Morning Prayer

A Reading from the Book of Revelation.

1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2 So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and a foul and painful sore came on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image. 3 The second angel poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing in the sea died. 4 The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, “You are just, O Holy One, who are and were, for you have judged these things; 6 because they shed the blood of saints and prophets, you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar respond, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just!” 8 The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch them with fire; 9 they were scorched by the fierce heat, but they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory. 10 The fifth angel poured his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness; people gnawed their tongues in agony, 11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and they did not repent of their deeds.

A Reading from the Wisdom of Ben Sira.

23 By his plan he stilled the deep    and planted islands in it. 24 Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers,    and we marvel at what we hear. 25 In it are strange and marvellous creatures,    all kinds of living things, and huge sea-monsters. 26 Because of him each of his messengers succeeds, and by his word all things hold together. 27 We could say more but could never say enough;    let the final word be: ‘He is the all.’ 28 Where can we find the strength to praise him?    For he is greater than all his works. 29 Awesome is the Lord and very great,    and marvellous is his power. 30 Glorify the Lord and exalt him as much as you can,    for he surpasses even that. When you exalt him, summon all your strength,    and do not grow weary, for you cannot praise him enough. 31 Who has seen him and can describe him?    Or who can extol him as he is? 32 Many things greater than these lie hidden,    for I have seen but few of his works. 33 For the Lord has made all things, and to the godly he has given wisdom.