Tag: psalms

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm 18:1 to 20; Evening,  Psalm 18:21 to 50;
1^st  Samuel 16:14 to 17:11; Acts 10:17 to 33; Luke 24:36 to 53:

“Now the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.  And Saul’s servants said to him, ‘See now, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.  Let our lord now command the servants who attend you to look for someone who is skilful in playing the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will feel better: (1^st Samuel 16: 14 to 16).

Three times the words “evil spirit from God” is written or said.  I don’t accept it. Nothing about God is evil. God is love. God is the pure Spirit of Love. This language about and evil spirit from God is used in other places in the Bible.  But as praying believers we have every right to object to such language, written or spoken, that we know is not our God. I believe evil is a human construct that happens when we reject the will of God. I do however, like the insight given to look for a musician to sooth the suffering soul. As one who practices several musical instruments I agree with the soothing effect of melodious contemplation. Soft music can thwart sad thoughts or even evil inclinations that occur should we turn away from the will of God. Whether I play it on piano, guitar or horn, or it comes from an electronic device, there is nothing more soothing. Also, there is nothing more soothing for me than Native American flute music. It just puts me at peace and inclines my soul towards the Holy.

Moreover, that a musician becomes head of state or a spiritual advisor is probably not a bad idea. David is referred to in our reading for today.  David will kill Goliath in our reading for today. David is also given credit for most of the Psalms of Scripture.  

It was Saint Augustine of Hippo who said “singing is praying twice.”  When I look at the numerous times we hear about singing in the Bible (songs sung after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus, to the Song of Mary in Luke), and especially in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John where many times the elders folded themselves to the ground singing to the One on the Throne; it becomes obvious to me that singing and/or music is important to God; and should be to us as well.

Chanting is music as well. When monks chant they slow down the words and allow them to be carried throughout the halls and corridors of their monastery where all can benefit from the pleasing, peaceful sounds that perhaps drive off evil thoughts and intentions.  And maybe, just maybe, the love of God will fill the void. There is nothing evil about God, but calming music will cast out man’s self-generated evil. Sing one of your favorite hymns today and see.  

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (For Church Musicians and Artists; BCP p. 819)

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Week 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 140 and 142; Evening, Psalms 141, 143:1-12)
1^st  Samuel 13:19 to14:15; Acts 9:1 to 9; Luke 23:26 to 31

“Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips; let not my heart incline to any evil thing.” (Psalm 141:3)

If only I could think before I hit the “send” button on my mouth.  My blogs are like this also. I really ponder over my words and even have them read aloud by a computer voice before I hit the “publish” button. And even then occasionally the wrong meaning is floated.

 As we interact with people, both, the people we like, and the people we don’t particularly like, we should be very careful about our choice of words. While it is sometimes difficult when done face to face, during our Covid lock-downs, and the more widespread use of text messaging and emails, and without the use of facial expression and body language, the wrong message is sometimes sent.

In setting a watch before our mouths and a guard on the door of our lips we must go deeper inside our selves, and into our hearts.  It is in our hearts that our attitudes and feelings are first developed before they make their way to our mouths and lips.  Words and hands can help or hurt depending on the heart source from which they originate.  And how do we adjust the thoughts of our hearts?  We don’t, without God’s help.

God did not give us the ability to fix our selves or heal ourselves. God intends for us to first believe in God, and as a result of our belief, to ask God for the assistance needed.  Therefore, we pray for God to be with us and help us.  I have heard it said that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  Therefore, before we speak, perhaps in prayer we should squeak.  We need our words to be true to what we feel.  But what we feel needs to be something we are proud of before God and our neighbors. It is only with God’s help that I; “Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips; let not my heart incline to any evil thing.”

Today is Independence Day, July 4. And information about this day may be found at: Independence Day (U. S.). You will find written words we should all take to heart.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let  us pray: (BCP p. 355)                                                        

“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

And let us pray again: Independence Day July 4 (BCP p. 242)

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 6: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening,  Psalm 136;
1^st Samuel 4:1 to 11; Acts 4:32 to 5:11; Luke 21:20 to 28:

“The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone:” (Psalm 90: 10).

