Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity - 2017

{If our weekly prayer reminders, Psalter selection and Scripture reading have blessed you, take a look at our website: http://orderofcenturions.org/ . We are a fellowship of Christians who have been in the military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, etc. who our bound together around Jesus Christ the Lord. Consider joining our Order.}

The Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.161-168

Principes persecuti sunt

161. PRINCES have persecuted me without a cause : but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

162. I am as glad of thy word : as one that findeth great spoils.

163. As for lies, I hate and abhor them : but thy law do I love.

164. Seven times a day do I praise thee : because of thy righteous judgements.

165. Great is the peace that they have who love thy law : and they are not offended at it.

166. Lord, I have looked for thy saving health : and done after thy commandments.

167. My soul hath kept thy testimonies : and loved them exceedingly.

168. I have kept thy commandments and testimonies : for all my ways are before thee.

The Collect.

GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 59.15b-21

Psalter: Psalm 120, 121, 122 | 133, 134, 135

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 6.10-20

Gospel Reading: St. John 4.46-54

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity21_chrysostom_ephesians_6-14thru17.html

All Saints' Day - 2017

All Saints’ Day

The Collect

O almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the beginning of morning prayer and for an anthem at communion:
The Lord is glorious in his saints; * O come, let us adore him

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 26.1-21

Psalter: Psalm 116

Epistle Reading: Revelation 7.2-17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5.1-12

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/allsaints_09.html

Hymn: “For All the Saints” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OaBgaMcOvM

Personal: Since that great cloud of witnesses includes many who are not remembered by feast days – such as faithful mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, mentors, grandparents, etc. I would like to recommend adding – as you see fit – this adaptation of a collect for a saint’s day and maybe include the memory of other Christians who have since gone, but who had an impact on your faith and life:

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast called us to faith in thee, and hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses; Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of thy Saints, and especially of thy servant [——], may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through thy mercy, we, with them, attain to thine eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity; Victory of Sax Ruba (27 Oct); St. Simon and St. Jude (28 Oct) - 2017

The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.153-160

Vide humilitatem

153. O CONSIDER mine adversity, and deliver me : for I do not forget thy law.

154. Avenge thou my cause, and deliver me : quicken me, according to thy word.

155. Health is far from the ungodly : for they regard not thy statutes.

156. Great is thy mercy, O Lord : quicken me, as thou art wont.

157. Many there are that trouble me, and persecute me : yet do I not swerve from thy testimonies.

158. It grieveth me when I see the transgressors : because they keep not thy law.

159. Consider, O Lord, how I love thy commandments : O quicken me, according to thy loving-kindness.

160. Thy word is true from everlasting : all the judgements of thy righteousness endure for evermore.

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully* accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{*the 1549 BCP has, “may with free hearts accomplish…”}

Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 9.4-10

Psalter: Psalm 116, 117 | 118, 83

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 5.15-21

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 22.1-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity20_08.html

27 October

The Victory at Saxa Ruba

Here is the link for the Collect and readings: http://orderofcenturions.org/ihsv.html

28 October

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles

Psalm 68.1-11

Exurgat Deus

LET God arise, and let his enemies be scattered : let them also that hate him flee before him.

2. Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away : and like as wax melteth at the fire, so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.

3. But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God : let them also be merry and joyful.

4. O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his Name : magnify him that rideth upon the heavens, as it were upon an horse; praise him in his Name JAH, and rejoice before him.

5. He is a father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows : even God in his holy habitation.

6. He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house, and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity : but letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.

7. O God, when thou wentest forth before the people : when thou wentest through the wilderness;

8. The earth shook, and the heavens dropped at the presence of God : even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God, who is the God of Israel.

9. Thou, O God, sentest a gracious rain upon thine inheritance : and refreshedst it when it was weary.

10. Thy congregation shall dwell therein : for thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared for the poor.

11. The Lord gave the word : great was the company of the preachers.

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head cornerstone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 28.9-16

Psalter: Psalm 118

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 2.17-22

Gospel Reading: St. John 15.17-27

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/simon_jude.html#homily

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

Psalm 119.145-152

Clamavi in toto corde meo

145 I CALL with my whole heart : hear me, O Lord, I will keep thy statutes.

146 Yea, even unto thee do I call : help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

147 Early in the morning do I cry unto thee : for in thy word is my trust.

148 Mine eyes prevent the night-watches : that I might be occupied in thy words.

149 Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto thy loving-kindness : quicken me, according as thou art wont.

