MORNING PRAYER THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 9 AUGUST 2020

‘The Sea of Galilee’, Eugene Delacroix, c. 1850.

HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL, WANGARATTA

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK In the darkness of our world and through the storms of life, O God, you are with your people in the presence of Jesus your Son. Calm our fears and strengthen our faith that we may never doubt his presence among us but proclaim that he is your Son. We ask in the name of the One whom wind and wave obey, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. HYMN LIGHT OF THE MINDS THAT KNOW HIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqPuqyFCYpw

1 Light of the minds that know him, may Christ be light to mine! My sun in risen splendour, my light of truth divine; my guide in doubt and darkness, my true and living way, my clear light ever shining, my dawn of heaven's day.

2 Life of the souls that love him, may Christ be ours indeed! The living Bread from heaven on whom our spirits feed; who died for love of sinners to bear our guilty load, and make of life's journey a new Emmaus road.

3 Strength of the wills that serve him, may Christ be strength to me, who stilled the storm and tempest, who calmed the tossing sea; his Spirit's power to move me, his will to master mine, his cross to carry daily and conquer in his sign.

4 May it be ours to know him that we may truly love, and loving, fully serve him as serve the saints above; till in that home of glory with fadeless splendour bright, we serve in perfect freedom our strength, our life, our light.

Timothy Dudley-Smith © 1984 by Hope Publishing Co. Based on a prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118.24 Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit: as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.

The Opening Canticle, A Song of Triumph is said

O come, let us sing out to the Lord: let us shout in triumph to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his face with thanksgiving: and cry out to him joyfully in psalms.

For the Lord is a great God: and a great king above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth: and the peaks of the mountains are his also.

The sea is his and he made it: his hands moulded dry land.

Come, let us worship and bow down: and kneel before the Lord our maker.

For he is the Lord our God: we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Today if only you would hear his voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts as Israel did in the wilderness;

‘When your forebears tested me: put me to proof though they had seen my works.

‘Forty years long I loathed that generation and said: “It is a people who err in their hearts, for they do not know my ways”;

‘Of whom I swore in my wrath: “They shall not enter my rest.”’ Psalm 95

The Opening Prayer As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

CONFESSION A pause for self-examination is taken before the confession is said.

God of all mercy, we humbly admit that we need your help. We have wandered from your way. We have sinned in thought, word and deed, and have failed to do what is right. You alone can save us. Have mercy on us, wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others. Bring forth in us the fruit of your Spirit that we may live the new life to your glory. This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the perfect offering for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Psalm 105.1-6, 16-22

1 O give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name: tell among the peoples what things he has done.

2 Sing to him, O sing praises: and be telling of all his marvellous works.

3 Exult in his holy name: and let those that seek the Lord be joyful in heart.

4 Seek the Lord and his strength: O seek his face continually.

5 Call to mind what wonders he has done: his marvellous acts, and the judgements of his mouth,

6 O seed of Abraham his servant: O children of Jacob his chosen one.

16 Then he called down a famine on the land: and destroyed the bread that was their stay. 17 But he had sent a man ahead of them: Joseph who was sold into slavery,

18 Whose feet they fastened with fetters: and thrust his neck into a hoop of iron.

19 Till the time that his words proved true: he was tested by the Lord’s command.

20 Then the king sent and loosed him: the ruler of nations set him free;

21 He made him master of his household: and ruler over all his possessions,

22 To rebuke his officers at will: and to teach his counsellors wisdom. or Psalm 105:1-15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Teym4xtXk

Lord God, whose blessed Son rose in triumph and set us free: grant us the fullness of life he promised us, that through the Holy Spirit our hearts may possess him whom our eyes cannot see, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FIRST READING Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 A reading from the book of Genesis Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them." He answered, "Here I am." So he said to him, "Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me."So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, "What are you seeking?" "I am seeking my brothers," he said; "tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock." The man said, "They have gone away, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, "Let us not take his life." Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him" --that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

HYMN LEAD US, HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mowhHHgFWcc

1 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us O'er the world's tempestuous sea; Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, For we have no help but thee; Yet possessing every blessing If our God our Father be.

2 Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us, All our weakness thou dost know; Thou didst tread this earth before us, Thou didst feel its keenest woe; Self denying, death defying, Thou to Calvary didst go.

3 Spirit of our God, descending, Fill our hearts with heavenly joy; Love with every passion blending, Pleasure that can never cloy; Thus provided, pardoned, guided, Nothing can our peace destroy.

James Edmeston (1821) SECOND READING Matthew 14:22-36 A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

May your word live in us, and bear much fruit to your glory.

