Morning and Evening Meditations
Before Coming to the Lord’s Table
The Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 that when
we come to the Lord’s Supper, we ought to come prepared to feast
with God and with His people (hence the reason we call it
communion – we are celebrating the mystical and sweet community
that exists between God and His people). Our preparation ought to
be two-fold: preparation to commune with God and preparation to
commune with God’s people. These morning and evening
meditations have been compiled intentionally to help you prepare
to celebrate communion.
We pray that as you meditate on the goodness of God this week,
you begin to hunger and thirst for more of His grace, and that you
come to His table on Sunday, longing to feast on Christ, to tangibly
experience the benefits of redemption. For, just as you are able to
touch, see, smell and taste the bread and the wine, you can know
with certainty that the Spirit of Christ is with you.
It is also our hope that when you come to the Lord’s Table on
Sunday, you are able to enjoy rich fellowship with God’s people.
Consider how you might minister to your brothers and sisters in
Christ in communion:
For you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for
His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who
called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a
people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy. – I Peter 2:9-10
As you pass the cup and the bread to your neighbor, look them in
the eye and remind them, “This is the body of Christ broken for
you. This is Christ’s blood shed for you.” As the bread and the
cup are passed to you, receive that same good news with a hearty
“Amen.”
How To Use This Guide:
Each morning and evening you will find at least two Scriptural
references, one being a Psalm, and the other(s) from the New
Testament. These texts were all chosen because they speak to some
aspect of communing with God and with His people.
You will also find segments of the Westminster Larger Catechism in
several of the meditations. These questions and answers were
intentionally chosen to help you meditate upon the finished work of
Christ and the sacrament of communion as one of the outward and
ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of
redemption.
Following each meditation is a prayer (gathered from various
sources, these prayers have been helpful to saints throughout the
ages) and a hymn. Because some of these hymns may be unfamiliar,
the name of each tune has been listed. You can listen to these tunes
online at http://psalter.org/tunes?sort_by=tune where the tunes are
listed alphabetically. So, for the Monday morning meditation, next
to the hymn title, “That Man Is Blest Who, Fearing God” you will
find a footnote, which reads “May be sung to the tune of
AMAZING GRACE C.M. or ST. COLUMBA.” Go to the
psalter.org website and look for either tune; AMAZING GRACE
C.M. or ST. COLUMBA.
Monday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 1
Matthew 5-7
Morning Prayer: Before the Sacrament1
Lord, teach me the nature of a sacrament as a seal and pledge of
love, that Christ is faithful to make Himself a present reality to His
own who are guests at His table.
Assure me by it that His Word is made good to my faith, that He by
sacramental union is given to me, that I shall have strength not to
fall into sin, that His life begun in me will be perfected hereafter,
that my covenant with Him is confirmed, that He gives Himself to
all Who take Him thankfully.
As I prepare this week to come to the feast, help me to recall my
neglect of duties towards myself, my family, church, friends, by not
instructing, exhorting, being an example.
Grant me to see my ignorance (not knowing how or what to pray),
my unsavouriness (not delighting in, but loathing to speak Your
Word), my pride (because I would not speak what I could from fear
of not doing it well), my lukewarmness (in not reaching for Your
glory), my idleness and sloth, my want of tender love, my
1 From “The Valley of Vision,” a collection of puritan prayers. apprehension of unfruitfulness: supposing that I should attempt to
serve You and fail, sowing seed upon the rocks.
Let me know, even if I have done right, that there is much I have
still done wrong (and help me to rightly lament this), that good
duties might be done or omitted out of poor motives, and only
when these are dealt with shall I know what is my duty and its
extent.
Heal me now, as I prepare to approach Your table, and fill me with
all grace, with Yourself. Amen.
Morning Hymn: “That Man Is Blest Who, Fearing God”2
That man is blest who, fearing God,
From sin restrains his feet,
Who will not stand with wicked men,
Who shuns the scorners’ seat.
Yea, blest is he who makes God’s law
His portion and delight,
And meditates upon that law
With gladness day and night.
That man is nourished like a tree
Set by the river’s side;
Its leaf is green, its fruit is sure,
And thus his works abide.
2 From Psalm 1, The 1912 Psalter. May be sung to the tune of AMAZING GRACE C.M. or ST. COLUMBA (“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”). The wicked like the driven chaff
Are swept from off the land;
They shall not gather with the just,
Nor in the judgment stand.
The Lord will guard the righteous well,
Their way to Him is known;
The way of sinners, far from God,
Shall surely be o’erthrown.
