Morning Prayer for Friday 7.3.26

Here is a link to our liturgy: Morning Prayer 7.3.26, Friday in Proper 8 | Daily Office Network

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:02

Good morning and welcome. I'm Father Tom Roy, the vicar of the Daily Office Network. I'm an ordained priest in the Episcopal Diocese in Minnesota. The Daily Office Network is a community of Christians who gather together on a daily basis Monday through Friday to pray morning prayer from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer. We mix in artwork, there's a news story, there's a video at the end. All are welcome here where we do our best to exercise tolerance and decency with one another. We also come from several different faith traditions in several different countries. Let's begin morning prayer. Today is the 3rd of July, 2026. In the life of the church, it is Friday and proper 8. It is also a civil holiday in the United States for most federal employees, and they get the day as a vacation day or a holiday. The Daily Office Network is podcasting. We post our edited service to Apple and Spotify. You can either download those by going to the links that are on this page, not when I'm displaying it, but when you are. Or you can search Daily Office Network on either one of those platforms. Let's begin. When we cry Abba, Father, it is that very spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, one historian is traveling 750 miles, mostly on foot, to remind Americans where that history has taken us. Anthony Cohen, pictured above, 62 years old, isn't the first person to make this trick. It's a path that was once part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes traversed by thousands of enslaved people who have escaped captivity and sought freedom in Canada. From America's 250th anniversary, for America's 250th anniversary, Cohen wanted to again bring the once treacherous journey into the spotlight. He chose another route, this one from Sandy Springs, Maryland, to Toronto, Canada. Cohen says he used a lot of historic maps and historical accounts to determine the route, which he calls the Freedom Walk. The trip is wound through Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. A lot of the journey has been on foot, but sometimes Cohen uses other forms of transportation. Any freedom movement is about putting one foot in front of the other and going for it, Cohen said. In the photograph above, the Harriet Tupman Journey to Freedom statue is accompanying Cohen on his walk. That's quite the large statue. Once again, and I think I said this at the beginning of the week. If we forget history, we tend to repeat it. Let's not forget this history. For such the Father seeks to worship him. Mother Gretchen, would you lead us in the invitatory in the Psalter this morning?

SPEAKER_03 3:24

Lord, open our lips.

SPEAKER_01 3:27

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

SPEAKER_03 3:30

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

SPEAKER_08 3:42

Come, let us sing to the Lord. Let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before God's presence with thanksgiving and raise to the Lord a shout with psalms. For you are a great God. You are great above all gods. In your hand are the caverns of the earth, and the heights of the hills are yours also. The sea is yours, for you made it, and your hands have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For you are God, and we are the people of your pasture, and the sheep of your hand. Oh, that today we would hearken to your voice.

SPEAKER_01 4:47

Thank you, Mother Gretchen. That was beautiful. Our psalms appointed for this morning are number 140 and number 142. And give me a second here. I want to choose somebody from the early service and somebody from the late service if I can here. Martha, would you start our psalm? And Cindy, would you join in and the two of you trade back and forth?

SPEAKER_12 5:12

Deliver me, O Lord, from evil to us. Protect me from devoulants.

SPEAKER_02 5:20

Who devise evil in their hearts and stir up strife all day long.

SPEAKER_12 5:28

Yeah, sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Address hours is under their lips.

SPEAKER_02 5:37

Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked. Protect me from the violent who are determined to trip me up.

SPEAKER_12 5:48

The pride have hit me a snare for me and stretch out a net of cords. You have set traps for me along the path.

SPEAKER_02 6:00

I have said to the Lord, You are my God, listen, O Lord, to my supplication.

SPEAKER_12 6:09

O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in a day of battle.

SPEAKER_02 6:19

Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O Lord, nor let their evil plans prosper.

SPEAKER_12 6:28

Let not those who surround me lift up their heads. Let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.

SPEAKER_02 6:38

Let hot burning coals fall upon them. Let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.

SPEAKER_12 6:48

A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, and evil shall come down the lawless.