SERMON

The Canticle, The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) is said,

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel: who has come to his people and set them free.

The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour: born of the house of his servant David.

Through the holy prophets, God promised of old: to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,

To show mercy to our forebears: and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear: holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.

And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation: by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God: the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death: and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1.68–79

HYMN PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyp4_tctgJg

1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation; O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation: Come ye who hear, Brothers and sisters draw near, Praise him in glad adoration.

2 Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth, Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth: Hast thou not seen All that is needful hath been Granted in what he ordaineth?

3 Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work, and defend thee; Surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee; Ponder anew All the Almighty can do, He who with love doth befriend thee.

4 Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging, Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging, Biddeth them cease, Turneth their fury to peace, Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.

5 Praise to the Lord, who when darkness of sin is abounding, Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding, Sheddeth his light, Chaseth the horrors of night, Saints with his mercy surrounding.

6 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that hath life and breath come now with praises before him! Let the Amen Sound from his people again: Gladly for ay we adore him.

Joachim Neander (1680); Tr. Catherine Winkworth (1863)

The Apostles’ Creed is said. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

The Collect of the Day Mighty God and ruler of all creation, give new strength to our faith, that we may recognise your presence even when all hope seems lost. Help us to face all trials with serenity as we walk with Christ through the stormy seas of life and come at the last to your eternal peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CHORAL MUSIC

‘Christ the Glory’, Jean Francois Lallouette https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImsyQUj3UFg

‘Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’, Michael Praetorius https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLuzlaGRaJ8

‘In Thee O Lord’, Joseph Haydn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NEDM92SDFQ

‘Out of the Deep’, Thomas Morley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaIJ-8saESk

Intercessions Most merciful God, we bring to you our prayers for those caught in war and conflict; for victims of disasters and disease, especially those places still struggling with the coronavirus pandemic. We pray for governments and policy makers, for first-line responders and those seeking to create a vaccine. As you came to your disciples in the midst of a storm, come today to your people tossed about in the tempests of life, that we may take heart from your presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful God, we bring to you our prayers for your church: in places where it faces persecution and for places where it is in need of reform and renewal. Within the Anglican Church of Australia, we pray today for the Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn, for Diocesan Bishop Mark Short, and for the bishops, clergy and people of that Diocese. We pray for St. Saviour’s Cathedral Goulburn, for the Dean the Very Rev’d Phillip Saunders and for the clergy and people of that Cathedral. Within our won Diocese we pray for our Bishop, Clarence, and today for the Parochial District of Beechworth, for Priest-in-Charge Canon Thomas Leslie, Deacon Sue Hall and for the congregations of Christ Church Beechworth and St Jude’s Eldorado. Merciful God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful God, we bring to you our prayers for this community: for those who work in the hospitals and aged care homes of our community; and for our police, CFA, ambulance and emergency workers in our community during these uncertain and anxious times. As you came to your disciples in the midst of a storm, come today to those tossed about in the tempests of life, that we may draw strength from your presence. Merciful God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful God, we bring to you our prayers for all who are in need: for those without family and friends; for all who mourn the loss of loved ones. For those who are afraid, confused and without hope; for the sick and all who care for them and for all on our parish list of prayer: for Bill Salisbury, Penny Kenny, Joanne Steel, Gwen Pritchard, Dorothy Gibson, Greg Hynard, Matthew Dykes, Heather, Sonya, Patrick French, Sylvia Noon, Robyn, David, Marj Hoysted, Bronwyn Binks and Kimberley. As you came to your disciples in the midst of a storm, come today to those tossed about in the tempests of life, that our terrors may be calmed by your presence. Merciful God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful God, we bring our prayers to you for all who have died in the faith: for those who have who have gone before us and have now found their rest in you. As you came to your disciples in the midst of a storm, come to us when we are tossed about in the tempests of life, that, with your faithful people of every age, we may find in you everlasting peace and joy. Merciful God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed; guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13.14

HYMN NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP1_dpXeVfg

1 Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, In whom his world rejoices; Who from our mother's arms Hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours to-day.

2 O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts And blessèd peace to cheer us; And keep us in his grace, And guide us when perplexed, And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

3 All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son, and him who reigns With them in highest heaven, The One eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore. Amen.

Martin Rinkart (1636); Tr. Catherine Winkworth (1863)

ORGAN POSTLUDE ‘Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’, BuxWV 184 Dieterich Buxtehude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_JgV-OWWS0

The Service is adapted from ‘Daily Prayer – Sunday Morning’ from A Prayer Book for Australia 1995, published under the imprint Broughton Books. © The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. Hymns reproduced under Licence CCLI 496826