As I ought to make progress, do you add daily more and more to the gifts of your grace until I wholly adhere to your Son Jesus Christ, whom we justly regard as the true Sun, shining constantly in our minds. It may be wise to leave a time of silence for the worshipers to raise up their personal needs for guidance and leading. But since this day has not passed away without my having in many ways offended you through my proneness to evil, in like manner as all things are now covered by the darkness of the night, so let everything that is sinful in me lie buried in your mercy. Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Discipleship Ministries Amen. In light of all these blessings, I now ask that you would not allow my affections to be tangled in inordinate desires for the things of this world, but let me always set my heart on things above, where Christ, who is my life, is seated at your right hand. O Lord God, I give you thanks for all the benefits and gifts you constantly shower on me. Were the whole realm of nature mine, It's a short moment in the worship service, and one that could quickly go by without much thought on the part of the congregation. The second rule is a heartfelt sense of need and repentance. Amen. Prayers of John Calvin In like manner, also, as the body rests may my conscience enjoy rest. Basil, etc., and the Reformer John Calvin. Illumination prayers are a type of prayer that focus on understanding God's will and guidance. In an appendix entitled Several Godly Prayers, he included prayers that could be prayed through the day. A SERVICE OF WORD AND TABLE II. Prayer Upon Rising from Sleep My God, Father, and Savior, since you have been pleased to give me the grace to come through the night to the present day, now grant that I may employ it entirely in your service, so that all my works may be to the glory of your name and the edification of my neighbors. It can be hard to find guidance and illumination to help you know where God wants you to go. 2 Gracious God, that we may obey you. (Isaiah 53:1-6, NRSV), Sung Response: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (st. 2-3) PH 101, PsH 384, RL 293, RN 236, SFL 166, TH 252, TWC 213. Grant, Almighty God, that since the rule of thy true and lawful worship is sufficiently known to us, and thou continues to exhart us to persevere in our course, and to abide in that pure and simple worship which thou hast fully approved, O grant, that we may, in true obedience of faith, respond to thee: and though we now see the whole world carried here and there, and all places full of the awful examples of apostacy, and so much madness everywhere prevailing, that men become more and more hardened daily, O grant, that, being fortified by invincible faith against these so many temptations, we may persevere in true religion, and never at any time turn aside from the teaching of thy word, until we be at length gathered to Christ our King, under whom, as our head, thou hast promised that we shall ever be safe, and until we attain that happy life which is laid up for us in heaven, through the same Christ our Lord. Every congregation has its own unique blend of people and resources to work with, and it is our hope that in our suggestions you will find something that is both fitting and workable in your situation. be with you."). All praise and glory be yours forever. The Reading of Scripture: Psalm 23 This service of Psalm 113, Exalted Over All the Nations, was part of the Calvin Symposium on Worship 2012. (Hope Publishing Company) SFL Songs for LiFE (children's songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources) SNC Sing! Bach [organ] Who has believed what we have heard? O Lord, in whom is the source and inexhaustible fountain of all good things, pour out your blessing upon us, and sanctify to our use the meat and drink which are the gifts of your kindness toward us, that we, using them soberly and frugally as you enjoin, may eat with a pure conscience. "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (in canon) SFL 200. SFL Songs for LiFE (children's songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources) *Passing the Peace Basil, etc., and the Reformer John Calvin. A New Creation (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Christian Reformed Church, Reformed Church in America; Faith Alive Christian Resources) TH Trinity Hymnal (Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America; Great Commission Publications) TWC The Worshiping Church (Hope Publishing Company) WOV With One Voice (Augsburg Fortress), Music Level Key: E = Easy, M = Medium, D = Difficult, This series of worship services explores the major themes of Psalm 23, My Father's Care - Matthew 10 John Ferguson has written a concertato on "Ah, Dearest Jesus" titled "Ah, Holy Jesus" published by Morningstar MSM-50-3012 [1991]. Amen. Grant, Almighty God, that as we continue