Excursion Into Hebrews

Tonight we started a series on Psalm 1 and looking at God’s blessings. Our working definition of “blessed” is living God toward us. That means resting in Him so we looked at the concept of how rest for the Israelites entering into the land parallels our rest in salvation and we have just barely scratched the surface.

In Hebrews 4 we saw, in verse one, that we come short of rest when we apply our own works. Then in verse 3 we saw that to believe is to rest with out works. The connection of these thoughts is Jesus, as the author talks of Jesus as greater then Moses in the first part of chapter 3 and Jesus as our High Priest in the last part of chapter 4.

To discuss this feel free to flow any tangent you want or use the list of Scripture to spur your study and our dialogue on (Psalm 95; 133:8-14; Numbers 14:20-35; Deuteronomy 1:34,35; Exodus 31: 14; 33:14; Genesis 2:2; Joshua 22:4; Isaiah 66:11).

Blessings…

Merry Christmas!

Devotions For Saturday Christmas Day
Opening
Timeless, spaceless, single, lonely, yet sublimely Three, Thou are grandly, always, only God in Unity! Lone in grandeur, lone in glory, who shall tell Thy wondrous story? Awful Trinity!

I will bless the Lord as I remember Jesus’ birth; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord not my own works; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt the Father together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Holy Spirit, the Lord saved me. O taste and see that the Lord is good; O fear the Lord, you his holy one. As I am still, I will bless the Lord and I remember Jesus’ birth.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture

Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

Meditation
Yea Lord we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Intro To Devotions For Friday, Christmas Eve

The flow of this devotion represents the movement of salvation. In the opening we acknowledge our complete dependence on God for salvation. We remember, in the Scripture reading, the means of that process included the birth of Jesus as a baby. Then we flow into the effects of the gospel and witnessing in St. Aidan’s meditation prayer. As we are reminded of our Triune God, in the collect, we pray that the movement of salvation continues strong unto the day of glory!

Devotions For Friday, Christmas Eve

Opening
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of Your people as we bring our supplications before You! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. We wait for the Lord, our soul waits, and in his word we hope. In You is steadfast love, and the only great power to redeem. Save us from our iniquities.
From Psalm 130

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Luke 2:1-7 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NIV)

Meditation
Lord, this bare island, make it a place of peace. Here be the peace of those who do Thy will. Here be the peace of brother serving man. Here be the peace of holy monks obeying. Here be the peace of praise by dark and day. Be this Island Thy Holy Island. I, Lord, Thy servant, Aidan, make this prayer. Be it Thy care. Amen.

ST AIDAN'S PRAYER FOR THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: plant in every heart. We pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Thursday, Advent Week 4

Opening
To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Proclaim praises to who he is, not just His benefit. That knowing Jesus is to have Him change me is true. But to dwell in His presence for which I am unfit, oh may that always be new.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 21:13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might. (NIV)

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (NRSV)

Titus 3:5,6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (KJV)

Meditation
My God, shall sin its power maintain and in my soul defiant live! ‘Tis not enough that Thou forgive, the cross must rise and self be slain. O God of love, Thy power disclose: ‘Tis not enough that Christ should rise, I, too, must seek the brightening skies, and rise from death, as Christ arose.
Greek Hymn quoted in AW Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: plant in every heart. We pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Tuesday Week 4 Advent

Opening
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 63:2-4 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. (NRSV)

John 17:11  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. (NIV)

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

Meditation
We believe and trust in God the Father Almighty. We believe and trust in Jesus Christ His Son. We believe and trust in the Holy Spirit. We believe and trust in the Three in One.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: plant in every heart. We pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Monday Advent Week 4

Opening
My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. Out of the depths I have cried to You. O Lord, hear my voice. With my whole heart I want to praise You. O Lord, hear my voice. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities: Who could stand? Who could stand? I will wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in Him do I hope.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 25:4-7 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. (NIV)
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (NIV)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

Meditation
As it was, as it is, and as it shall be evermore, God of grace, God in Trinity! With the ebb, with the flow, ever it is so, God of grace, O Trinity, with the ebb and flow. Traditional Gaelic prayer

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: plant in every heart. We pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Sunday Advent Week 4

Opening
Timeless, spaceless, single, lonely, yet sublimely Three, Thou are grandly, always, only God in Unity! Lone in grandeur, lone in glory, who shall tell Thy wondrous story? Awful Trinity!

