Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
FOR KNOWING AND LOVING GOD
O God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: Help us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.
CANTATE DOMINO | Sing unto the Lord
O sing unto the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
With his own right hand and with his holy arm,
he has won for himself the victory.
The Lord declared his salvation;
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all you lands;
sing, rejoice, and give thanks.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
sing with the harp a psalm of thanksgiving.
With trumpets also and horns,
O show yourselves joyful in the Lord, the King.
Let the sea make a noise, and all that is in it,
the round world, and those who dwell therein.
Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord,
for he has come to judge the earth.
With righteousness shall he judge the world
and the peoples with equity.
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 98
The Second Lesson
Read a New Testament passage from Matthew through John.
ECCE, DEUS | Surely, it is God who saves me
Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defence,
and he will be my Saviour.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say,
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples;
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things,
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy,
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
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.
ISAIAH 12:2-6
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
Wednesday | for Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, and grant that this day we may not fall into sin, nor run into any danger; but that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through 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 THE FAMILY
Merciful Saviour, you loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus, hallowing their home with your sacred presence: Bless our home, we pray, that your love may rest upon us, and that your presence may dwell with us. May we all grow in grace and in the knowledge of you, our Lord and Saviour. Teach us to love one another as you have commanded. Help us to bear one another’s burdens in fulfillment of your law, O blessed Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FOR CHILDREN
O Lord Jesus Christ, who took little children into your arms and blessed them: Bless the children of this family, that they may grow up in godly fear and love. Give them your strength and guidance day by day, that they may continue in your love and service to their lives’ end. Grant this, O blessed Saviour, for your own Name’s sake. Amen.
FOR THE UNITY OF ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.
FOR THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCES
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMING
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it may produce what is needed to sustain our life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
IN THE MORNING
Almighty God, you alone gave us the breath of life, and you alone can keep alive in us the holy desires you impart. We beseech you, for your compassion’s sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavours, that we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of our mind enlightened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted as your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
For Mission
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the Cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honour of your Name. Amen.
For Daily Work
O Lord our Heavenly Father, by whose providence our duties are variously ordered: Grant to us all the spirit to labour heartily to do our work in our several stations, in serving one Master and looking for one reward. Teach us to put to good account whatever talents you have lent to us, and enable us to redeem our time by patience and zeal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR SEEKING GOD
Teach me to seek you, and as I seek you, show yourself to me; for I cannot seek you unless you show me how, and I will never find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you by desiring you, and desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. Amen.
Anselm of Canterbury
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.