to kindle often thy wrath against us by our innumerable sins, O grant, that when thou warnest and wouldest restore us to the right way, we may at least be pliant, and without delay attend to the scourges of thy hand, and not wait for extreme severity, but timely repent; and that we may truly and from the heart seek thee, let us not put on false repentance, but strive to devote ourselves wholly to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Votum (Ps. *Our Declaration of Trust and God's Greeting Congregation of Jesus Christ, in whom are you trusting? Preparing to Hear the Word This Week at Worship Amen. Hear me, O God, Father and Preserver, through Jesus Christ your Son. 25 Compelling Prayers for Illumination Oct 20, 2020 by Editor in Chief Here are the 25 most compelling prayers for illumination. Amen. A lay reader or the pastor can read the verses, or the congregation or an ensemble or a soloist could sing them. Let me not attempt anything whatever that is not pleasing to you. It was introduced at Lausanne in the same year, and gradually passed into other Reformed Churches. And because no day passes that I dont sin in so many ways, please bury all my offenses in your mercy, that I might not lose your presence. The following were translated by Henry Beveridge and can be found electronically in John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Tracts Relating to the Reformation, Volume 2 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009). The Psalms are a font of inspiration, encouragement, and instruction in the life of both public and private prayer. Amen. The world is a confusing place right now. All the vain things that charm me most, Grant, Almighty God, that as thou often dost justly hide thy face from us, so that on every side we see nothing but evidences of thy dreadful judgment, O grant, that we, with minds raised above the scene of this world, may at the same time cherish the hope which thou constantly settest before us, so that we may feel fully persuaded that we are loved by thee, however severely thou mayest chastise us and may this consolation so support and sustain our souls, that patiently enduring whatever chastisements thou mayest lay upon us, we may ever hold fast the reconciliation which thou hast promised to us in Christ thy Son. The trio of songs on Psalm 23 following the Scripture reading are meant to flow from one to another. Part N of The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd Edition , pp. Tags: christian living, giving, heidelberg catechism, lord's prayer, prayer, sermons on prayer, worship service Worship Service posted on June 1, 2005 Worship Service A free concert at the Calvin Chapel, this prelude to the 2012 Calvin Symposium on Worship featured The Psalm Project, a group of musicians from the Netherlands who have taken Genevan Psalm tunes from the 1500s and updated them with arrangements for piano, guitar, and strings. You are the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World Sheep usually follow paths. 124:8) Confession; Prayer for Forgiveness; Psalm; Prayer for Illumination; Scripture; Sermon; Intercessions; Lord's Prayer Paraphrase; Benediction; All Sheep Need a Shepherd - Psalm 23, John 10 Grant, Almighty God, that since thou sees us to be so prone to all the allurements of Satan and the world, and at the same time so void of judgment, and carried away by mere levity, O grant, that by thy Spirit leading us, we may proceed in the right course, on which we have already entered under thy guidance and directing hand, so that we may never go astray from thy word, nor by any means turn aside from pursuing towards the mark which thou hast set before us; and though Satan may attempt to draw us aside, may we yet continue steadfast in thy service, and thus proceed, until we arrive at that blessed rest which, after the warfare of the present life, thou hast promised to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Blessing for a Lifetime: An Ascension Sunday service using the Amen. Grant, Almighty God, that as we have already so often provoked thy wrath against us, and thou hast in thy paternal indulgence borne with us, or at least chastised us so gently as to spare us, 0 grant, that we may not become hardened in our wickedness, but seasonably repent, and that we may not be drawn away after the inventions of our flesh, nor seek ways to flee away from thee, but come straight forward to thy presence, and make a humble, sincere, and honest confession of our sins, that thou mayest receive us into favor, and that being reconciled to us, thou mayest bestow on us a larger measure of thy blessings, through Christ our Lord. It is my treason, Lord, that has undone you. Grant, Almighty God, that inasmuch as thou drawest us at this time to thyself by so many chastisements, While we are yet insensible, through the slothfulness and the indolence of our flesh, O