I was glad when they said unto me,
“We will go into the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122:1
FOR CHRIST TO BE FORMED IN US
Lord Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, on the Cross through wood and nails you wrought our full salvation: Wield well your tools in this, your workshop, that we who come to you rough-hewn may be fashioned into a truer beauty by your hand; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, world without end. Amen.
For the Spirit of Prayer
O Almighty God, you pour out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication:
Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven;
Hallowed be your Name;
Your kingdom come;
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today 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 the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen.
Thanksgiving for the gift of another day
We give you heartfelt thanks, O heavenly Father, for the rest of the past night and for the gift of a new day.
Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of your service, that we may again, when evening comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of repentance and faith
Lord Jesus Christ, I confess my faults, shortcomings, sins, and rebellious acts, and ask you to forgive me. I embrace you, Lord Jesus, as my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you for your atoning death on the cross in obedience to your Father’s will to put away my sins.
I enthrone you, Lord Jesus, to be in charge of every part of my life, and I ask you to indwell and empower me with your Holy Spirit, so that I may live as your faithful follower from now on. Amen.
For Intimacy with the Father
Gracious Father, we come to you through the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank you for adopting us as your children through him. Grant us the grace to know you more fully as our Heavenly Father, that we may enjoy the fullness of the promises of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Call To Worship
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:
O come, let us adore him!
VENITE, Exultemus Domino
O Come, let us rejoice in the Lord
O come, let us sing unto the Lord;
let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving
and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the depths of the earth,
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship and fall down,
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts
as in the provocation,
and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,
When your fathers tested me,
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my works.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said,
“It is a people that err in their hearts,
for they have not known my ways,”
Of whom I swore in my wrath
that they should not enter into my rest.
PSALM 95:1-11
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:
O come, let us adore him!
The Psalms of the Day
Read or chant the Psalms of the Day:
Let us prepare our hearts to hear from God’s Word:
For Studying the Scriptures
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON
Read an Old Testament passage from Genesis through Job.
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS | WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD
We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you, the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
govern and uphold them now and always.
Day by day we bless you;
we praise your Name for ever.
Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
Lord, show us your love and mercy,
for we have put our trust in you.
In you, Lord, is our hope;
let us never be put to shame.
The Second Lesson
Read a New Testament passage from Matthew through John.
BENEDICTUS | THE SONG OF ZECHARIAH
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he 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 he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he 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.
You, my 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 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 in the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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.
LUKE 1:68-79
Bible Study
Meditate on the Scripture passages you’ve just read, then take the time to read through the notes in your Study Bible / Library panel or use an Expository Commentary to ensure you’ve understood God’s Word to you today.
The TEN COMMANDMENTS
God spoke these words and said:
I. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods but me.
II. You shall not make for yourself any idol.
III. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
IV. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
V. Honour your father and your mother.
VI. You shall not murder.
VII. You shall not commit adultery.
VIII. You shall not steal.
IX. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
X. You shall not covet.
Exodus 20:1–17
Deuteronomy 5:6–21
Lord, have mercy upon us,
and write all these, your laws, in our hearts, we beseech you.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
The Catechism
Read or listen to a selection of questions and answers from
To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism.
Theology & Church History
Delve into further Christian resources in order to know God more deeply and to be inspired by the lives of the saints who’ve gone before us.
Let us continue in prayer:
The Collects of the Week
PROPER 11 | Fifth SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
July 20 | Margaret of Antioch, Martyr, 4th c.
Almighty God, you gave your servant Margaret of Antioch boldness to confess the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
July 22 | Mary Magdalene
Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that, by your grace, we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
July 24 | Thomas à Kempis, Priest and Teacher of the Faith, 1471
Almighty God, you gave your servant Thomas à Kempis special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth revealed in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
July 25 | James the Elder, Apostle
O gracious God, your servant and apostle James was first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ: Pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service, by which they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
July 26 | The Parents of the Virgin Mary
Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Sunday | for Strength to Await Christ’s Return
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Listen for God’s Guidance
Spend time in quiet reflection and actively listen for the Holy Spirit’s gentle promptings, finding a sense of peace and clarity, while also discerning alignment with Holy Scripture and the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Prayers and Intercessions
Starting with open intercessions for our family and community, and then:
O Lord God, who have bidden light to shine out of darkness, and have again wakened us to praise you for your goodness and to ask for your grace:
Accept now the offering of our worship and thanksgiving, and grant to us all such requests as may be acceptable to your holy will. Make us to live as children of the light, and heirs of your everlasting kingdom.
Remember, O Lord, according to the multitude of your mercies, your whole Church, all who join with us in prayer, and all our brethren, wherever they may be, who stand in need of your aid.
Pour down upon us all the riches of your grace, so that, redeemed in soul and body, and steadfast in faith, we may ever praise your wonderful and holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR THOSE WE LOVE
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR THE PARISH
Most merciful Father, we pray you to send your heavenly blessing upon your Church in this Parish, that all its members may dwell together in unity and brotherly love. Keep far from us all self-will and discord. Endue your ministers with righteousness, and enable them to faithfully dispense your holy Word and Sacraments, to bring again the outcasts, and to seek the lost. Grant that we may so receive their ministrations, and use your means of grace, that in all our words and deeds we may seek your glory and the advancement of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
FOR THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR THE ELDERLY
Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ON SUNDAYS
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PREPARATION FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
Guide and direct us, O Lord, always and everywhere with your holy light, that we may discern with clear vision your presence among us, and partake with worthy intention of your divine mysteries. We ask this for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
BEFORE RECEIVING COMMUNION
Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
For Mission
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR THE ANSWERING OF PRAYER
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in the Name of your Son: Mercifully incline your ear to us as we make our prayers and supplications to you; and grant that what we ask faithfully, according to your will, we may obtain effectually, for the relief of our necessities and the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Dedication
O God, Most High and Holy, Three in One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we offer to you this day ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto you; to whom be all praise and glory. Amen.
The GracE
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.