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 5:1-8 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight your way before me. (NIV

Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (NIV)

Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)

Meditation
In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord. I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O wait for the Lord! Have courage and wait, wait for the Lord. In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord
Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Saturday Advent Week 3

Opening
Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though I am of an anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though the night is here, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though You be silent now, today I believe.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; on Your light we see light. (NRSV)

Luke 17:33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. (NRSV)

Philippians 1:6-11, Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (TNIV)

Meditation
In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord. I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O wait for the Lord! Have courage and wait, wait for the Lord. In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Friday Advent Week 3

Opening
Teach us, dear Lord, to number our days; that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy us early with Thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all of our days. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands, dear Lord.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 29:9-11 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! (NRSV)

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. (TNIV)

Romans 2:9-11 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. (NIV) {see the whole context}

Meditation
See that ye be at peace among yourselves, my children, and love one another. Follow the example of good men of old and God will comfort you and help you, both in this world and in the world, which is to come.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Thursday Advent Week 3

Devotions For Thursday December 16, 2004
Opening
I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow, I’m tosses in this wide world alone. No hope have I for tomorrow; I’ve started to make Heaven my home. Sometimes I am tossed and driven, Lord, Sometimes I don’t know where to roam. I’ve heard of a city called Heaven; I’ve started to make it my home.
Traditional African American Spiritual

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 4:6-8 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

Ephesians 2:14-18 Ephesians 2:14-18 Christ himself is our peace. He made both Jewish people and those who are not Jews one people. They were separated as if there were a wall between them, but Christ broke down that wall of hate by giving his own body. The Jewish law had many commands and rules, but Christ ended that law. His purpose was to make the two groups of people become one new people in him and in this way make peace. It was also Christ’s purpose to end the hatred between the two groups, to make them into one body, and to bring them back to God. Christ did all this with his death on the cross. Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away from God, and to those who were near to God. Yes, it is through Christ we all have the right to come to the Father in one Spirit. (NCV)

Meditation
Lord, this bare island, make it a place of peace. Here be the peace of those who do Thy will. Here be the peace of brother serving man. Here be the peace of holy monks obeying. Here be the peace of praise by dark and day. Be this Island Thy Holy Island. I, Lord, Thy servant, Aidan, make this prayer. Be it Thy care. Amen.
ST AIDAN'S PRAYER FOR THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Wednesday Advent Week 3

Opening
To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Proclaim praises to who he is, not just His benefit. That knowing Jesus is to have Him change me is true. But to dwell in His presence for which I am unfit, oh may that always be new.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 118:1-4 O Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Arron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” (NRSV)

John 10:14,15 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (NIV)

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (NIV)

Meditation
My God, shall sin its power maintain and in my soul defiant live! ‘Tis not enough that Thou forgive, the cross must rise and self be slain. O God of love, Thy power disclose: ‘Tis not enough that Christ should rise, I, too, must seek the brightening skies, and rise from death, as Christ arose.
Greek Hymn quoted in AW Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Tuesday Advent Week 3

Opening
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (NAS)

John 1:4,5 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (NIV)

Meditation
We believe and trust in God the Father Almighty. We believe and trust in Jesus Christ His Son. We believe and trust in the Holy Spirit. We believe and trust in the Three in One.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Monday Advent Week 3

Opening
My soul waits for the Lordmore than thosewho watch for the morning,more than those who watch for the morning. Out of the depths I have cried to You. O Lord, hear my voice. With my whole heart I want to praise You. O Lord, hear my voice. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities: Who could stand? Who could stand? I will wait for the Lord.My soul waits, and in Him do I hope.

Call: Who is it that you seek?

Response: I seek the Lord our God.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your heart?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your soul?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your mind?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your strength?

Response: Amen. Christ, have mercy.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores me soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake. (NRSV)

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:14,15 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NIV)

Meditation
As it was, as it is,and as it shall beevermore, God of grace,God in Trinity!With the ebb, with the flow,ever it is so,God of grace, O Trinity,with the ebb and flow.

Traditional Gaelic prayer

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Almighty Father, You have poured upon us the new Light of Your incarnate Word: Jesus. Grant that this Light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives—Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Devotions For Sunday Advent Week 3

Opening
Timeless, spaceless, single, lonely, yet sublimely Three, Thou are grandly, always, only God in Unity! Lone in grandeur, lone in glory, who shall tell Thy wondrous story? Awful Trinity!

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 34:1-10 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord ; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord , and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord , and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. O fear the Lord , you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want. The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (NRSV)

John 10:1-13 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. (NIV)

Romans 8:18-25 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)

Meditation
In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord. I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O wait for the Lord! Have courage and wait, wait for the Lord. In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Saturday, Advent Week 2

Opening
Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though I am of an anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though the night is here, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though You be silent now, today I believe.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 32:1,2 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (NRSV)

Matthew 9:1-7 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. (NIV)

1 John 2:1,2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (NIV)

Meditation
In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord. I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O wait for the Lord! Have courage and wait, wait for the Lord. In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Friday, Advent Week 2

Opening
Teach us, dear Lord, to number our days; that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy us early with Thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all of our days. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands, dear Lord.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 111:7-10 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV)

Matthew 11:18,19 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” (NIV)

Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (NIV)

Meditation
See that ye be at peace among yourselves, my children, and love one another. Follow the example of good men of old and God will comfort you and help you, both in this world and in the world, which is to come.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Thursday, Advent Week 2

Opening
I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow, I’m tosses in this wide world alone. No hope have I for tomorrow; I’ve started to make Heaven my home. Sometimes I am tossed and driven, Lord, Sometimes I don’t know where to roam. I’ve heard of a city called Heaven; I’ve started to make it my home.

