As I enter prayer now;
I pause to be still;
to breathe slowly;
to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.
John 6:47
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Psalm 96:1
When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
Luke 19:37-38
God of new beginnings, on this day, centuries ago, you offered a new tune to our ancestors in the faith in Herrnhut. We confess, we’re not always excited about another new song, another adjustment, another change! So, please, holy one, open our hearts to the new song the Spirit may be inviting today. May singing it help us be it. 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.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
Psalm 37:7-9
“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19:17-18
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
James 1:19-20
Capture a city:
let us prove God there.
Give me a field,
though dry, unpromising and bare.
Sink me a well
to water all this land:
let me draw deep.
And feed me from your hand.
Show me a cave,
remind me of the past:
embrace my exile.
Tell me I’m loved at last.
Safe in the deepening darkness,
uncover a heart that sings.
Feet planted firmly in the ground,
release the nether springs!
Andy Raine, based loosely on Judges 1:12-15
Dear God, we ask that You will be with Your people in Bangladesh, especially those who came to know You out of a different faith. We thank You for being a God who calls each of us by name, and we ask You to remember Your children in Bangladesh. We also pray for the families of the tribal Christians who were killed this year – please be with them and help them heal as they mourn. Finally, we pray for our brothers and sisters among the Rohingya refugees – please protect and help them to find fellowship even in a refugee camp. 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.