SPEAKER_02 6:58

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor and render justice to the needy.

SPEAKER_12 7:07

Surely the Russians will give thanks to your name, and the upright shall continue in your sight.

SPEAKER_02 7:17

I cry to the Lord with my voice, to the Lord I make loud supplication.

SPEAKER_12 7:25

I pour out my complaint before you, O Lord, and tell you all my trouble.

SPEAKER_02 7:33

When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path. In the way wherein I walk, they have hidden a trap for me.

SPEAKER_12 7:53

I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.

SPEAKER_02 8:00

I cry out to you, O Lord. I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

SPEAKER_12 8:11

Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very good. Save me from those who pursue me, but they are too strong for me.

SPEAKER_02 8:24

Bring me out of prison that I may give thanks to your name. When you have dealt bountifully with me, the righteous will gather around me.

SPEAKER_12 8:39

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. Amen.

SPEAKER_01 8:53

Thank you, Martha and Cindy. That was a great reading. Well, when I saw the colors and the blending, I knew right away this was James J to so. This is from 1894. Balaam or Balaam prophesizes the glory of Israel. Our reading comes from Numbers chapter 24, verses 1 through 13. Morgan, would you lead this?

SPEAKER_00 9:33

So he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying, The oracle of Balaam, son of Baor, the oracle of the man whose eye is clear, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, but with eyes uncovered. How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel, like palm groves that stretch far away, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall have abundant water. His king shall be higher than Agog, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God who brings him out of Egypt is like the horns of a wild ox for him. He shall devour the nations that are his foes and break their bones. He shall strike with his arrows. He crouched, he lay down like a lion, and like a lioness, who will rouse him up? Blessed is everyone who blesses you. Cursed is everyone who curses you. Then Balach's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balach said to Balaam, I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times, and I'll be off with you. Go home. I said I will reward you richly, but the Lord has denied you any reward. And Balaam said to Balach, Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, if Balach should give me his house full of gold and silver, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord says, that is what I will say.

SPEAKER_01 11:46

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Thank you, Morgan. I think we heard him say that a couple times this week. That what the Lord says, that's what I'll say. Our first canticle is the second song of Isaiah. Scotty, would you lead this?

SPEAKER_04 12:04

Seek the Lord while he wills to be found. Call upon him when he draws near. Let the wicked forsake their ways, and the evil ones their thoughts. And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, and to our God, for he will richly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as rain and snow fall from the heavens, and return not again but water the earth, bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread for eating. So is my word that goes forth from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it will accomplish that which I have purposed, and prosper in that for which I sent it. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

SPEAKER_01 13:27

Thank you, Scotty. A comma, because God is still speaking. Our second reading is from Paul's letter to the Romans chapter 8, verses 12 through 17. Tony, would you lead this one?

SPEAKER_06 13:50

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh. Live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. If you do not receive a spirit of flavoring slavery, fall back into fear. But you have received a spirit of adoption. We cry, Abba, Father, it is that very spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children heirs, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ, if in fact we suffer with him, so we may also be glorified with him.

SPEAKER_01 14:48

Thanks be to God. Thank you, Tony. Our second canticle is a song to the lamb. Scotty, would you lead this one as well?

SPEAKER_04 15:01

Splendor and honor and kingly power are your spyright, O Lord our God, for you created everything that is, and by your will they were created and have their being, and your spy right, O lamb that was slain, for with your blood you have redeemed for God, from every family, language, people, and nation, a kingdom of priests who serve our God, and so to him who sits upon the throne, and to Christ the Lamb, be worship and praise, dominion and splendor forever and forevermore. Splendor and honor and kingly power are yours by right, O Lord our God.

SPEAKER_01 15:59

Thank you, Scotty. That was beautiful. This is a coin. This particular one is a replica and has a Caesar Augustus' head on it. Makes you wonder what our reading is going to be about from Matthew chapter 22, verses 15 through 22. Deacon Marge, would you lead this one?

