Our Lady of Angels Association

by Michael January 9, 2013

My portion is the Lord; I promise to keep your words.
I entreat you with all my heart: have mercy on me in accord with your promise.
I have examined my ways and turned my steps to your decrees.
I am prompt, I do not hesitate in keeping your commands.

Though the snares of the wicked surround me, your teaching I do not forget.
At midnight I rise to praise you because your edicts are just.
I am the friend of all who fear you, of all who keep your precepts.
The earth, Lord, is filled with your love; teach me your laws.

… for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins. For this reason, when Jesus came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’”

Hebrews 10:5-7

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep. Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night. The Lord will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life. The Lord will guard your coming and going both now and forever.

Psalm 121:1-8

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them.

Ephesians 5:1-7

Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

I John: 1:5-7

Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

II Corinthians 9: 6-9

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are faithful in Christ Jesus: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he choose us in him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:1-6

My soul longs for your salvation; I put my hope in your word. My eyes long to see your promise. When will you comfort me? I am like a wineskin shriveled by smoke, but I have not forgotten your laws. How long can your servant survive? When will your edict doom my foes? The arrogant have dug pits for me; defying your teaching. All your commands are steadfast. Help me! I am pursued without cause. They have almost ended my life on earth, but I do not forsake your precepts. In your kindness give me life, to keep the decrees you have spoken.

Psalm 119 continued – verses 81-88

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

I Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-3

You are righteous, Lord, and just are your edicts. You have issued your decrees in justice and in surpassing faithfulness. I am consumed with rage, because my foes forget your words. Your servant loves your promise; it has been proved by fire. Though belittled and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your justice is forever right, your teaching forever true. Though distress and anguish come upon me, your commands are my delight. Your decrees are forever just; give me discernment that I may live.

Psalm 119 continued – verses 137-144

When the just cry out, the Lord hears and rescues them from distress. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delivers from them all. God watches over all their bones; not one shall be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; those who hate the just are condemned. The Lord redeems loyal servants; no one is condemned whose refuge is God.

Psalm 34 continued – verses 18-23