Monday Evening
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 32
I Corinthians 11:17-34
Westminster Larger Catechism: Questions 154 & 171
What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to
us the benefits of his mediation?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates
to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances;
especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made
effectual to the elect for their salvation.
How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to
prepare themselves before they come unto it?
They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper are, before
they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining
themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the
truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to
God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that
have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their
new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by
serious meditation, and fervent prayer.
Evening Prayer:3
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred,
let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is
doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness,
light. Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled,
as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to
love.
For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are
pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.
Evening Hymn: “ May the Grace of Christ Our Savior”4
May the grace of Christ our Savior
And the Father’s boundless love,
With the Holy Spirit’s favor,
Rest upon us from above.
Thus may we abide in union
With each other and the Lord,
And possess, in sweet communion,
Joys, which earth cannot afford.
3 This is an ancient prayer is attributed to the 13th century preacher and missionary Francis of Assisi. 4 Words by John Newton, 1779. May be sung to the tune WYCLIFFE 8.7.8.7 (“All For Jesus”). Tuesday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 7
Romans 3:9-31
Westminster Larger Catechism: Questions 70, 71, 72 & 73
What is justification?
Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in which he
pardons all their sins, accepts and accounts their persons
righteous in his sight; not for any thing wrought in them, or done
by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of
Christ, by God imputed to them, and received by faith alone.
How is justification an act of God's free grace?
Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper,
real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in the behalf of them
that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepts the satisfaction
from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did
provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness
to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but
faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free
grace.
What is justifying faith?
Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner
by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of
his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other
creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assents
to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receives and rests
upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon
of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person
righteous in the sight of God for salvation.
How does faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?
Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those
other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that
are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof,
were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an
instrument by which he receives and applies Christ and his
righteousness.
Confession of Sin:5
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from
Your ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices
and desires of our own hearts, we have followed too much the
devices and desires 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.
But You, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare those who confess
their sin, restore those who are penitent, according to Your
promises declared in Your word, in Christ Jesus our Lord; and
5 Adapted from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter
live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of Your holy
name. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – I John 1:9
“God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Morning Hymn: “And Can It Be That I Should Gain”6
And can it be that I should gain an int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite His grace!
Humbled Himself, so great His love,
And bled for all His chosen race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
6 Words by Charles Wesley, 1738. Tune: SAGINA L.M.D. Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Tuesday Evening
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 51
Hebrews 10
Westminster Larger Catechism Questions: 75, 77, 78, & 80
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is a work of God's grace, whereby they whom God
has, before the foundation of the world, chosen to be holy, are in
time, through the powerful operation of his Spirit applying the
death and resurrection of Christ unto them, renewed in their
whole man after the image of God; having the seeds of repentance
unto life, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts, and
those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened, as that
they more and more die unto sin, and rise unto newness of life.
Wherein do justification and sanctification differ?
Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification,
yet they differ, in that God in justification imputes the
righteousness of Christ; in sanctification his Spirit infuses grace,
and enables to the exercise thereof; in the former, sin is
pardoned; in the other, it is subdued: the one does equally free all
believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in
this life, that they never fall into condemnation; the other is
neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing
up to perfection.
Whence arises the imperfection of sanctification in believers?
The imperfection of sanctification in believers arises from the
remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual
lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often
foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, are hindered in
all their spiritual services, and their best works are imperfect and
defiled in the sight of God.
Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate
of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?
Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good
conscience before him, may, without extraordinary revelation, by
faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the
Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to
which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with
their spirits that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured
that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein
unto salvation.
Evening Prayer:7
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we Your unworthy servants
render unto You our most humble and hearty thanks for all Your
goodness and covenant faithfulness to us and to Your world. We
7 Adapted from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. bless You for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of
this life; but above all for Your inestimable love in the redemption
of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and
for the hope of glory. Grant to us that due sense of all Your
mercies, that our hearts may be unwaveringly thankful; rendering
unto you true worship, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by
putting the flesh to death, by committing ourselves to Your service,
and by walking before You, being ever transformed from one degree
of glory to the next. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom,
with You and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without
end. Amen.
Evening Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”8
Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n, to earth come down:
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, all Thy faithful mercies crown:
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation, enter ev’ry trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast;
Let us all in Thee inherit, let us find the promised rest:
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never, nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee, without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love.
8 Words by Charles Wesley, 1747. Tune: BEACH SPRING 8.7.8.7.D. Finish, then, Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be:
Let us see Thy great salvation, perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory, ‘til in heav’n we take our place,
‘Til we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love, & praise.
