Matins (Morning Prayers)
As we enter into the wonder of this day, I think it would be amazing to participate together in an early morning worship service, the first of the canonical hours known as Matins. Matins is taken from the Latin word matutinus, meaning “pertaining to the morning.” During Matins, we put aside other thoughts, reflect quietly, and concentrate on our prayers. Give yourself space to feel the holiness of our God, who is near and as close as the mention of his name. He delights in you. I have taken the initiative to type a service order below and coordinated that charge with a Spotify playlist¹ (see footnote) meant to aid us as we still our hearts before our great creator.
Feel free to grab some coffee, surrender to the comfort of your favorite chair and begin by saying these words with me:
“O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.”
“O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.”
Song: Consecrate (track #1)
The word of the Lord from Psalm 3: “I have a lot of enemies, Lord. Many fight against me and say, “God won’t rescue you!” But you are my shield, and you give me victory and great honor. I pray to you, and you answer from your sacred hill. I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, Lord, protect me. Ten thousand enemies attack from every side, but I am not afraid. Come and save me, Lord God! Break my enemies’ jaws and shatter their teeth because you protect and bless your people.” — Psalm 3 (Contemporary English Version)
Let’s pray: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. Glory to you, who gave me sleep to refresh my weakness and to repay the toils of this weak flesh. To this day, and all days, a peaceful, healthy, sinless course, Grant, O Lord.
Song: Quiet Peace (track #2)
The word of the Lord from Psalm 62: “Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety. Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” — Psalm 62:5–8 (CEV)
Let’s pray: Spirit, come and encamp around me and encourage all that is good. Prepare my heart for the fullness of the work of the cross. May divine peace be known through your nearness and the comfort only you can provide, Grant, O Lord.
Song: Be Still (track #3)
The word of the Lord from Psalm 118: “When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer and took my worries away. The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. With the Lord on my side, I will defeat my hateful enemies. It is better to trust the Lord for protection than to trust anyone else.” — Psalm 118:5–9 (CEV)
Let’s pray: Jesus, our Messiah. Through your work of the cross, and by our declaration that you are The Christ, we receive pardon and forgiveness of all sins and offenses, Grant, O Lord.
May others know of your love through the lives that we live. May our lives be filled with, whatever is excellent and holy, and always extend peace to the world, Grant, O Lord.
Song: Even the Winds and the Waves Obey Him (track #4)
The word of the Lord from Psalm 103: “The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. The Lord won’t always be angry and point out our sins; he doesn’t punish us as our sins deserve. God’s love for all who worship him is greater than the distance between heaven and earth! How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! — Psalm 103:8–12 (CEV)
Let’s pray: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — such thoughts and such deeds, Grant, O Lord.
Song: Abide With Me (track #5)
The word of the Lord from Psalm 51: “Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey! I will teach sinners your Law, and they will return to you. Keep me from any deadly sin. Only you can save me! Then I will shout and sing about your power to save. Help me to speak, and I will praise you, Lord. Offerings and sacrifices are not what you want. The way to please you is to be genuinely sorry deep in our hearts. This is the kind of sacrifice you won’t refuse.” — Psalm 51:12–17 (CEV)
Let’s pray: A Christian death, without sin, without shame, and if it pleases you, without pain, and a good answer before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant, O Lord. Amen.
Song: Be Thou My Vision (track #6)
