fear and uncertainty,
that we may follow where Jesus has led the way. 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


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

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

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

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

The Lord’s Prayer is the traditional chant as set in The Hymnal 1940 and sung by Kathryn Mannyng https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsJ2TB9pLbU

The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.

The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The contemporary versions of the psalms are from Book of Common Prayer (2019) as recorded for 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 © 2026 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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