Wednesday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 63
Exodus 17:1-7
John 7:25-31, 37-39
John 4:1-42
Morning Prayer:
Jesus, You are the well-spring of life. Whoever drinks of the water
that you give will never thirst again, for it will become a great
fountain, welling up to eternal life. By the power of Your Holy
Spirit, we entreat You, pour into our hearts that same living water,
that we may be refreshed to live this day in joy, confident of Your
presence and empowered by Your grace, Amen.
Morning Hymn: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”9
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest
Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down and drink and live.”
9 Words by Horatius Bonar, 1846. Tune: VOX DILECTI C.M.D. May be sung to CAROL C.M.D (“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”). I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, ‘til trav’ling days are done.
Wednesday Evening
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 16
Evening Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer10
Our heavenly Father, holy is Your name,
May Your kingdom come, and may Your will be done on earth as it
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors. Do not lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one.
Yours is the kingdom, and the glory, and the power, forever. Amen.
The Doxology11
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures, here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Amen. Amen.
10 A modern translation with the traditional doxology. 11 Words by Thomas Ken, 1709. Tune: OLD HUNDREDTH L.M. Thursday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 42
Matthew 26:36-56
Westminster Larger Catechism Questions: 30, 32, 36, 38, & 39
Does God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and
misery ?
God does not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and
misery, into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant,
commonly called the covenant of works; but of his mere love and
mercy delivers his elect out of it, and brings them into an estate of
salvation by the second covenant, commonly called the covenant
of grace.
How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?
The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he
freely provides and offers to sinners a Mediator, and life and
salvation by him; and requiring faith as the condition to interest
them in him, promises and gives his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to
work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to
enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth
of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he
has appointed them to salvation.
Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?
The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus
Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and
equal with the Father, in the fullness of time became man, and so
was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct
natures, and one person, forever.
Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?
It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might
sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the
infinite wrath of God, and the power of death; give worth and
efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession; and to
satisfy God's justice, procure his favor, purchase a peculiar people,
give his Spirit to them, conquer all their enemies, and bring them
to everlasting salvation.
Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?
It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might
advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and
make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of
our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and
have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.
Morning Prayer: “The Mediator”12
Everlasting Creator-Father, I have destroyed myself, my nature is
defiled, the powers of my soul are degraded; I am vile, miserable,
strengthless, but my hope is in Thee.
12 From the “Valley of Vision.” If ever I am saved it will be by goodness underserved and
astonishing, not by mercy alone but by abundant mercy, not by
grace but by exceeding riches of grace; and such Thou hast revealed,
promised, and exemplified in thoughts of peace, not of evil.
Thou hast devised means to rescue me from sin’s perdition, to
restore me to happiness, honor, safety. I bless Thee for the
everlasting covenant, for the appointment of a Mediator. I rejoice
that He failed not, nor was discouraged, but accomplished the work
Thou gavest Him to do; and said on the cross, ‘It is finished.’ I exult
in the thought that Thy justice is satisfied, Thy truth established,
Thy law magnified, and a foundation is laid for my hope.
I look to a present and personal interest in Christ and say, “Surely
He has borne my griefs, carried my sorrows, won my peace,
healed my soul.” Justified by His blood I am saved by His life,
glorying in His cross I bow to His scepter, having His Spirit I possess
His mind.
Lord, grant that my religion may not be occasional and partial, but
universal, influential, effective, and may I always continue in Thy
words as well as Thy works, so that I may reach my end in peace.
Amen.
Evening Hymn: “Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended”13
13 Words by Johann Heermann, 1630. Tr. In Yattendon Hymnal, 1899. Tune: HERZLIEBSTER JESU, Johann Crüger, 1640. Thursday Evening
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 22
Matthew 27:27-54
Westminster Larger Catechism Questions: 44,48, 49, & 57
How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a
sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of
his people; and in making continual intercession for them.
How did Christ humble himself in his life?
Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the
law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the
indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in
his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly
accompanying that his low condition.
How did Christ humble himself in his death?
Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed
by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the
world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors;
having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of
darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's wrath, he laid down
his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and
cursed death of the cross.
What benefits has Christ procured by his mediation?
Christ, by his mediation, has procured redemption, with all other
benefits of the covenant of grace.
Evening Prayer: The Phos Hilaron14
Joyous light of glory of the immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed
Jesus Christ, we have come to the setting of the Sun, and we look to
the evening light. We sing to God, the Father, the Son and Holy
Spirit. You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever. O
Son of God, O Giver of light, the universe proclaims your glory.
Evening Hymn: “Who Is This, So Weak And Helpless”15
Who is this, so weak and helpless, child of lowly Hebrew maid,
Rudely in a stable sheltered, coldly in a manger laid?
