Evening Prayer based on Northumbria Community Prayers and Moravian Readings

Monday 16 September 2024

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

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah. ”

Mark 8:29

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.

Isaiah 50:7

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Matthew 14:30

Prayer

Dear God, we know you are here and will carry us through the storms as well as the celebrations of life. Help us to strive to live our lives with the same grace you have given us. Amen.

In your name Papa, Jesus and Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

Psalm 130:6

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

Psalm 130:1-2

I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.

Psalm 119:145

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?

Psalm 130:3

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

Psalm 130:5

Expressions of faith

Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.

Lord, You have always given strength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.

Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though of anxious heart, today I believe.

Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.

Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though the night is here, today I believe.

Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though you be silent now, today I believe.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

Psalm 112:6

For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered for ever.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and of people.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

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 Afghanistan

Father God, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. They risk so much to follow You, and so much of their faith has to be hidden. Protect them from harm and give them a sense of belonging. We pray for those who feel called to remain in Afghanistan, that You would make a way for them to be salt and light in their environments and that You would keep them safe. We pray for those who have fled. Please bring them Your strength and peace. Things seem so hopeless in Afghanistan, Father, but we know You are a God who can bring hope. We trust You. Amen.

Canticle

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:7

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

Psalm 27:1

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:7

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

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:7

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord ’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:7

Blessing

I will be at peace with my brothers and sisters, and love them.

I will follow the example of the wise and good, knowing You will comfort and help me, both in this world and in the world to come.

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.