SPEAKER_10 16:22

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that you are sincere and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one. For you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us then what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not? But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax. And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, Whose head is this and whose title? They answered, The Emperor's. Then he said to them, Give therefore to the Emperor the things that are the Emperor's, and to God the things that are God's. When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away. The word of the Lord.

SPEAKER_01 17:28

Thanks be to God. Thank you, Deacon. And now the Apostles' Creed, Maisie in St. Kitts, would you lead us in the creed?

SPEAKER_09 17:44

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 power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered on the point of spilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.

SPEAKER_01 18:31

Amen. Thank you, Macy. The prayers begin with our Lord's Prayer. Jacqueline in Toronto, would you lead us in the Lord's Prayer? And then we'll read the suffrages. The Lord be with you. And also with you.

SPEAKER_14 18:48

Let us pray. 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 forever.

SPEAKER_01 19:25

Amen. Help us, O God our Saviour.

SPEAKER_14 19:30

Deliver us and forgive us our sins.

SPEAKER_01 19:34

Look upon your congregation.

SPEAKER_14 19:37

Give to your people the blessings of peace. Declare your glory among the nations and your wonders among all peoples.

SPEAKER_01 19:47

Do not let the oppressed be shamed and turned away.

SPEAKER_14 19:51

Never forget the lives of your poor.

SPEAKER_01 19:55

Continue your loving kindness to those who know you.

SPEAKER_14 19:59

And your favor to those who are true of heart.

SPEAKER_01 20:04

Satisfy us by your loving kindness in the morning.

SPEAKER_14 20:08

So shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

SPEAKER_01 20:14

Thank you, Jacqueline. I've actually seen this church in person when the Daily Office Network made their pilgrimage to Montgomery a few years ago. This is Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pastor from 1954 to 1960. I was born in 1960. He led the Montgomery bus boycott from this church. It was a real pleasure to be able to visit Montgomery with the Daily Office and walk the civil rights path that we walked and be educated and learn so many things. And Mother Gwen, you were there too. And if you would read the next three prayers for us, the collect of the day, a collect for Fridays, and a collect for the human family, that would be awesome.

SPEAKER_13 21:06

Almighty God. You have built your church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Gratus soto be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Almighty God, whose most dear son went not up to joy before he suffered pain and entered not into glory before he was crucified. Mercifully grant that we walking in the way of the cross may find it none other than the way of life and peace through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus, your Son. Look with compassion on the whole human family. Take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts. Break down the walls that separate us. Unite us in bonds of love and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth, that in your good time all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SPEAKER_01 22:24

Amen. Thank you, Mother Gwen. We'll continue with the collect for the mission of the church, and we're going to do this a little different. I'm going to ask Addy to lead us in the prayer for the mission of the church. I will bless the Lord with the blessing that is posted here. And Brother Tucker, I would like you to give us your blessing after that is said. So that way we get three of us in the mix there. Miss Addie, if you would uh lead us in the colic for the mission of the church. And you have to get on mute, Addie.

SPEAKER_11 23:04

Oh God, you have made in one blood all the people of the earth and sent your blessed son, bring peace to those who are far who are far off, and to those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you. Bring the no nations into your fold, pour out your spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SPEAKER_01 23:38

Let us bless the Lord.

SPEAKER_11 23:41

Thanks be to God.

SPEAKER_01 23:43

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing. To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, now and forever. Amen. Brother Tucker.

SPEAKER_07 24:02

Glory be to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we ask or imagine. Glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen.

SPEAKER_01 24:16

Amen. Thank you, Tucker. And that is morning prayer on this Friday. Thank you for coming to pray today. Wherever you go, take that love of Jesus that you carry in your heart, the Jesus that lives inside of you. Share that Jesus with the world. Show that Jesus to the world. Janet, will you greet those who will join us later in the day?

SPEAKER_05 24:41

All those who are gathered together here this morning and everyone who will join us throughout the day. Peace and good to all.

SPEAKER_01 24:51

All means all and all means you. We hope to see you back after the weekend safe and sound. Have a good weekend.