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Notable Feast Days this Week:

September 12 - Ailbhe of Emly, Irish Bishop, 526
September 13 - John Chrysostom, 407 (RC Calendars)
September 14 - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
(Eastern and Western Calendars)
September 16 - Cyprian of Carthage, 258

Liturgical Color - Green

Revised Common Lectionary

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Psalm 79:1-9
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13

Forward

-- The Eighteenth Sunday in Trinitytide -- September 18, 2016

God Draws Us Near
"Even in the depths of grief (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1) we can trust the Lord to draw near to us (Psalm 113). Jesus gave himself as a ransom for many (1 Timothy 2:1-7); in return, we are to be thankful for the forgiveness of sins, great and small, and serve him faithfully (Luke 16:1-13)."
- Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional

On September 14th many Christian traditions will mark the celebration of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This feast day is common in both Western and Eastern traditions. It marks the rich biblical and theological tradition behind Jesus' references to his body being "lifted up" during his crucifixion. The meaning of this symbolic image is embedded throughout Scripture and serves as a powerful anchor for reflecting on the depths of God's atonement through Christ. Consider wearing a cross necklace this week as a sign of our union with Christ through his death on a cross. Also, take a few minutes to reflect on these passages and their connection to Christ's passion: Isaiah 52:13, John 3:13-15, Numbers, 21:4-9, and Galatians 3:13.

New Weekly Resource!

Daily Prayer Form
for Children and Families
(View and Download)

Psalms of the Week

Scripture Readings

Psalm 79:1-9

"O God, the nations have invaded
your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple...
They have left the dead bodies of your servantsas food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild...How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever?
How long will your jealousy burn like fire?"

Psalm 113

"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens..."

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The Lord laments over Judah
Amos 8:4-7
Warnings to those who trample the needy
1 Timothy 2:1-7
One God, one mediator, Christ Jesus
Luke 16:1-13
Serving God or wealth

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year

Chronological

Note: The daily readings will be designated as the week marked for Proper 19,
or The Seventeenth Week of/after Pentecost.

Psalm 113 and 79 Spotify Playlists

Singing Psalms and Hymns

From All That Dwell (Doxology) - Words by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) and Thomas Ken (1637-1711); Music by Alex Mejias, 2011 | Leadsheet | Guitar Capo

Lift High the Cross - by George William Kitchin, 1887 | Leadsheet | Full Score for Organ and Brass | More Info

Psalm 113 (Who is like the Lord our God?) - Music by Bruce Benedict and Wendall Kimbrough | Chords | Leadsheet | Lyrics

Psalm 113 (Simple Psalm Tone) | Leadsheet

Psalm 79 Metrical Option (Tune: Passion Chorale)

Psalm 113 Metrical Option (Tunes: Beecher, Hyfrydol)

Psalm 79 and 113 (Anglican Chant) in the Anglican Chant Psalter

Psalm 113 Themed Worship Service from The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Resources for Pointed Chant

Read about "Several Ways to Sing the Psalms"

Practicing Prayer

Almighty Father, who hast given Thine only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification, grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve Thee in truth and purity of life. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from The Book of Common Prayer)

Form for Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)

Form for Daily Prayer (View and Download)

Audio Prayer Meditation - Pray As You Go (Listen)

Daily Prayer Form for Children and Families (New!)

Commentary on Luke 16:1-13

"In the future, what excuse will we have if we are negligent and fail to gain a hundredfold in place of the little we have, the future in place of the present, the eternal in place of the temporary? What excuse will we have if we heedlessly lock our money behind doors and barricades, and we prefer to leave it lying idle? Instead, we should make it available to the needy now, so that in the future we may count on support from them. Remember that Scripture says, “Make friends with ill-gotten gains so that, when you go down in the world, they may welcome you into their eternal dwellings."

- John Chrysostom on Luke 16:1-3

More Historic Commentary (View and Download)

Music for Listening

Pre-order the new Psalms album from Wendell Kimbrough entitled "Psalms We Sing Together." Produced by Isaac Wardell (Bifrost Arts) and featuring a downloadable songbook! The full album will be released on September, 23rd. Check out four preview songs over at Wendell's Bandcamp page. Then head over to his website to check out tour dates and other releases.

A weekly Anglican Compline service from
St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, WA. Absolutely stunning!
Listen and subscribe to the podcast.

Nashotah House Seminary (Anglican) has started releasing recordings of their Choral Evensong and Matins services. Stream these and more on the Nashotah House Soundcloud page.

Thematic Art

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