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 July 2024
James the Apostle
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
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
FOR THE EPISTLE
Acts 11.27-12.3
IN those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
THE GOSPEL
St. Matthew 20.20-28
THEN came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
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.
+++
John 13, 38, 2 readers
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.2 The devil had already decided[a] that Judas son of Simon Iscariot would betray Jesus. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b]but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers[d] greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture, ‘The one who ate my bread[e] has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe that I am he.[f] 20 Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”
Second reader
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining close to his heart;[g] 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”[h] So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.[i] 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
The New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him,[j] God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
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, 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.
Leader prays a short prayer
+++
The Collect of the day is said
Merciful God,
whose holy apostle Saint James,
leaving his father and all that he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ
and followed him even to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
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
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
+++
Evening
2 Timothy 4, 22
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. 15 You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings and Benediction
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth; Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.[b]
+++
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.
James the Apostle
+++
Preparation
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
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
FOR THE EPISTLE
Acts 11.27-12.3
IN those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
THE GOSPEL
St. Matthew 20.20-28
THEN came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
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.
+++
John 13, 38, 2 readers
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.2 The devil had already decided[a] that Judas son of Simon Iscariot would betray Jesus. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b]but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers[d] greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture, ‘The one who ate my bread[e] has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe that I am he.[f] 20 Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”
Second reader
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining close to his heart;[g] 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”[h] So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.[i] 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
The New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him,[j] God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
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, 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.
Leader prays a short prayer
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The Collect of the day is said
Merciful God,
whose holy apostle Saint James,
leaving his father and all that he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ
and followed him even to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
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.
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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.
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The Conclusion
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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Evening
2 Timothy 4, 22
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. 15 You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings and Benediction
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth; Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.[b]
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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.