150 They draw nigh that of malice persecute me : and are far from thy law.

151 Be thou nigh at hand, O Lord : for all thy commandments are true.

152 As concerning thy testimonies, I have known long since : that thou hast grounded them for ever.

The Collect

O GOD, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant, that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Note the change from the 1549 BCP: "O GOD, for asmuche as without thee, we are not able to please thee; Graunte that the workyng of thy mercie maye in all thynges directe and rule our heartes; Through Jesus Christ our Lorde.")

Old Testament: Job 24.1-17
Psalter: 114, 115 | 107, 70
Epistle: Ephesians 4.17-32
Gospel: St. Matthew 9.1-8

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity19_07.html

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity; Feast of St. Luke; Labarum Guard - 2017

{If our weekly prayer reminders, Psalter selection and Scripture reading have blessed you, take a look at our website: http://orderofcenturions.org/ . We are a fellowship of Christians who have been in the military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, etc. who our bound together around Jesus Christ the Lord. Consider joining our Order.}

The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.137-144

Justus es, Domine

RIGHTEOUS art thou, O Lord : and true is thy judgement.

138. The testimonies that thou hast commanded : are exceeding righteous and true.

139. My zeal hath even consumed me : because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

140. Thy word is tried to the uttermost : and thy servant loveth it.

141. I am small, and of no reputation : yet do I not forget thy commandments.

142. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness : and thy law is the truth.

143. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me : yet is my delight in thy commandments.

144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting : O grant me understanding, and I shall live.

The Collect.

LORD, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Amos 8.4-12

Psalter: Psalm 111, 112 | 106, 69

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.4-9

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 22.34-46

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity18_chrysostom_corinthians1-4.html

Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist (18 October): http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/luke.html

Labarum Guard: http://www.orderofcenturions.org/labarum_guard/

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity - 2017

{If our weekly prayer reminders, Psalter selection and Scripture reading have blessed you, take a look at our website: http://orderofcenturions.org/ . We are a fellowship of Christians who have been in the military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, etc. who our bound together around Jesus Christ the Lord. Consider joining our Order.}

The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.129-136

Mirabilia

129. THY testimonies are wonderful : therefore doth my soul keep them.

130. When thy word goeth forth : it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.

131. I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath : for my delight was in thy commandments.

132. O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me : as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.

133. Order my steps in thy word : and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.

134. O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men : and so shall I keep thy commandments.

135. Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant : and teach me thy statutes.

136. Mine eyes gush out with water : because men keep not thy law.

The Collect.

LORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always *prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*N.B. In older use prevent meant: to act ahead of; forestall; to precede; to anticipate.

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 13.15-21

Psalter: Psalm 91, 92 | 105, 60

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 4.1-6

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 14.1-11

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity17_071.html

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity - 2017

The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.121-128

Feci judicium

121. I DEAL with the thing that is lawful and right : O give me not over unto mine oppressors.

122. Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good : that the proud do me no wrong.

123. Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health : and for the word of thy righteousness.

124. O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy : and teach me thy statutes.

125. I am thy servant, O grant me understanding : that I may know thy testimonies.

126. It is time for thee, Lord to lay to thine hand : for they have destroyed thy law.

127. For I love thy commandments : above gold and precious stone.

128. Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments : and all false ways I utterly abhor.

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 12

Psalter: Psalm 98, 99 | 89, 59

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 3.8-21

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 7.11-17

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity16_08.html

If our weekly prayer reminders, Psalter selection and Scripture reading have blessed you, take a look at our website: http://orderofcenturions.org/ . We are a fellowship of Christians who have been in the military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, who our bound together around Jesus Christ the Lord.

Saint Michael and All Angels (29 September 2017)

Saint Michael and All Angels

{29 September}

Psalm 113

Laudate, pueri

PRAISE the Lord, ye servants : O praise the Name of the Lord.

2. Blessed be the Name of the Lord : from this time forth for evermore.

3. The Lord’s Name is praised : from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.

4. The Lord is high above all heathen and his glory above the heavens.

5. Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high : and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?