grant, that Satan may not thus perpetually harden and fascinate us; but that we, being at length awakened, may feel our evils, and be not merely affected by outward punishments, but rouse ourselves, and feel how grievously we have in various ways offended thee, so that we may return to thee with real sorrow, and so abhor ourselves, that we may seek in thee every delight, until we at length offer to thee a pleasing and acceptable sacrifice, by dedicating ourselves and all we have to thee, in sincerity and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Silence in us any voices but your own, so that we may hear your Word and also do it; through Christ our Lord. We see him afar off, but so clearly as to know we are not deceived. ), The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Votum (Ps. A service plan for Lent focusing on Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd always guides us on his paths in a Lenten series focused on "Walking with God through Psalm 23. Oscar Hijuelos, Peace Prayers, Harper, p.67. Finally, let the only end at which I aim be so to qualify myself in early life, that when I grow up I may serve you in whatever station you may assign me. Grant, Almighty God, that since thou hast once shone upon us by thy gospel, O grant, that we may always be guided by this light, and so guided, that all our lusts may be restrained; and may the power of thy Spirit extinguish in us every sinful fervor, that we may not grow hot with our own perverse desires, but that all these being subdued, we may gather new fervor daily, that we may breathe after thee more and more: nor let the coldness of our flesh ever take possession of us, but may we continually advance in the way of piety, until at length we come to that blessed rest, to which thou invites us, and which has been obtained for us by the blood of thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Go with God. He can make the options clear as he erases the fuzziness of the world. God promises that he will be near to those who call upon him in truth, and declares that those who seek him with their whole heart will find him: those, therefore, who delight in their own pollution cannot surely aspire to him. Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast given us thy only begotten Son to rule us, and hast by thy good pleasure consecrated him a King over us, that we may be perpetually safe and secure under his hand against all the attempts of the devil and of the whole world,- O grant, that we may suffer ourselves to be ruled by his authority, and so conduct ourselves, that he may ever continue to watch for our safety: and as thou hast committed us to him, that he may be the guardian of our salvation, so also suffer us not either to turn aside or to fall, but preserve us ever in his service, until we be at length gathered into that blessed and everlasting kingdom, which has been procured for us by the blood of thy only Son. The Word of the Lord. Thankfully, we can always pray to God and ask Him which paths he would like us to pursue. Prayer For Grace, Guidance And Illumination. If the choir sings "The Lord is My Shepherd" (Newton) as Sung Scripture, it should be introduced in that way so there is no misunderstanding. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. O Lord, in whom is the source and inexhaustible fountain of all good things, pour out your blessing upon us, and sanctify to our use the meat and drink which are the gifts of your kindness toward us, that we, using them soberly and frugally as you enjoin, may eat with a pure conscience. See Music Notes. The suggested structure of the service follows Calvin's French liturgy in Strasbourg around 1540. Grant, Almighty God, that as we now carry about us this mortal body, yea, and nourish through sin a thousand deaths within us, O grant, that we may ever by faith direct our eyes towards heaven, and to that incomprehensible power, which is to be manifested at the last day by Jesus Christ our Lord, so that in the midst of death we may hope that thou wilt be our Redeemer, and enjoy that redemption, which he completed when he rose from the dead; and not doubt but that the fruit which he then brought forth by his Spirit will come also to us, when Christ himself shall come to judge the world; and may we thus walk in the fear of thy name, that we may be really gathered among his members, to be made partakers of that glory, which by his death he has procured for us. Grant, Almighty God, that as we remain yet in our own wickedness, though often warned and sweetly invited by thee, and as thou prevailest not with us by thy daily instruction, O grant, that we may, in a spirit of meekness, at length turn to thy service, and fight against the hardness and obstinacy of our flesh, till we render ourselves submissive to thee, and not wait until thou puttest forth thy hand against us, or at least so profit