Traditional African American Spiritual

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 4:6-8 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

Ephesians 2:14-18 Ephesians 2:14-18 Christ himself is our peace. He made both Jewish people and those who are not Jews one people. They were separated as if there were a wall between them, but Christ broke down that wall of hate by giving his own body. The Jewish law had many commands and rules, but Christ ended that law. His purpose was to make the two groups of people become one new people in him and in this way make peace. It was also Christ’s purpose to end the hatred between the two groups, to make them into one body, and to bring them back to God. Christ did all this with his death on the cross. Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away from God, and to those who were near to God. Yes, it is through Christ we all have the right to come to the Father in one Spirit. (NCV)

Meditation
Lord, this bare island, make it a place of peace. Here be the peace of those who do Thy will. Here be the peace of brother serving man. Here be the peace of holy monks obeying. Here be the peace of praise by dark and day. Be this Island Thy Holy Island. I, Lord, Thy servant, Aidan, make this prayer. Be it Thy care. Amen.

St. Aidan's prayer for the holy island of Lindisfarne

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Wednesday, Advent Week 2

Opening
To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. Proclaim praises to who he is, not just His benefit. That knowing Jesus is to have Him change me is true. But to dwell in His presence for which I am unfit, oh may that always be new.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 21:13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might. (NIV)

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (NRSV)

Titus 3:5,6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (KJV)

Meditation
My God, shall sin its power maintain and in my soul defiant live! ‘Tis not enough that Thou forgive, the cross must rise and self be slain. O God of love, Thy power disclose: ‘Tis not enough that Christ should rise, I, too, must seek the brightening skies, and rise from death, as Christ arose.
Greek Hymn quoted in AW Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Tuesday, Advent Week 2

Opening
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 63:2-4 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. (NRSV)

John 17:11  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. (NIV)

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

Meditation
We believe and trust in God the Father Almighty. We believe and trust in Jesus Christ His Son. We believe and trust in the Holy Spirit. We believe and trust in the Three in One.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Monday, Advent Week 2

Opening
My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. Out of the depths I have cried to You. O Lord, hear my voice. With my whole heart I want to praise You. O Lord, hear my voice. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities: Who could stand? Who could stand? I will wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in Him do I hope.

Call: Who is it that you seek?

Response: I seek the Lord our God.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your heart?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your soul?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your mind?

Response: Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your strength?

Response: Amen. Christ, have mercy.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 25:4-7 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. (NIV)

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (NIV)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

Meditation
As it was, as it is, and as it shall be evermore, God of grace, God in Trinity! With the ebb, with the flow, ever it is so, God of grace, O Trinity, with the ebb and flow. Traditional Gaelic prayer

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Devotions For Sunday, Advent Week 2

Opening
Timeless, spaceless, single, lonely, yet sublimely Three, Thou are grandly, always, only God in Unity! Lone in grandeur, lone in glory, who shall tell Thy wondrous story? Awful Trinity!

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (NIV)

Mark 1:9-11 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, who I love; with You I am well pleased”. (NIV)

Romans 8:15-17 The Spirit you have received is not a spirit of slavery leading you back into a life of fear, but a Spirit that makes us sons and daughters, enabling us to cry, “Abba! Father!” In that cry the Spirit of God joins with our spirit in testifying that we are God’s children; and if children, then heirs. We are God’s heirs and Christ’s fellow-heirs, if we share His sufferings now in order to share His splendor hereafter. (NEB)

Meditation
God of our fathers, enthroned in light, how rich, how musical is our ability in speech. Yet when we attempt to speak forth Thy wonders, our words how poor they seem and our speech how unmelodious. When we consider the fearful mystery of Thy Triune Godhead we lay our hand upon our mouth. Before that burning bush we ask not to understand, but that we may fitly adore Thee, On God in Persons Three.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Saturday

Opening
Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though I am of an anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though the night is here, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though You be silent now, today I believe.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture

Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; on Your light we see light. (NRSV)

Luke 17:33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. (NRSV)

Philippians 1:6-11, Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (TNIV)

Meditation
In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord. I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O wait for the Lord! Have courage and wait, wait for the Lord. In the shadow of Your wings I will sing Your praises, O Lord

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Devotions For Friday

Opening
Teach us, dear Lord, to number our days; that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy us early with Thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all of our days. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands, dear Lord.

Observe a period of silence

Scripture
Psalm 29:9-11 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! (NRSV)

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. (TNIV)

Romans 2:9-11 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. (NIV) {see the whole context}

Meditation
See that ye be at peace among yourselves, my children, and love one another. Follow the example of good men of old and God will comfort you and help you, both in this world and in the world, which is to come.

Offer Prayer’s For Others

The Collect
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: plant in every heart. We pray, the love of Him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.