Antiphon1
Ant. You will save the humble nation, O Lord, *
and bring down the eyes of the proud.
For who is God, other than you, O Lord?
V. I love you, Lord, my strength; *
O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my savior;
my God, my rock where I take refuge; *
my shield, my saving strength, my stronghold.
I cry out, “Praised be the Lord!” *
and see, I am saved from my foes. Psalm 18
God of all creation,
open our hearts
that Christ, the King of glory,
may enter and rule our lives.
Give us clean hands and pure hearts,
that we may stand in your presence
and receive your blessing
through the same 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: Horatius Bonar
Tune: Vox Dilecti https://tinyurl.com/3m2yhx7c
1 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Come unto me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon my breast’:
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.
2 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live’:
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
3 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
and all thy day be bright’:
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till travelling days are done.
PSALMS
Psalm 24 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9wmst8w)
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is *
the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas *
and prepared it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord *
or who shall rise up in his holy place?
4 Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart *
and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity,
nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord *
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him *
even of them that seek thy face, O Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors *
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is the King of glory *
it is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors *
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is the King of glory *
even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
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 25 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y6uy8tmx)
1 Unto thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul;
my God, I have put my trust in thee *
O let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
2 For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed *
but such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
3 Shew me thy ways, O Lord *
and teach me thy paths.
4 Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me *
for thou art the God of my salvation;
in thee hath been my hope all the day long.
5 Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies *
and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of old.
6 O remember not the sins and offences of my youth *
but according to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness.
7 Gracious and righteous is the Lord *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
8 Them that are meek shall he guide in judgement *
and such as are gentle, them shall he learn his way.
9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth *
unto such as keep his covenant, and his testimonies.
10 For thy Name’s sake, O Lord *
be merciful unto my sin, for it is great.
11 What man is he, that feareth the Lord *
him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
12 His soul shall dwell at ease *
and his seed shall inherit the land.
13 The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him *
and he will shew them his covenant.
14 Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me *
for I am desolate, and in misery.
16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged *
O bring thou me out of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.
18 Consider mine enemies, how many they are *
and they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
19 O keep my soul, and deliver me *
let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in thee.
20 Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me *
for my hope hath been in thee.
21 Deliver Israel, O God *
out of all his troubles.
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 26 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y9r5o6yo)
1 Be thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently *
my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me *
try out my reins and my heart.
3 For thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes *
and I will walk in thy truth.
4 I have not dwelt with vain persons *
neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the congregation of the wicked *
and will not sit among the ungodly.
6 I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord *
and so will I go to thine altar;
7 That I may shew the voice of thanksgiving *
and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house *
and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
9 O shut not up my soul with the sinners *
nor my life with the blood-thirsty;
10 In whose hands is wickedness *
and their right hand is full of gifts,
11 But as for me, I will walk innocently *
O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth right *
I will praise the Lord in the congregations.
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 24 (Joseph Barnby; https://tinyurl.com/45m649j3)
1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that fills it,
the compass of the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For he has founded it upon the seas
and set it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3 ‘Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord,
or who can rise up in his holy place?’
4 ‘Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,
who have not lifted up their soul to an idol,
nor sworn an oath to a lie;
5 ‘They shall receive a blessing from the Lord,
a just reward from the God of their salvation.’
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates;
be lifted up, you everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 ‘Who is the King of glory?’
‘The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord who is mighty in battle.’
9 Lift up your heads, O gates;
be lifted up, you everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 ‘Who is this King of glory?’
‘The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.’
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.
Psalm 25 (Gregorian Tone V.1)
1 Unto you, O Lord, will I lift up my soul;
my God, I have put my trust in you; *
O let me not be ashamed,
neither let my enemies triumph over me.
2 For all those who hope in you shall not be ashamed, *
but those who deal untruly shall be put to confusion.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me forth in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you has been my hope all the day long.
5 Call to remembrance, O Lord, your tender mercies, *
and your loving-kindnesses, which have been from of old.
6 O remember not the sins and offenses of my youth, *
but according to your mercy
think on me, O Lord, in your goodness.
7 Gracious and righteous is the Lord; *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
8 Those who are meek shall he guide in judgment, *
and those who are gentle shall he teach his way.
9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10 For your Name’s sake, O Lord, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.
11 Who is the one who fears the Lord? *
He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.
12 He shall dwell at ease, *
and his seed shall inherit the land.
13 The Lord reveals his secret counsel to those who fear him, *
and he will show them his covenant.
14 My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, *
for I am desolate and in misery.
16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged; *
O bring me out of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.
18 Consider my enemies, how many they are, *
and how they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
19 O keep my soul and deliver me; *
let me not be ashamed, for I have put my trust in you.
