FM Daily Prayer (Sample) – FM Liturgical Network

The following is a sample from Thou My Best Thought: A Free Methodist Prayer Book by Tyler Boyer. Read Tyler’s introduction to daily prayer as you consider this practice for you or your community of worship.

Find your copy of the book in the Light + Life Bookstore.

Advent Week One – Year A, 2019-2020

December 1

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

“‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength’” (Mark 12:28b-30).

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 1 – Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 2 – Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling 12 kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.

Weekly Collect

Almighty God, who rescued Noah and all creation, empower us to remain awake and alert to your enduring presence, that at your coming you might find us walking in the light of the new covenant of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Daily Lesson

Genesis 8:1-19 – But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and all the domestic animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided; 2 the fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, 3 and the waters gradually receded from the earth. At the end of one hundred fifty days the waters had abated; 4 and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 The waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains appeared. 6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made 7 and sent out the raven; and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent out the dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground; 9 but the dove found no place to set its foot, and it returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it into the ark with him. 10 He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; 11 and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12 Then he waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more. 13 In the six hundred first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and saw that the face of the ground was drying. 14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17 Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. 19 And every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out of the ark by families.

Daily Meditation

Have I set apart some of this day to think upon his perfections and mercies? Have I unnecessarily grieved any one by word or deed?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day He rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead: I believe in the Holy Ghost: I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sin: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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 thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Amen

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

“Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I fulfill your commandments. My soul keeps your decrees; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you” (Psalm 119:164 –168).

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 3 – O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for you[a] in God.” Selah 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4 I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people! Selah

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Father God, hear my cries as I praise you. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy as I seek to imitate you. Holy Spirit, comfort and correct me as you empower the work that I do. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be my help at noonday, hear my prayers and receive my praise.

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

“My eyes are awake before each watch of the night that I may meditate on your promise. In your steadfast love hear my voice; O Lord, in your justice preserve my life. Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near; they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true. Long ago I learned from your decrees that you have established them forever” (Psalm 119:148 –152).

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Almighty and most merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. Too often we have followed the desires and devices of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. There is no health in us. But in our misery, O Lord, you have mercy upon us. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent according your promises declared to humanity in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant O Merciful Father that for Jesus sake we might live a godly, righteous and sober life. To the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 4 – Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. 2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. 4 When you are disturbed,[a] do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. 6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” 7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. 8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

Psalm 5 – Give ear to my words, O LORD; give heed to my sighing. 2 Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. 4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil will not sojourn with you. 5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful. 7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house, I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9 For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction; their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

O God from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just work do proceed; give unto your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments and being defended against our enemies, we may pass our time in rest and quietness, through Jesus Christ our savior, Amen.

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 2

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 6 – O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O LORD—how long? 4 Turn, O LORD, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eyes waste away because of grief; they grow weak because of all my foes. 8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror; they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Isaiah 2:1-5 – The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Daily Meditation

I know thou hast created me, and that I have neither being nor blessing but what is the effect of thy power and goodness. Did I think of God first and last? Have I examined myself how I behaved since last night’s retirement?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 7 – O LORD my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me, 2 or like a lion they will tear me apart; they will drag me away, with no one to rescue. 3 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, 4 if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, 5 then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust. Selah 6 Rise up, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake, O my God;[a] you have appointed a judgment. 7 Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you, and over it take your seat[b] on high. 8 The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. 9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God. 10 God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day. 12 If one does not repent, God[c] will whet his sword; he has bent and strung his bow; 13 he has prepared his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. 14 See how they conceive evil, and are pregnant with mischief, and bring forth lies. 15 They make a pit, digging it out, and fall into the hole that they have made. 16 Their mischief returns upon their own heads, and on their own heads their violence descends. 17 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 8 – O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 9 – I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 3 When my enemies turned back, they stumbled and perished before you. 4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment. 5 You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 6 The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins; their cities you have rooted out; the very memory of them has perished. 7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever, he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with equity. 9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. 11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples. 12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 13 Be gracious to me, O LORD. See what I suffer from those who hate me; you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death, 14 so that I may recount all your praises, and, in the gates of daughter Zion, rejoice in your deliverance. 15 The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught. 16 The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Selah 17 The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever. 19 Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. 20 Put them in fear, O LORD; let the nations know that they are only human. Selah

