In Earnest Prayer

Reflecting on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: One Day after Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 17:1-7, 15

Old Testament: Genesis 31:22-42

Epistle: Romans 1:8-15

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:1-10

Epistle: Romans 1:8-15

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Prayer

Through dreams and visions, O God, you broaden the horizon and hope of your people, that they may discover the meaning of your covenant, even in the midst of trial and exile. Increase the number of those who believe in your word so that all people may joyfully respond to your call and share in your promises. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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Reflection

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;

    give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.

From you let my vindication come;

    let your eyes see the right.

If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,

    if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;

    my mouth does not transgress.

As for what others do, by the word of your lips

    I have avoided the ways of the violent.

My steps have held fast to your paths;

    my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

    incline your ear to me; hear my words.

Wondrously show your steadfast love,

    O savior of those who seek refuge

    from their adversaries at your right hand (Psalm 17:1-7, 15).

In earnest prayer, my soul takes flight,

Seeking refuge in the depths of the night.

To you, O Lord, my cries ascend,

Hear my plea, on you I depend.

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In righteousness, I lay my case,

Let justice shine upon my face.

From wicked tongues and deceitful arts,

Guard me, O God, in your loving heart.

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You are the One in whom I trust,

My rock, my shield, when doubts adjust.

As I walk through trials and strife,

Lead me, O Lord, to the path of life.

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I call upon your grace divine,

For you, O God, my soul incline.

With steadfast steps, I seek your face,

Guided by your unfailing grace.

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The wicked strive to bring me low,

But with you, my feet shall never go.

Keep me, O Lord, from snares they lay,

In your presence, I shall stay

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Your tender mercies fill my heart,

In your embrace, I find a fresh start.

I'll awaken with joy in the morn,

For in your likeness, I am reborn.

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Forevermore, my soul delights,

In your presence, I take new heights.

With you, O Lord, I find repose,

In your embrace, my spirit glows.

PRAYER: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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