As I enter prayer now;
I pause to be still;
to breathe slowly;
to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God
Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!
Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.
Psalm 66:1,2
Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery.
“ Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
Psalm 107:10,13,15
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:10
Sometimes, Lord, we forget that you are the light in the darkest nights of our souls. Sometimes, real persecution happens to people who are tortured, imprisoned, and martyred for their faith, hope, and trust in you as their guiding light. Help us to recognize the risks involved in being a Christian, and to truly be willing to sacrifice our time and energy for your cause. In the name of the one who died for us, help us live for you. Amen.
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
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.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.
Psalm 26:2-3
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
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.
Father God, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Tunisia who risk their safety and security to know You. Work in the hearts of Tunisians to respond to Your people with love, rather than hostility. Heal those family bonds that have been broken. Encourage Christians who are downcast and lonely. Bring them into supportive communities who pour out encouragement and care. Provide ways for secret believers to gather safely. Amen.
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.
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
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.