Morning Prayer based on Northumbria Community Prayers and Moravian Readings

Monday 20 November 2023

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

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!

Psalm 90:13

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

John 14:3

Prayer

Jesus, you are with us in times of distress and fear. Sometimes we don’t recognize you or hear your voice, but your steadfast hand is always there. Help us see and hear you and to feel your calming touch. 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

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

Psalm 119:67, 77

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins. Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.

Isaiah 49:15–17

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.

Romans 6:1–2, 5

Today’s Meditation

If you must be heard, let it be like the babbling brook,
laughing over the rocks.

If you must be seen, let it be like sunlight
giving warmth and comfort to all.

If you must be acknowledged, let it be as the eyes
behold the skies in all their glory.

If you must lead, let it be like the wind and all its unshackled direction.

If you must learn, let it be like breathing,
the natural flow of in and out,
and done without thinking.

If you must teach, let it be like the water,
deep and flowing,
for your words are like pebbles in a pond,
the ripples they cause spread out in all directions,
and what you give out eventually returns.

If you must know, let it be flowing and growing.

And above all, if you must:
shine!

Kerry Hillcoat

Prayers for others

OMS Prayers

Open Doors World Watch List

Pray for Central African Republic

Dear God, we cry out for peace in this troubled nation. Help the government to tackle the continuing insecurity and show the leaders of militant groups a more peaceable way of living. Meet the needs of all those displaced and facing persecution. Strengthen their faith and may their Spirit-filled lives draw many others to You. Protect Your children from harm, particularly church leaders as they face increasing dangers. Continue to help Open Doors local partners in their work serving Christians in the country. Give them wisdom and strength in all their activities. 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.