OPENING SENTENCES

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

CONFESSION OF SIN

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Silence for reflection

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lord, open our lips. *
And our mouths shall proclaim your praise!

MORNING PSALM
PSALM 25

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.

Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.

Gracious and upright is the LORD; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.

All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For your Name's sake, O LORD, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.

Who are they who fear the LORD? *
he will teach them the way that they should choose.

They shall dwell in prosperity, *
and their offspring shall inherit the land.

The LORD is a friend to those who fear him *
and will show them his covenant.

My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and have pity on me, *
for I am left alone and in misery.

The sorrows of my heart have increased; *
bring me out of my troubles.

Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.

Look upon my enemies, for they are many, *
and they bear a violent hatred against me.

Protect my life and deliver me; *
let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.

Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.

Lord our God, you show us your ways of compassion and love, and you spare sinners. Remember not our sins; relieve our misery; satisfy the longing of your people; and fulfill all our hopes for eternal peace through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning
is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

MORNING SONG

Wisdom and Grace by Bifrost Arts Music

MORNING LESSONS

For those not receiving Evening Prayer Emails, the lectionary OT & NT Lessons for today are 2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7; James 2:1-13.

MARK 14:53-65

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’”But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

Silence for reflection

CONCLUDING PRAYER

This week, pray especially for:

the many suffering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Harvey and from the monsoon in South Asia; for those who have lost their homes and possessions; for the rescue and aid workers; for the churches and shelters providing relief and resources
our students, teachers, and administrators in our city schools as they begin this week
our community groups and leaders; that they might be places to experience God's friendship with us

Conclude with the Lord's Prayer and/or the following Collect:

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. *
Thanks be to God!