20 Let integrity and righteous dealing preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.
21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.
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 26 (Gregorian Tone V.1)
1 Be my judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently; *
my trust has been in the Lord; therefore I shall not fall.
2 Test me, O Lord, and prove me; *
examine my heart and my mind.
3 For your loving-kindness is ever before my eyes, *
and I will walk in your truth.
4 I have not dwelt with evildoers, *
neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the company of the wicked, *
and will not sit among the ungodly.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, *
and so will I go to your altar,
7 That I may lift up the voice of thanksgiving *
and tell of all your wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of your house *
and the place where your honor dwells.
9 O take not away my soul with the sinners, *
nor my life with the bloodthirsty,
10 Whose hands are full of wickedness, *
and their right hand full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I will walk innocently; *
O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot stands firm; *
I will praise the Lord in the congregations.
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
Merciful God,
you continually show us your ways
of forgiveness and steadfast love.
Remember not our sins,
but recall your compassion to your children,
satisfy the longing of your people,
and fulfill all our hopes for eternal peace
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018
THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Exodus 33:12-23
Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider, too, that this nation is your people.” He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have asked, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord,’ and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one shall see me and live.” And the Lord continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
HYMN: Fanny Crosby
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/nh79myyh
1 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
a wonderful Savior to me.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
where rivers of pleasure I see.
Refrain:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land.
He hideth my life in the depths of his love,
and covers me there with his hand,
and covers me there with his hand.
2 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord;
he taketh my burden away.
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;
he giveth me strength as my day. [Refrain]
3 With numberless blessings each moment he crowns,
and filled with his fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture,“Oh, glory to God
for such a Redeemer as mine!” [Refrain]
4 When clothed in his brightness, transported I rise
to meet him in clouds of the sky,
his perfect salvation, his wonderful love,
I’ll shout with the millions on high. [Refrain]
READING: Romans 7:15-25a
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells within me. For I know that the good does not dwell within me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do the good lies close at hand, but not the ability. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells within me.
So I find it to be a law that, when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
HYMN: Gerhard Tersteegen; German trans. Paul Gerhardt;
trans. John Wesley
Tune: St Chrysostom https://tinyurl.com/464jdshh
1 Thou hidden Love of God, whose height,
whose depth unfathomed, no man knows,
I see from far Thy beauteous light,
and inly sigh for Thy repose;
my heart is pained, nor can it be
at rest till it finds rest in Thee.
2 ‘Tis mercy all that Thou hast brought
my mind to seek its peace in Thee;
yet while I seek, but find Thee not,
no peace my wand’ring soul shall see.
O when shall all my wand’rings end,
and all my steps to Thee-ward tend?
3 Is there a thing beneath the sun
that strives with Thee my heart to share?
Ah! tear it thence, and reign alone,
the Lord of every motion there;
then shall my heart from earth be free,
when it has found repose in Thee.
READING: Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
CANTICLE Luke 1:68-79
(John Harper, https://tinyurl.com/4wwy9fbs)
Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel,
who has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets God promised of old
to save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all that hate us,
To show mercy to our ancestors,
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of all their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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.
PRAYERS BCW2018
Let us pray for the needs of the church,
the whole human family,
and all the world, saying: Hear our prayer.
That churches of all traditions
may discover their unity in Christ
and exercise their gifts in service of all,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That the earth may be freed
from war, famine, and disease,
and the air, soil, and waters cleansed of poison,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That those who govern and maintain peace in every land
may exercise their powers in obedience to your commands,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That you will strengthen this nation to pursue just priorities
so that the races may be reconciled;
the young, educated; and the old, cared for;
the hungry, filled; and the homeless, housed;
and the sick, comforted and healed,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That you will preserve all who live and work
in this [city, town, village, community]
in peace and safety,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That you will comfort and empower
those who face any difficulty or trial:
the sick [especially N., N.],
the disabled, the poor, the oppressed,
those who grieve and those in prison,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
That you will accept our thanksgiving
for all faithful servants of Christ now at rest,
who, with us, await a new heaven and a new earth,
your everlasting kingdom,
we pray to you, O God: Hear our prayer.
(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.
O God,
light of the minds that know you,
life of the souls that love you,
strength of the thoughts that seek you:
Help us so to know you
that we may truly love you,
so to love you
that we may fully serve you,
whose service is perfect freedom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen. BCW
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.
ELW The Lord’s Prayer is from Setting Five in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
BCW2018 Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 2018
The main scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). Psalm 24 is from Common Worship and comes from the RSCM album The Gift of This New Day. Psalms 25 and 26 are from Book of Common Prayer 2019 and come from 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.
Oremus 