under thy chastisements, as not to constrain thee to execute extreme vengeance against us, but to repent without delay; and that we may indeed, without hypocrisy, plough under thy yoke, and so enjoy thy special blessings, that thou mayest show thyself to us not only as our Lord, but also as our Father, full of mercy and kindness, through Christ our Lord. Here are five modern prayers of illumination: Example 2: "Lord, help me to see Your truth in all things, and to follow Your will in my life. Amen.. O Lord Godwho has given man the night for rest, as you have created the day in which he may employ himself in laborgrant, I pray, that my body may so rest during this night that my mind cease not to be awake to you, nor my heart faint or be overcome with torpor, preventing it from adhering steadfastly to the love of you. Cherwien [organ], Kerkorian [handbells], *Song: "All People that on Earth Do Dwell" (st. 1-4) PH 220, PsH 100, RL 120, SFL 10, TH 1, TWC 317, *Our Declaration of Trust and God's Greeting. The offertory "The Lord's My Shepherd" based on the tune "Evan" can be found in the organ collection "Chorale Preludes on Seven Hymn Tunes" by Gordon Young, published by Flammer HF-5002 [1960] (E). (616) 526-6088 worship@calvin.edu, On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, See our related website, Zeteo Preaching and Worship. demands my soul, my life, my all. All: And also with you. A free concert at the Calvin Chapel, this prelude to the 2012 Calvin Symposium on Worship featured The Psalm Project, a group of musicians from the Netherlands who have taken Genevan Psalm tunes from the 1500s and updated them with arrangements for piano, guitar, and strings. Prayers For Illumination - Powerful & Uplifting Words For Prayer We need the same, and in this service we emphasize that Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd always guides us on his paths. In whatever kind of study I engage, enable me to remember to keep its proper end in view, namely, to know you in Christ Jesus your Son; and may everything that I learn assist me to observe the right rule of godliness. And as there is ever some sin mixed up with our works, even when we desire to serve thee sincerely and from the heart, grant that all stains in our works may be so cleansed and washed away by the sacrifice of thy Son, that they may be to thee sacrifices of sweet odour, through the same, even Christ Jesus, who has so reconciled us to thee, as to obtain pardon even for our Guide me as I seek to serve You. (from Psalm 103), *Our Sung Prayer of Thanks: "Beautiful Savior" (st. 1, 4) PsH 461. Take note of the multiple Scripture readings. Amen. Prelude: "He Shall Feed His Flock," Handel, arranged by Dobrinski [handbells]| "Beside Still Waters," Starks [handbells] Or selections from "The Lord Is My Shepherd," Held [organ] or "Songs of the Shepherd," Carter [piano], *Song: "The Lord, My Shepherd, Rules My Life" PsH 23, SFL 201 st.1-2, All st. 3, Choir st. 4, All. And as I lay down to sleep to safely awake again only by your grace, keep me in a joyful, lively remembrance that whatever happens, I will someday know my final rising the resurrection because Jesus Christ lay down in death for me, and rose for my justification. A service plan for Lent on the strong assurance found in the grace of God that comes to us in Jesus Christ, viewing Christ as the fulfillment of the Shepherd-love of Psalm 23. Welcome to the collection of resources from The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992) owned by The United Methodist Publishing House. Oh Lord, let Your Words nourish us today and until the end of our lives. John Calvin recognized a close relationship between the Lord's Supper and the proclamation of the Word. Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows Prayer for Illumination . Be pleased therefore to infuse your Spirit into me, the Spirit of understanding, of truth, judgment, and prudence, lest my study be without success, and the labor of my teacher be in vain. Grant, Almighty God, that as thou dost train us up with so much diligence and assiduous care, and regard us as dear and precious like an hereditary vine, O grant, that we may not bring forth wild grapes, and that our fruit may not be bitter and unpleasant to thee, but that we may strive so to form our whole life in obedience to thy law, that all our actions and thoughts may be pleasant and sweet fruits to thee. The prelude music can be found in the following sources: The SATB anthem "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," arranged by John Ness Beck, is published by Beckenhorst BP1247 [1985] (E-M). Other choices about marriage, family life, work and business, ethics and morals, and so on should be included. A remarkable commentator on the book of Matthew and an extraordinary human being who I got to meet at Calvin's campus a few years ago named Dale Bruner says this