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.
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.
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Mark the Evangelist
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
In your resurrection, O Christ,
let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
Morning 14 mins reading
Acts 22 nrsv (30) 2 readers
22 “Brothers[a] and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.”
2 When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew,[b] they became even more quiet. Then he said:
3 “I am a Jew born in Tarsus in Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
6 “While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Then he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth[c] whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 I asked, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.’ 11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.
12 “A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 came to me, and standing beside me, he said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!’ In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear his own voice, 15 for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.
Second reader
16 And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’
Paul Sent to the Gentiles
17 “After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw Jesus[d] saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And while the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by, approving and keeping the coats of those who killed him.’ 21 Then he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the gentiles.’ ”
Paul and the Roman Tribune
22 Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, 24 the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. 25 But when they had tied him up with straps,[e] Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman person who is uncondemned?”26 When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman.” 27 The tribune came and asked Paul,[f] “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.” 29 Immediately those who were about to examine him drew back from him, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman and that he had bound him.
Paul before the Council
30 Since he wanted to find out what Paul[g]was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them.
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 119 33-72 nrsv 2 readers
33
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36
Turn my heart to your decrees
and not to selfish gain.
37
Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
be gracious to me[a] according to your word.
38
Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39
Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40
See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness be gracious to me.[b]
41
Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
42
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43
Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45
I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46
I will also speak of your decrees before kings
and shall not be put to shame;
47
I find my delight in your commandments
because I love them.
48
I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
49
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life.
51
The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52
When I think of your ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
those who forsake your law.
Second reader
54
Your statutes have been my songs
wherever I make my home.
55
I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56
This blessing has fallen to me,
for I have kept your precepts.
57
The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58
I implore your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59
When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your decrees;
60
I hurry and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62
At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
63
I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes.
65
You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67
Before I was humbled I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68
You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69
The arrogant smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
70
Their hearts are thick like fat,[c]
but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
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.
+++
Let us pray.
God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
God the Son,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
have mercy upon us.
Please pray a short individual prayer as you wish
+++
The Collect of the day is said
Almighty God,
who enlightened your holy Church through the inspired witness of your evangelist Saint Mark: grant that we, being firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel, may be faithful to its teaching both in word and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Lord’s Prayer is said
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, as our Saviour taught us, so we pray
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.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Conclusion
May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
+++
Evening 4 mins reading
1 John 1 nrsv
The Word of Life
1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.
God Is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
+++
Psalm 119 73-104
73
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75
I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76
Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78
Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79
Let those who fear you turn to me,
so that they may know your decrees.
80
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
so that I may not be put to shame.
81
My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82
My eyes fail with watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84
How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85
The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;
they flout your law.
86
All your commandments are enduring;
I am persecuted without cause; help me!
87
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88
In your steadfast love spare my life,
so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
89
The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
90
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91
By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
92
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my misery.
93
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your decrees.
96
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97
Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
98
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
99
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
100
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102
I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Mark the Evangelist
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
In your resurrection, O Christ,
let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
Morning 14 mins reading
Acts 22 nrsv (30) 2 readers
22 “Brothers[a] and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.”
2 When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew,[b] they became even more quiet. Then he said:
3 “I am a Jew born in Tarsus in Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
6 “While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Then he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth[c] whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 I asked, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.’ 11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.
12 “A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 came to me, and standing beside me, he said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!’ In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear his own voice, 15 for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.
Second reader
16 And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’
Paul Sent to the Gentiles
17 “After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw Jesus[d] saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And while the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by, approving and keeping the coats of those who killed him.’ 21 Then he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the gentiles.’ ”
Paul and the Roman Tribune
22 Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, 24 the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. 25 But when they had tied him up with straps,[e] Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman person who is uncondemned?”26 When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman.” 27 The tribune came and asked Paul,[f] “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.” 29 Immediately those who were about to examine him drew back from him, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman and that he had bound him.
Paul before the Council
30 Since he wanted to find out what Paul[g]was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them.
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 119 33-72 nrsv 2 readers
33
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36
Turn my heart to your decrees
and not to selfish gain.
37
Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
be gracious to me[a] according to your word.
38
Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39
Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40
See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness be gracious to me.[b]
41
Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
42
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43
Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45
I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46
I will also speak of your decrees before kings
and shall not be put to shame;
47
I find my delight in your commandments
because I love them.
48
I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
49
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life.
51
The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52
When I think of your ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
those who forsake your law.
Second reader
54
Your statutes have been my songs
wherever I make my home.
55
I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56
This blessing has fallen to me,
for I have kept your precepts.
57
The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58
I implore your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59
When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your decrees;
60
I hurry and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62
At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
63
I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes.
65
You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67
Before I was humbled I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68
You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69
The arrogant smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
70
Their hearts are thick like fat,[c]
but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
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.
+++
Let us pray.
God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
God the Son,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
have mercy upon us.
Please pray a short individual prayer as you wish
+++
The Collect of the day is said
Almighty God,
who enlightened your holy Church through the inspired witness of your evangelist Saint Mark: grant that we, being firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel, may be faithful to its teaching both in word and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Lord’s Prayer is said
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, as our Saviour taught us, so we pray
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.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
+++
The Conclusion
May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
+++
Evening 4 mins reading
1 John 1 nrsv
The Word of Life
1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.
God Is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
+++
Psalm 119 73-104
73
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75
I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76
Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78
Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79
Let those who fear you turn to me,
so that they may know your decrees.
80
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
so that I may not be put to shame.
81
My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82
My eyes fail with watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84
How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85
The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;
they flout your law.
86
All your commandments are enduring;
I am persecuted without cause; help me!
87
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88
In your steadfast love spare my life,
so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
89
The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
90
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91
By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
92
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my misery.
93
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your decrees.
96
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97
Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
98
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
99
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
100
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102
I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.