I am well into my 70’s now. While I have been walking around on this earth for what seems like a long time to me, it is nothing to God who knows no time. I tell people that as we live, we are living in our “dash.”  The dash is that time that begins at our birth and ends with our death.  What’s important in our dash time is not what we can do for ourselves. What is important is how close we can attach ourselves to the eternal God.

What is most important during our dash time is our ability to be open to God’s loving-kindness every day.  The Psalmist says, “Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life:” (Psalm 90:14).  We all have challenging days but perhaps with God’s help we can have better days, most days. 

Some of our daily rejoicing is dependent on us.  I don’t think the sum of our lives necessarily as to be labor and sorrow, that pass away quickly and we are gone.  We must apply an effort in our rejoicing. If we take one step in love and happiness, God takes two.  When we use our hearts and hands in the service of God, and in the service of those among us who are distressed, we will have a loving and memorable dash time, even noticed by God. The Psalmist concludes, “May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork:” (Psalm 90:17)

While there is no appointed saint for today, I want to resubmit a link to Bernard Mizeki whose day was last Wednesday but I could not find the link. Here it is: Bernard Mizeki

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 6: Year 1

 Morning, Psalm 34; Evening, Psalms  85 and 86;
1^st  Samuel 2:27-36; Acts 2:22-36; Luke 20:41-21:4

“For David himself says in the book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”  (Luke20: 42 and 43); and;  “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ” (Acts 2: 34 and 35)

It should not be surprising that the same words are found in both Luke and Acts given that it is the same writer.  However, we can also find the same quote of Psalm 110, verse 1, in Matthew 22: 43 and 44; and Mark 12: 36.  The point that Jesus is making is that the followers of David should realize that even David was aware of the coming of God Incarnate, even if he didn’t know it would be the one whom we call our Lord Jesus. The people loved David but they must have only read the Book of Chronicles regarding David where he comes out looking pretty good.

We must not forget that there is a dark chapter in the life of King David.  It is 2^nd Samuel, chapter 11.  David commits adultery with the wife of his subordinate military officer and then has him put in harm’s way in order that he would be killed. I loved the story of David and Goliath, it was a childhood favorite of mine.  The truth is, however, that all of us have at least one dark chapter in our lives. Some of us may have more than one. But we have a merciful Savior who will forgive us all our sins as He did David.

Every biblical hero except Jesus has hiccups in their past but God takes such believers, blesses them, brakes them and gives them to us in ways that then blesses us.  Thank You Lord Jesus; take me, bless me, brake me and give me. Amen.

Today we remember Adelaide Teague Case, Teacher (1948)  and her information may be found at: Adelaide Teague Case.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

O Almighty God, have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 5: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
Ecclesiasticus 46:1 to 10; 2^nd Corinthians 13:1 to14; Luke 20:1 to 8:

“Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever:” (Last verse of Psalm 23).

I think Psalm23 is the most famous Psalm of all. Many people know it by heart, including me.  For this evening we also have Psalm 27.  There is a related verse in it. It reads, “One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life:” (from Psalm 27). There is a difference here. Psalm 23 proclaims “for ever,” whereas Psalm 27 asks for as long as the Psalmist lives.

I know it sounds petty but my requests are eternal requests.  I don’t know what the eternal life is like.  Do we eat food in the next life? Do we even get hungry?  Do we breathe in the next life? Do we need air?   I am of this earth and I don’t know any other way to exist. O God I need you to help me understand.  I want to dwell in your house regardless of what that existence is like. But I am afraid. I need your help and your counsel. Or else I am not sure I will be able to handle eternal life which I so desperately want.

“Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation:” (Verses from Psalm 27). This is my prayer as well.

I truly feel that God is the God of my salvation.  I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, for whatever that living is like. God’s ears hears my tears. And I am so thankful.  I also remind myself that God is the God of loving surprises. We must expect the unexpected.

Pray with me if you will: “Surely God’s goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and with God’s guidance, we will dwell in comfort and joy in the house of the Lord for ever:”  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Basil the Great, Bishop and Theologian (June 14, 379) and his information may be found at: Basil the Great

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 5: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 70 and  71; Evening,  Psalm 74;
Ecclesiasticus 44:19 to 45:5; 2^nd Corinthians 12:1 to10; Luke 19:28 to 40:

“And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come:” (words from Psalm 71).