‘Tis the Lord of all creation, Who this wondrous path hath trod;
He is God from everlasting, and to everlasting God.
Who is this, a Man of Sorrows, walking sadly life’s hard way,
Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping over sin and Satan’s sway?
‘Tis our God, our glorious Savior, Who above the starry sky
is for us a place preparing, where no tear can dim the eye.
Who is this? Behold Him shedding drops of blood upon the ground
Who is this, despised, rejected, mocked, insulted, beaten, bound?
14 The Phos Hilaron is an ancient Christian prayer, originally composed in Greek around the early 4th Century. 15 Words by William Walsham How, 1867. Tune: EBENEZER 8.7.8.7.D. (from “O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”). ‘Tis our God, Who gifts and graces on His church is pouring down;
Who shall smite in holy vengeance all His foes beneath His throne.
Who is this that hangs there dying while the rude world scoffs & scorns
Numbered with the malefactors, torn with nails & crowned with thorns
‘Tis our God, Who lives forever ‘mid the shining ones on high,
in the glorious golden city, reigning everlastingly.
Friday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 116
Colossians 1:15-20; 2:6-14
Morning Hymn: “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts”16
Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts,
Thou fount of life, Thou light of men,
From the best bliss that earth imparts
We turn unfilled to Thee again.
Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
Thou savest those that on Thee call
To them that seek Thee Thou art good,
To them that find Thee all in all
We taste Thee, O Thou living bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the fountain-head,
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.
Our restless spirits yearn for Thee,
Where’er our changeful lot is cast;
Glad when Thy gracious smile we see,
Blest when our faith can hold Thee fast.
O Jesus, ever with us stay,
16 Words: Attr. To Bernard of Clairvaux, ca. 150. Tune: HESPERUS L.M Make all our moments calm and bright;
Chase the dark night of sin away,
Shed o’er the world Thy holy light.
I am Your handmaid’s son, You freed me from chains.
Westminster Larger Catechism Question: 52
How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?
Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen
corruption in death (of which it was not possible for him to be
held), and having the very same body in which he suffered, with
the essential properties thereof (but without mortality, and other
common infirmities belonging to this life), really united to his
soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power;
whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have
satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that
had the power of it, and to be Lord of quick and dead: all which
he did as a public person, the head of his church, for their
justification, quickening in grace, support against enemies, and to
assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day.
Morning Prayer17
Eternal God, we praise You for Your mighty love given in Christ’s
sacrifice on the Cross, and the new life we have received by His
resurrection. Especially we thank You for…
17 This prayer is adapted from the 1993 Book of Common Worship. © 1993 Westminster John Knox Press. the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering…
the ministry of Word and Sacrament…
the community of faith in our church…
the mission of the church around the world…
sacrifices made for our benefit…
the ministry of reconciliation…
opportunities for our generous giving…
God of grace, in Christ’s work on the cross and in the resurrection
You reveal your triumph over all the forces of evil. With confidence
in Your great victory, we pray for…
those who have yet to hear the good news of the Gospel…
those who are suffering under oppression and warfare…
those who are poor…
those who are widowed, orphaned, marginalized…
those with whom we are in conflict, and struggling to love…
Eternal God, our beginning and our end, be our starting point and
our haven, and accompany us in this day’s journey. Use our hands
to do the work of Your creation, and use our lives to bring others
the new life You give this world in Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all.
Amen.
Friday Evening
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 19
Ephesians 2
Ephesians 4
Evening Prayer: Saint Patrick’s Breastplate18
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ
before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort
and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in
quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ
in mouth of friend and stranger.
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
18 This prayer is attributed to the 5th century missionary, Saint Patrick, who carried the good news of the Gospel to Ireland. Saturday Morning
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 15
John 15:1-7
Westminster Larger Catechism Questions: 94, 95, & 97
Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall?
Although no man, since the fall, can attain to righteousness and
life by the moral law; yet there is great use thereof, as well
common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the
regenerate.
Of what use is the moral law to all men?
The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy
nature and will of God, and of their duty, binding them to walk
accordingly; to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of
the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives; to humble
them in the sense of their sin and misery, and thereby help them
to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and of the
perfection of his obedience.
What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?
Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be
delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby
they are neither justified nor condemned; yet, besides the general
uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use, to
show them: How much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling
it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their
good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to
express the same in their greater care to conform themselves
thereunto as the rule of their obedience.