passage is nothing less than Jesus' ordination of his disciples for worldwide ministry. Top Ten Worship Planning Ideas From John Calvin Life and Books and Everything: American History and the Historians Task with Wilfred McClay. Questions of the Last Week 6 Text: Matthew 21:10. Shedding Light on the Prayer for Illumination | Reformed Worship Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our diseases, yet we considered him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. The "prayers of the people" should have a very personal and pastoral tone for this service. save in the death of Christ, my God! Calvin the Liturgist: How 'Calvinist' is Your Church's Liturgy? Read more , Psalms in Worship The choir sings Psalm 23 and another reader (or pastor) reads John 10:11-18. Also available for FREE download inKindle .mobiandePub formats. And in all I do, help me to rest always in my Lord Jesus Christ and in his grace alone for my salvation and life Hear me, merciful Father, by our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. We believe that faithful proclamation of the gospel is what our hostile and disoriented world needs. A short prayer and reflection for preparing to hear the word in weekly worship. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. As you have been pleased to make your sun shine upon the earth to give us bodily light, grant the light of your Spirit to illumine my understanding and my heart. that were a present far too small. The Prayer of Application. (Hope Publishing Company) Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, I have fled unto you. Log in. Download The Prayer of Illumination: A Comparative Analysis into the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Life and Books and Everything: Whats Going Right in the Church? 104:27.). Be pleased at the same time to root out all vicious desires from my heart, and inspire it with an earnest desire of seeking you. May these prayers for safety bring you comfort and peace of mind. Amen.. O Lord Godwho has given man the night for rest, as you have created the day in which he may employ himself in laborgrant, I pray, that my body may so rest during this night that my mind cease not to be awake to you, nor my heart faint or be overcome with torpor, preventing it from adhering steadfastly to the love of you. Open my heart to love Him more and more. *Response: "The Lord, My Shepherd, Rules My Life" (st. 5). Amen. Grace, mercy, and peace to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God! Grant, Almighty God, that inasmuch as we are so disposed and inclined to all kinds of errors, to so many and so various forms of superstitions, and as Satan also ceases not to lay in wait for us, and spreads before us his many snares, O grant, that we may be so preserved in obedience to thee by the teaching of thy word, that we may never turn here and there, either to the right hand or to the left, but continue in that pure worship, which thou hast prescribed, so that we may plainly testify that thou art indeed our Father by continuing under the protection of thy only-begotten Son, whom thou hast given to be our pastor and ruler to the end. *The Gospel Reading: John 14:5-7 An enquiry is made into the liturgy of the Eucharist to look into the the prayer for illumination. Blessed are you, Lord God, King of all creation: You have taught us by your Word. Amen. Let me not think, or say, or do a single thing which tends not to your service and submission to your will, that thus all my actions may aim at your glory and the salvation of my brethren, while they are taught by my example to serve you. The prayer for illumination as laid out in the Eucharistic liturgy of the Mar Thoma Church is compared to the prayer for illumination in the Syrian liturgy and the . It is published by Flammer A-6164 [1984] (E). 'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied you; Jesus always guides us by his Word, his Spirit, and his daily discipline in our lives. Grant, Almighty God, that since thou continues daily to exhort us, and though thou sees us often turning aside from the right course, thou yet ceases not to stretch forth thy hand to us, and also to rouse us by reproofs, that we may repent, O grant, that we may not be permitted to reject thy word with such perverseness as thou condemnest here in thine ancient people by the mouth of thy Prophet; but rule us by thy Spirit, that we may meekly and obediently submit to thee, and with such teachableness, that if we have not hitherto been willing to become wise, we may not at least be incurable, but suffer thee to heal our diseases, so that we may truly repent, and be so wholly given to obey thee, as never to attempt any thing beyond the rule of thy word, and without that wisdom which thou hast revealed to us, not only by Moses and thy Prophets, but also by thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.