Morning Prayer
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentences – Cuthbert of Northumbria (635-87)
Under protection of the King of life, a protection that will not betray us. May the Holy Spirit come upon us; may Christ deliver us, bless us.
Jesus, only Son of the Father, and Lamb, who shed Your heart’s true blood, dearly to buy us, protect me, accompany me, be near me ever.
Morning reading
John 15:7-10 ESV:
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
Reflections:
answered prayer
Jesus’ dwelling in the believer is referred to as his words remaining in them. If they remain in him and his words in them, Jesus promises their prayers will be answered. To have his words remaining in them means to share his mind and his will. They are to be caught up into his own focus on the doing of God’s will. Accordingly, they will pray for his purposes rather than for their own selfish desires. Jesus’ purposes have been to reveal God and share his life and love so people will be brought into union with him in his new community. Such will be the concerns also of the disciples who have Jesus’ words in them, and God will answer their prayers as they live according to their life in Christ and his life in them.
the Father’s glory
Beleivers bear the fruit of this shared life, which is evidence that they are Jesus’ disciples. Since the fruit refers to the knowledge and love of God, it follows that as the disciples produce fruit the Father is glorified. The glory of the Father is Jesus’ chief delight and has been the focus of all he has said and done. Since the disciples are now going to live in union with Christ, the Father’s glory will be the goal of their lives as well.
the obedience of remaining
The Father is the source and pattern of all love, so, as always, Jesus is doing that which he receives from the Father. Jesus’ disciples must remain in his love, and they do this by obeying his commands. In part this means they are to remain in Jesus’ love for them, but further it means they must remain in his own love for the Father. Jesus’ own love for the Father was seen in his obeying the Father’s commands and remaining in his love. For the disciples to remain in Jesus’ love for the Father, therefore, they must share in Jesus’ obedience. Their obedience is itself the fruit of their remaining in Jesus because it is a characteristic of his love (1 Jn 2:5-6).
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Canticle:
Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.
Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.
On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.
Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.
The Peanut Gallery 