Morning Prayer: “Resting On God”19
O God Most High, Most Glorious, the thought of Thine infinite
serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and
distressed, but Thou art forever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause
Thee no fear of care of unfulfilment, thy stand fast as the eternal
hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou
bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. I come to Thee as a sinner
with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee,
every sin calling for Christ’s precious blood; Revive deep spirituality
in my heart; Let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice,
know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing
me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the
power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
burning into me by experience the things I know: Let me never be
ashamed of the truth of the Gospel, that I may bear its reproach,
vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the
Spirit. Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief
mars my confidence. Sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that
19 Taken from the “Valley of Vision.” © Banner of Truth Trust, 1975. grow in my soul be cut at their roots; Grant me to know that I truly
live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence
alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me,
gracious God. Amen.
Morning Hymn: “No Strength of Nature Can Suffice”20
No strength of nature can suffice to serve the Lord aright;
And what she has, she misapplies, for want of clearer light.
How long beneath the Law I lay in bondage and distress!
I toiled the precept to obey, but toiled without success.
Then to abstain from outward sin was more than I could do;
Now, if I feel its power within, I feel I hate it too.
Then all my servile works were done a righteousness to raise;
Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways.
“What shall I do?” was then the word, “That I may worthier grow?”
“What shall I render to the Lord?” is my inquiry now.
To see the Law by Christ fulfilled, and hear His pardoning voice;
Changes a slave into a child, and duty into choice.
20 Words by William Cowper, 1779. Tune: AZMON C.M. (from “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”). “When I remember that I am not my own, I lift up my heart
as an offering to the Lord, prompt and sincere.” –John Calvin
Saturday Evening
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 5
Hebrews 4:14-16
Westminster Larger Catechism Question: 117
How is the Sabbath or the Lord's Day to be sanctified?
The Sabbath or Lord's Day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all
the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but
even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on
other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole
time (except so much of it as is to betaken up in works of
necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's
worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with
such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and
seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the
more free and fit for the duties of that day.
Evening Prayer:
We give you thanks, O God, for revealing Your Son Jesus Christ to
us by the light of His resurrection: Grant that as we sing Your glory
at the close of this day, our joy may abound in the morning as we
commune with You and with all the saints at Your table; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Evening Hymn: “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”21
Rejoice, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your festal banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Bright youth and snow-crowned age, strong men and maidens meek;
Raise high your free, exulting song; God’s wondrous praises speak.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
With all the angel choirs, with all the saints on earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, true rapture, noblest mirth!
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Yes, on through life’s log path, still chanting as ye go,
From youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
At last the march shall end, the wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their Father’s house, Jerusalem the blest.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Then on, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your glorious banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!
21 Words by Edward H. Plumptre, 1865. Tune: MARION S.M.ref. Sunday Morning
Morning Hymn: “O Day of Rest And Gladness”22
O day of rest and gladness, O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness, most beautiful, most bright,
On you the high and lowly, through ages joined in tune,
Sing “Holy, holy, holy” to the great God triune.
On you, at the creation, the light first had its birth;
On you, for our salvation, Christ rose from depths of earth;
On you our Lord, victorious, the Spirit sent from heav’n;
And thus on you, most glorious, a triple light was giv’n.
You are a port protected from storms that round us rise,
A garden intersected with streams of paradise;
You are a cooling fountain in life’s dry, dreary sand;
From you, like Pisgah’s mountain, we view our promised land.
Today on weary nations the heav’nly manna falls;
To holy convocations the silver trumpet calls,
Where Gospel light is glowing with pure and radiant beams,
And living water flowing with soul-refreshing streams.
New graces ever gaining from this our day of rest,
We reach the rest remaining to spirits of the blest.
To Holy Ghost be praises, to Father, and to Son;
The church her voice upraises to You, blest Three-in-One.
22 Words by Christopher Wordsworth, 1862. May be sung to the tune of “Lead On O King Eternal” or “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus.” Scripture Readings:
Psalm 34
Luke 22:14-30
Revelation 19:6-9
Westminster Larger Catechism Question: 170
How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's Supper
feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?
As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally
present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's
Supper, and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver,
no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their
outward senses; so they that worthily communicate in the
sacrament of the Lord's Supper, do therein feed upon the body
and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a
spiritual manner; yet truly and really, while by faith they receive
and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of
his death.
Morning Prayer:
God, our King, by the resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ on the
first day of the week, You conquered sin, put death to flight, and
gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this
victory; forgive our sins and banish our fears. We do not presume
to come to Your Table trusting in our own righteousness, but by
Your manifold and great mercies. Grant us therefore, gracious
Lord, so to truly feast upon Christ. Make known to us this day the
full benefits of His death, and strengthen us that we may abide
evermore in Him. Amen.