Morning Prayer based on Northumbria Community Prayers and Moravian Readings

Wednesday 16 February 2022

Pause

As I enter prayer now;
I pause to be still;
to breathe slowly;
to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God

Preperation

Watchwords

Watchword for the week

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Jeremiah 17:7

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Psalm 84:5

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Prayer

Dear Lord, you are our strength, our redeemer, and our life. Please help us to stay alert and stand firm in our faith. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we be courageous as we travel our life’s quest for your eternal kingdom. Praising you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Opening sentences

In your name Papa, Jesus and Spirit. Amen

The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord ’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

Psalm 27:4

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-1

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

Declaration of faith

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ”

John 6:68-69

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Today’s Scripture Reading

You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people.

Psalm 68:9-10

Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord.

Zephaniah 3:12

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

1 Timothy 6:6-9

Today’s Meditation

Aidan’s statue, Holy Island

Aidan stands.
His head is
close to the
heart of the
cross.

His eyes,
far-seeing,
scan the
horizon,
the joyous
venturing
of little boats.

A torch burns
clearly in his
grasp, a
faithful challenge
in his generation,
meeting,
listening,
heart-connecting.

In his shadow
is a place I covet,
a challenge
in a present time
and confluence of cultures.

Aidan, let me lie down in your shadow.
While I live may I be the shadow of
a Rock in a weary land, a shelter
from the heat.

Andy Raine

Prayers for others

OMS Prayers

Open Doors World Watch List

Pray for Kazakhstan

Heavenly Father, we're aware that many church leaders in Kazakhstan bear a heavy load as they lead their congregations under enormous pressure. Encourage them today and surround them with all the support they need to serve You. Strengthen and protect those facing pressure from their family and community, and boldly use them as they share Jesus with others. Open the eyes of government officials to see the good intentions and fruit of Your people, and use this to extend Your kingdom in Kazakhstan. Amen.

Canticle

Jesus, as my light, illuminate and guide me.
As my shield, protect me.
Jesus lift me up; direct me;
Come alongside me, on my left and on my right.

Today be my core and aroma, gently powerfully
In the heart of those I speak to; and speak to me through them.

Today be my center and encircle me with Your powerful love.
You are my light, my shield.
You are on my left and on my right.

Blessing

Your peace go with me, wherever You take me.
Guide me when I am lost. Protect me when I am scared.
Bring me home rejoicing at the wonders You have shown me.
Bring me home rejoicing once again into my flat.

In your name Papa, Jesus and Spirit. Amen

Closing Prayer

Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.