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 3

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 10 – Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 2 In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor— let them be caught in the schemes they have devised. 3 For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart, those greedy for gain curse and renounce the LORD. 4 In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, “God will not seek it out”; all their thoughts are, “There is no God.” 5 Their ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of their sight; as for their foes, they scoff at them. 6 They think in their heart, “We shall not be moved; throughout all generations we shall not meet adversity.” 7 Their mouths are filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under their tongues are mischief and iniquity. 8 They sit in ambush in the villages; in hiding places they murder the innocent. Their eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; 9they lurk in secret like a lion in its covert; they lurk that they may seize the poor; they seize the poor and drag them off in their net. 10 They stoop, they crouch, and the helpless fall by their might. 11 They think in their heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” 12 Rise up, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed. 13 Why do the wicked renounce God, and say in their hearts, “You will not call us to account”? 14 But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoers; seek out their wickedness until you find none. 16 The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations shall perish from his land. 17 O LORD, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear 18 to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 11 – In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to me, “Flee like a bird to the mountains; 2 for look, the wicked bend the bow, they have fitted their arrow to the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind. 5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates the lover of violence. 6 On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulfur; a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Genesis 9:1-17 – God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you shall rest on every animal of the earth, and on every bird of the air, on everything that creeps on the ground, and on all the fish of the sea; into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 Only, you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 For your own lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning: from every animal I will require it and from human beings, each one for the blood of another, I will require a reckoning for human life. 6 Whoever sheds the blood of a human, by a human shall that person’s blood be shed; for in his own image God made humankind. 7 And you, be fruitful and multiply, abound on the earth and multiply in it.” 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Daily Meditation

I know thou art the end for which I was created, and that I can expect no happiness but in thee. Have I labored to conform all my thoughts, words, and actions to these fundamental maxims: “I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing?” Have I set apart some time this day to think upon my infirmities, follies, and sins? Have I ascribed to myself any part of any good which God did by my hand?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 12 – Help, O LORD, for there is no longer anyone who is godly; the faithful have disappeared from humankind. 2 They utter lies to each other; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 4 those who say, “With our tongues we will prevail; our lips are our own—who is our master?” 5 “Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up,” says the LORD; “I will place them in the safety for which they long.” 6 The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 7 You, O LORD, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever. 8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind.

Psalm 13 – How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 15 – O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? 2 Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; 3 who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; 4 in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; 5 who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 16 – Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. 4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 4

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 17 – Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. 2 From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right. 3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress. 4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. 8 Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9 from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me. 10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. 11 They track me down;[a] now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground. 12 They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush. 13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, overthrow them! By your sword deliver my life from the wicked, 14 from mortals—by your hand, LORD— from mortals whose portion in life is in this world. May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them; may their children have more than enough; may they leave something over to their little ones. 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Psalm 122 – I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” 2 Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.

4 To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” 8 For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.” 9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.

Daily Meditation

I know that in love to me, being lost in sin thou didst send thy only Son, and that He, being the Lord of glory, did humble himself to the death upon the cross, that I might be raised to glory. Have I done anything merely because it was pleasing? Have I not only not done what passion solicited me to, but done just the contrary?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 18:1-24 – I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. 4 The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me; 5 the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. 7 Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. 8 Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. 9 He bowed the heavens, and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. 10 He rode on a cherub, and flew; he came swiftly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his covering around him, his canopy thick clouds dark with water. 12 Out of the brightness before him there broke through his clouds hailstones and coals of fire. 13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice.

14 And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings, and routed them. 15 Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 16 He reached down from on high, he took me; he drew me out of mighty waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity; but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. 20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. 23 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. 24 Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 18:25-50 – With the loyal you show yourself loyal; with the blameless you show yourself blameless; 26 with the pure you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.

27 For you deliver a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. 28 It is you who light my lamp; the LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. 29 By you I can crush a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. 30 This God—his way is perfect; the promise ofthe LORD proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 For who is God except the LORD? And who is a rock besides our God?— 32 the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe. 33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer, and set me secure on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has supported me; your help has made me great. 36 You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. 37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them; and did not turn back until they were consumed. 38 I struck them down, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. 39 For you girded me with strength for the battle; you made my assailants sink under me. 40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.

41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them. 42 I beat them fine, like dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets. 43 You delivered me from strife with the peoples; you made me head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. 44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me. 45 Foreigners lost heart, and came trembling out of their strongholds. 46 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation, 47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me; 48 who delivered me from my enemies; indeed, you exalted me above my adversaries; you delivered me from the violent. 49 For this I will extol you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to your name. 50 Great triumphs he gives to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 19 – The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice[b] goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 5

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 20 – The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah 4 May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. 7 Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright. 9 Give victory to the king, O LORD; answer us when we call.