I went to the state DMV a few years ago to renew my driver’s license. The DMV clerk asked me to take the standard vision test and she looked at me and gave me the description of 6 feet tall, brown eyes and black hair.  Some time later I went back for my “Real ID Driver’s license” and another clerk looked at me and gave me the description of 6 feet tall, brown eyes and gray hair. The truth be known, it was probably gray the first time but the clerk was trying to be nice.  Perhaps this truly is my “Real ID.”  I am in my seventies now.  I don’t deny it. And yes, my hair is mostly gray now. 

God has invested a lot in me all these years. And I pray, “O God, do not forsake me, till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come:” This is in part why I write this blog.  I want people to know about God and God’s loving care for all of us, gray haired or no haired.

I practice music and much of my music is centered on hymns and spiritual songs.  My favorite is “Praise to the Lord,” it is Hymn number 390 in the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church. But I have heard it from different hymnals from different Churches.  The third verse says in part, “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, when with His love doth befriend thee.” 

I am of the English tongue. It is who I am. There is no denying it. Some people try to express who or what they are based on their skin color or ethnic ancestry. Not me. I am the language I speak. I don’t know how to even express it any other way. I am who I am. I love people of all languages.  I just happen to be an English speaker.

To take it to the next level, beyond the language I speak, I also sing in the same language. These are the hymns and songs of faith that I pass on to children and their children after them so that they too might have faith. Our reading from the Psalm 71 continues, “Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel: (Words from Psalm 71). The Psalmist continues from his soul, “My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, and so will my soul, which you have redeemed: (words from Psalm 71).

I just talked about the importance of our souls yesterday. You might want to review it. Whether we are aware of it or not, our souls long for God’s salvation.  Beloved of the Lord, we must put our hope and trust in God’s Word and God’s guidance in our everyday lives, gray haired or no haired.

Today we remember Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary (June 12, 1902) and his information may be found at: Enmegahbowh.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:                                                                      

O God, I beg You, strengthen my faith only that I may strengthen the faith of others in order that Your plan for eternal salvation may be received by all people through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 5: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73 to 96;
Deuteronomy 31:30 to 32:14; 2^nd Corinthians 11:21b to 33; Luke 19:11 to 27:

 “My soul has longed for your salvation; I have put my hope in your word:” (Psalm 119:81)

I understand that Psalm 119 is patterned after the Hebrew alphabet with each alphabet having eight verses for each letter. From the letter Kaph, and in our verse 81, we have the above words, words of hope for our salvation. 

We have souls.  For far too many of us we are not in touch with our souls.  Our souls are our connection with God. It is within our souls that we have hope.

Hope, as Paul explains, is not something seen, but rather, unseen, God’s unrevealed plan for us is coming into being in spite of ourselves.  And by God’s plan, we are clueless. We can never see it coming.  Paul says, “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience:” (Romans 8:24 and 25).  So we are driving blind.  We trust in God to work God’s magic. The Israelites did not see the sea parting for their escape from the oncoming Egyptians. No one saw, or expected God almighty to come to us as an infant. God always surprises us, but at the same time, fulfills our hopes in ways we don’t see coming.

In my quiet moments I come into close contact with the presence of God. It is the almost, but not yet.  It is Peter, James and John at the transfiguration. It is about feeling the presence of the Almighty, the Creator of all that is, and yet, concerned about humanity, about you and me.

There really is hope for all of us.  God has implanted a soul in each of us. We are special among living creatures.  We need to be more attentive to the nudging we get from God in our daily lives. God wants good for each of us.  God wants it for us more than we want it for ourselves. Yes we hope for what is not seen and yet desired. This too is the action of our God given souls.  I believe the hope that is in us is part of the Image of God who is the God of hope. Paul prays for us in saying, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit:” (Romans 15:13).

Whether we are aware of it or not, our souls long for God’s salvation. My beloved of the Lord, we must put our hope and trust in God’s Word and God’s guidance in our everyday lives.

Today we remember Barnabas the Apostle and his information may be found at: Bio and Readings for St. Barnabas.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: For Guidance ( BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.