Collect for Good Friday
Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast willed that Thy Son should bear for us the pains of the cross that Thou mightest remove from us the power of the Adversary: help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord’s Passion, that we may obtain remission of sins and redemption from everlasting death; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book
Collect for Palmarum
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility: mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book
Gregorian Chant Retreat
Rev. Michael Henson of Trinity Lutheran Church in Herrin, Illinois, is hosting a Gregorian Chant Retreat May 29-31, 2012, with a theme of “Chanting is Sanctification.” The retreat will take place at Camp Manitowa in southern Illinois (near Benton). Using The Brotherhood Prayer Book, participants will enjoy three days of teaching and praying the Daily Office in the tranquility of the woods. See this brochure for contact and registration information.
Reminder: Lent Sale, Beichtspiegel, and Eastertide cards
As a reminder, here is what’s new during Lent from Emmanuel Press:
- Free download of the Beichtspiegel (confession mirror) published in The Brotherhood Prayer Book. A Beichtspiegel is a tool used for reflection and self-examination in preparation for private confession and absolution or for the Divine Service.
- Through April 6, there is a 20% off sale on The Brotherhood Prayer Book, the BPB Text Edition, and the accompanying CD with over 450 tracks of Gregorian chant. The Brotherhood Prayer Book includes the Beichtspiegel along with services for the day (Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vepsers, and Compline), the entire Psalter, and daily propers.
- Share Easter greetings in a unique way. Our Eastertide card features theologically rich, original artwork (by Lutheran artist Edward Riojas) depicting Jesus’ victory over the grave. Our Crucifixion notecard features German artwork along with a verse from Luther’s “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.”
Meditation on Reminiscere from Valerius Herberger
Corresponding with this Sunday’s Gospel text: Matthew 15: 21-28
“Let it be to you as you wish.”
With these words He sets a threefold crown on her faith. If you desire blessings from heaven, you shall have it; if you desire earthly blessings they shall not be denied you; if you desire protection from the gates of hell, take comfort, it shall always be Yes and Amen.
O Son of David, our Lord, who had mercy upon the woman of Canaan and rescued her daughter from her great torment, remain with us in all frightful seasons and torments, preserve us steadfast in faith and prayer, and finally in our last hour, let us hear those beautiful words, “O man, your faith is great, let it be to you as you wish. Amen! Amen!”
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This meditation is a recently translated excerpt from Geistliche Herzens Lust und Freude für betende Christen [The Heart’s Spiritual Joy and Delight: Christian Devotions and Prayers from the writings of the blessed Valerius Herberger for all Sundays and Feasts of the Church Year], J.J. Weigel ed. Erlangen, Germany, 1863.
The Brotherhood Prayer Book: Ember Wednesday
Antiphon for Magnificat: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly: so shall the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth.
Collect: We beseech Thee O Lord: that Thou wouldst graciously hear our prayers, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to be our defence against all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book, corresponding with Wednesday’s Gospel reading: Matthew 12:38-50.
The Brotherhood Prayer Book: Quinquagesima
Antiphon for Magnificat:
And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him, and asked him, saying: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he made answer: Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved thee: And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book, corresponding with this Sunday’s Gospel reading: Luke 18: 31-43.
The Magnificat is the chief hymn for the order of Vespers. Mary’s Song has always held a special place in the worship of the Church. She, a type of the Church, gives voice to the community of saints that have the indwelliing of Christ by faith. The Magnificat’s antiphon carries the weekly theme as it is contained in Sunday’s Gospel text. We are providing the Antiphon for your devotional edification, so that you can add the Magnificat to your weekly devotion and echo the theme for the week.
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Collect: O Lord, we beseech Thee: mercifully hear our prayers, and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Brotherhood Prayer Book: Sexagesima
Antiphon for Magnificat:
Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables, said Jesus unto His disciples.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book, corresponding with this Sunday’s Gospel reading: Luke 8:4-15.
The Magnificat is the chief hymn for the order of Vespers. Mary’s Song has always held a special place in the worship of the Church. She, a type of the Church, gives voice to the community of saints that have the indwelliing of Christ by faith. The Magnificat’s antiphon carries the weekly theme as it is contained in Sunday’s Gospel text. We are providing the Antiphon for your devotional edification, so that you can add the Magnificat to your weekly devotion and echo the theme for the week.
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Collect: O God, who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do: mercifully grant that by Thy power, we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Brotherhood Prayer Book: Septuagesima
Antiphon for Magnificat:
The householder saith unto the labourers, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. Go ye also into the vineyard: and whatsoever is right, I will give you.
–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book, corresponding with this Sunday’s Gospel reading: Matthew 20:1-16.
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Collect: O Lord, we beseech Thee: favorably to hear the prayers of Thy people, that we, who are justly punished for our offenses, may be mercifully delivered by Thy goodness, for the glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Brotherhood Prayer Book: Hymn for Transfiguration
An image of that heavenly light,
The goal the Church keeps ay in sight,
Christ on the holy mount displays
Where He outshines the sun’s bright rays.
Let every age proclaimer be
How, on this day, the chosen three
With Moses and Elias heard
The Lord speak many a gracious word.
As witnesses to grace are nigh
Those twain, the Law and Prophecy;
And to the Son, from out the cloud,
The Father’s record thunders loud.
With garments whiter than the snows,
And shining face, Lord Jesus shows
What glory for those saints shall be
Who joy in God with piety.
The vision and the mystery
Make faithful hearts beat quick and high,
So on this solemn day of days
The cry goes up of prayer and praise.
O God the Father, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
Vouchsafe to bring us, by Thy grace,
To see Thy glory face to face. Amen.
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Caelestis formam gloriae, 15th century, translated by R. E. Roberts