Psalm 21 – In your strength the king rejoices, O Lord, and in your help how greatly he exults! ²You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips.Selah ³For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold on his head. ⁴He asked you for life; you gave it to him— length of days forever and ever. ⁵His glory is great through your help; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. ⁶You bestow on him blessings forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. ⁷For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. ⁸Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. ⁹You will make them like a fiery furnace when you appear. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them. ¹⁰You will destroy their offspring from the earth, and their children from among humankind. ¹¹If they plan evil against you, if they devise mischief, they will not succeed. ¹²For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows. ¹³Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Romans 13:11-14 – 11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Daily Meditation

I know thou hast provided me with all necessary helps for carrying me through this life to that eternal glory, and this out of the excess of thy pure mercy to me, unworthy of all mercies. Have I endeavored to will what God wills, and that only?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 22 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? ²O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. ³Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. ⁴In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. ⁵To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. ⁶But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people. ⁷All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; ⁸“Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver— let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” ⁹Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe on my mother’s breast. ¹⁰On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God. ¹¹Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. ¹²Many bulls encircle me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me; ¹³they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. ¹⁴I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; ¹⁵my mouth^[^a^] is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. ¹⁶For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shriveled;¹⁷I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; ¹⁸they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O LORD, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me. 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. 25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. 26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. 28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. 29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in[l] the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him.

30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, 31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 23 – The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy[t] shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

Psalm 24 – The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; 2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation. 6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 6

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 25 – To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. 3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

6 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who are they that fear the LORD? He will teach them the way that they should choose. 13 They will abide in prosperity, and their children shall possess the land. 14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. 15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20 O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.

Psalm 26 – Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you. 4 I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; 5 I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD, 7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds. 8 O LORD, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.

9 Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty, 10 those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the LORD.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Isaiah 30:19-26 – Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. 20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22 Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags; you will say to them, “Away with you!” 23 He will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. On that day your cattle will graze in broad pastures; 24 and the oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat silage, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. 25 On every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water—on a day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. 26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, on the day when the LORD binds up the injuries of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.

Daily Meditation

I know thou hast promised to be thyself my “exceeding great reward;” though it is thou alone who thyself “workest in me both to will and to do of thy good pleasure.” Have I allotted some time for thanking God for the blessings of the past week? Have I, in order to be the more sensible of them, seriously and deliberately considered the several circumstances that attended them?

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 27 – The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold[of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, LORD, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 28 – To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, do not refuse to hear me, for if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. 2 Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. 4 Repay them according to their work, and according to the evil of their deeds; repay them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD, or the work of his hands, he will break them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the LORD, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 O save your people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 7

Morning Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.

Call To Prayer

Morning Thanksgiving

I rise from the rest that you have given me, O God, grateful for all you provide.

I remember with joy the favor that you have lavished upon me in Jesus Christ.

I receive now with humility the direction and provision of the Holy Spirit.

Be praised, O Lord, and be pleased as you hear my prayers. Amen.

Morning Psalter – O Lord hear my prayer

Psalm 29 – Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Psalm 30 – I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. 4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” 7 By your favor, O LORD, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 8 To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication: 9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!” 11 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Weekly Collect

Daily Lesson

Matthew 24:36-44 – “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Daily Meditation

Upon these, and many other titles, I confess it is my duty to love thee, my God, with all my heart. Give thy strength unto thy servant, that thy love may fill my heart, and be the motive of all the use I make of my understanding, my affections, my senses, my health, my time, and whatever other talents I have received from thee. Let this, O God, rule my heart without a rival; let it dispose all my thoughts, words, and works; and thus only can I fulfill my duty and thy command, of loving thee “with all my heart, and mind, and soul, and strength.”

Response of Belief – Apostles’ Creed

“The second [greatest commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).

Prayers For Others

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Midday Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WORDS OF PRAISE

Noonday Psalm

Psalm 31 – In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. 2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. 3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, 4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6 You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. 7 I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, 8 and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. 9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. 11 I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. 17 Do not let me be put to shame, O LORD, for I call on you;

let the wicked be put to shame; let them go dumbfounded to Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be stilled that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt. 19 O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues. 21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege. 22 I had said in my alarm, “I am driven far from your sight.” But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all you his saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.

PRAYER OF RESPONSE

Lord’s Prayer

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Evening Prayer – Solitude

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Praise

Silent Reflection (Quiet Moment/Remember Your Day)

Prayer of Confession

Evening Psalms

Psalm 32 – Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up[i] as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you. 10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD. 11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Lord’s Prayer

Optional Daily Lesson

Optional Meditation

Response of Trust

O Lord, you have spoken today,

Though I am often slow to hear,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have sustained me with enough today,

Though I often long for more than I need,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have offered peace today,

Though I often fail to receive it,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have given strength today,

In all my weakness and weariness,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have been my protection today,

Though I have looked to other things for safety,

Now I rest and trust in you.

O Lord, you have loved me as your child today,

Though I have often run from my Father,

Now I return, I rest, and I trust in you.

Prayers for Others and Supplications

Evening Collect

Benediction

Lighten our darkness, O Lord, and by your grace defend us from all the dangers and perils of this night, for the love of your only son our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.