Morning Prayer based on Northumbria Community Prayers and Moravian Readings

Sunday 24 April 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

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

John 20:21

yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Habakkuk 3:18

But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Luke 10:20

Prayer

Faithful God, trouble is all around—shadows in the valleys and movement on the periphery. Lord, let us hear your voice! Help us delight in recounting the times you have guided us to trusted people and places. 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

Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

Psalm 4:1, 7

So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 20:7

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23

Today’s Meditation

Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face
in the light of the moon and patterns of stars,
in sacred mountain rifts and ancient groves,
in mighty seas and creatures of the deep.

Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face
in the light of eyes we love,
in the salt of tears we have tasted,
in weathered countenances east and west,
in the soft skin glow of the child everywhere.
Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face,
there is Your face
among us.

John Philip Newell

Prayers for others

OMS Prayers

Open Doors World Watch List

Pray for Iraq

Heavenly Father, thank You that there is good news for our brothers and sisters in Iraq. We pray for more in the coming year. Stir the government into doing more to enable a safe and prosperous return for displaced Christians. May all those suffering today know Your nearness; may it bring them healing, comfort and hope. Bring permanent peace to this nation that has been riddled by conflict for years. Restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). 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.