6. He taketh up the simple out of the dust : and lifteth the poor out of the mire;

7. That he may set him with the princes : even with the princes of his people.

8. He maketh the barren woman to keep house : and to be a joyful mother of children.

Collect

Everlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order; Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Daniel 12.1-3

Psalter: Psalm 103

Epistle Reading: Revelation 12.7-12

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 18.1-10

The Feast of St. Michael this year is the 14^th anniversary of our Order: http://orderofcenturions.org/history.html

The Feast of St. Michael is a good time to prayerfully reflect on our Vows we have taken: http://orderofcenturions.org/vow.html

Finally, here is the Prayer of the Order:

Almighty God, our sovereign Lord, who called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles, who healed the servant at Capernaum in accordance with the Centurion's great faith, and who inspired the Centurion at Calvary to glorify Jesus; strengthen us in our faith that we might follow their example to love, serve, and glorify you as faithful members of the Church Militant, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

***The State of the Order Letter for 2017 is available. If you haven't received it via email or Facebook please let me know and I will make sure you receive it. Primus Pilus II

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity - 2017

The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.113-120

Iniquos odio habui

113. I HATE them that imagine evil things : but thy law do I love.

114. Thou art my defence and shield : and my trust is in thy word.

115. Away from me, ye wicked : I will keep the commandments of my God.

116. O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live : and let me not be disappointed of my hope.

117. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe : yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.

118. Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes : for they imagine but deceit.

119. Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross : therefore I love thy testimonies.

120. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee : and I am afraid of thy judgements.

The Collect.

KEEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy: and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 7.6-13

Psalter: Psalm 97, 98 | 79, 80

Epistle Reading: Galatians 6.11-18

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 6.24-34

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity15_08.html

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity; Autumn Ember Days; St. Matthew - 2017

The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.105-112

Lucerna pedibus meis

105. THY word is a lantern unto my feet : and a light unto my paths.

106. I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed : to keep thy righteous judgements.

107. I am troubled above measure : quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.

108. Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord : and teach me thy judgements.

109. My soul is always in my hand : yet do I not forget thy law.

110. The ungodly have laid a snare for me : but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.

111. Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever : and why? they are the very joy of my heart.

112. I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway : even unto the end.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Micah 6.1-8

Psalter: Psalm 84, 85 | 74

Epistle Reading: Galatians 5.16-24

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 17.11-19

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity14_08.html

Autumn Ember Days

http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/ember.html

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

[September 21]

O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist; Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches, and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 3.1-6

Psalter: Psalm 119.1-16

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 4.1-6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9.9-17

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/matthew.html#homily

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity - 2017

The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Quomodo dilexi!

Psalm 119.97-104

97. LORD, what love have I unto thy law : all the day long is my study in it.

98. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies : for they are ever with me.

99. I have more understanding than my teachers : for thy testimonies are my study.

100. I am wiser than the aged : because I keep thy commandments.

101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way : that I may keep thy word.

102. I have not shrunk from thy judgements : for thou teachest me.

103. O how sweet are thy words unto my throat : yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.

104. Through thy commandments I get understanding : therefore I hate all evil ways.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service ; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

***Here is the 1549: “ALMYGHTIE and mercyfull God, of whose onely gifte it cometh that thy faythfull people doe unto thee true and laudable service; graunte we beseche thee, that we may so runne to thy heavenly promises, that we faile not finally to attayne the same; through Jesus Christe our Lorde.”

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 24.10-22

Psalter: Psalm 81, 82 | 73

Epistle Reading: Galatians 3.16-22

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 10.23-37

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity13_08.html

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity - 2017

The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.89-96

In aeternum. Domine

89. O LORD, thy word : endureth for ever in heaven.

90. Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another : thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91. They continue this day according to thine ordinance : for all things serve thee.

92. If my delight had not been in thy law : I should have perished in my trouble.

93. I will never forget thy commandments : for with them thou hast quickened me.

94. I am thine, O save me : for I have sought thy commandments.

95. The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me : but I will consider thy testimonies.

96. I see that all things come to an end : but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire, or deserve; Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 29.18-24

Psalter: Psalm 76, 77 | 71, 72

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 3.1-9

Gospel Reading: St. Mark 7.31-37

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity12_07.html