Author: Ben

This is Ordinary Time, Proper 6. As always, our Scripture readings and general order come from the Book of Common Prayer (1979) Daily Office. We’ll sing “I Need You, Lord” by me throughout today’s time of prayer. We’ll read Psalm 20 followed by the Gloria Patri. Our Lesson is Mark 4:26-34. We’ll say the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Collect of the Day. We’ll then have a time of prompted prayer. If you have a prayer request please submit it at http://benwardmusic.com/prayerrequest. If you’d like to be on the email list visit http://benwardmusic.com/email. Visit https://patreon.com/morningprayer to give and support Morning Prayer! Painting by unidentified artist. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/diglib-fulldisplay.pl?SID=2021061269712436&code=ACT&RC=55890&Row=6 Ordinary Time, Proper 6 I Need You, LordBen Ward I need You, LordMore than I need the air I’m breathing, LordMy heart cries out to youThe One who made me and gave me lifeI drink Your living waterI need You, LordMore than the very life in me And only You can satisfyAll other water left me dryAnd now I’m looking in Your eyeJesus, fill meAnd heal my broken heart Prayer of Confession Most merciful God,we confess that we have sinned against youin 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. Psalm 20 1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *  the Name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 Send you help from his holy place *  and strengthen you out of Zion; 3 Remember all your offerings *  and accept your burnt sacrifice; 4 Grant you your heart’s desire *  and prosper all your plans. 5 We will shout for joy at your victory  and triumph in the Name of our God; *  may the Lord grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *  he will answer him out of his holy heaven,  with the victorious strength of his right hand. 7 Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *  but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God. 8 They collapse and fall down, *  but we will arise and stand upright. 9 O Lord, give victory to the king *  and answer us when we call. Mark 4:26-34 (NRSV) Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spiritand born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again.He ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again 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 Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy Name,thy kingdom come,thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen. Collect of the DayProper 6, Rite Two Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The grace of our 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)