Month: March 2017

Morning Prayer: Tue, 14 Mar – Colossians 3:12-15 ~ bespoke by Christ

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Reading: Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
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Prayer:

Holy God: you have chosen me to to be holy even as you are holy. Fill me with your Spirit and envelope me in the loving-kindness of Christ that I might choose to be like you today –

+ Today I choose compassion – that I may show mercy to the misfortunate and the suffering.
+ Today I choose kindness – that I may help and encourage those in need.
+ Today I choose humility – that I may place the interest of others before my own.
+ Today I choose gentleness – that I may be calm and cooperative under stress.
+ Today I choose patience – that I may accept delays and difficulties without getting angry.
+ Today I choose forbearance – that I may exercise patient self-control and restraint.
+ Today I choose forgiveness – that I may give to others what I have so freely received.
+ Today I choose love – that I may live in peace and harmony with others, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Holy God: reign in my heart with your peace today. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Lord Reign In Me” – Vineyard UK


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Mon, 13 Mar – John 1:1, 14, 26 ~ breathe in, breathe out

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Reading: John 1:1, 14, 26 (NLT)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
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John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize….”
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Jesus Prayer: – Prayer of the Heart (orthodoxprayer.org)

The Jesus Prayer is very simple:

“Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,”
(For different languages)

The Jesus Prayer according to numerous Church Fathers is “essential” to our spiritual growth. The Jesus Prayer proclaims our faith and humbles us by asking mercy for our sinfulness. The Jesus Prayer is thought to be as old as the Church itself.

Jesus Christ – the Power In the Name
The Jesus Prayer’s power comes from the use of our Lord’s Name, Jesus Christ, Son of God. It is a confession of our faith.
…read more about the power of the name Jesus Christ

Jesus Prayer requires Humility
The Jesus Prayer in its practice assumes you are a regular participant in the worship services of the Church, in her Sacraments and aware of your sinfulness. Be sure to consult with and follow the advice of your spiritual Father. Humility is a prerequisite for all prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer.
…read more about role of humility in practicing the Jesus Prayer

Jesus Prayer Has Two Functions
The Jesus Prayer has two important purposes. The first is worship as with all prayer. The second is a discipline to help our soul gain control of our overactive brains and create stillness so the Holy Spirit can work through us and help us live the virtues in union with God.
…read more about the two functions of the Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

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“Breathe” – Michael W. Smith


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Second Sunday of Lent: 12 March – Matthew 17:1-9 ~ a glimpse of glory

Second Sunday of Lent: 12 March 2017

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Holy God, from the dazzling cloud you revealed Jesus in glory as your beloved Son. During these forty days enlighten your people with the bright glory of your presence. Inspire us by your word and so transform us into the image of the risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
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Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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Prayer:

Holy God – Father, Son and Spirit – reveal your glory to me today that I may be comforted by your touch and challenged by your word spoken to me.

+ Draw me close to you in worship – that I may be dazzled by your presence.
+ Open my eyes to the reality of your holiness – that I may be terrified by my unworthiness.
+ Touch my heart, my soul, my lips – that I may be purified and cleansed of my sin.
+ Renew my mind and transform my will – that I may trust you completely and obey you in all things.
+ Remake me and mold me in your image – that you may abide in me and I in you for ever.

Holy God – show me your glory that I may be shocked and awed by your presence. Then send me out with boldness and confidence to love and serve you in this upside down world. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Show Me Your Glory” – Jesus Culture


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Closing:

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” – Isaiah 49:1-4

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Format adapted from Lectio Divina: USCCB Lenten Resources, 2017

Morning Prayer: Sat, 11 Mar – Psalm 56:3-4; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ~ build bridges

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT)

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
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Reading:1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: thank you for building a bridge to sinful me through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Keep my life anchored in him, and my eyes focused on heaven.

+ Lord, move me out of my comfort zone that I may seek opportunities to make new friends.

+ Lord, make me a willing servant and friend, especially in their times of crisis and change.

+ Lord, give me the words to say, and prepare their hearts, to share Good News with them.

Heavenly Father: help me become a bridge builder that I might bring people to Christ – that they be reconciled with you and receive your gracious inheritance of eternal life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Anne Murray


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Fri, 10 Mar – Psalm 55:1-2, 22; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7 ~ live care-free

Friday of the First Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading: Psalm 55:1-2, 22 (NLT)

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
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Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
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Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
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Reading: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus: teach me how to live care-free, how to transform my worry into prayer.

+ You know how my day will unfold; watch over me as I live it out moment by moment.
+ You know the troubles that I bring with me; listen to me now as I give voice to them.
+ You know how easily I get sidetracked; guide me along the right path of godliness.
+ You know my frustration when things don’t go as I planned; humble me that I may find rest in you.

Lord Jesus: I’ve made it this far with your help. I can’t go it alone, but I can face the challenges ahead with you at my side. Thank you for your unfailing loving-kindness to me. Guard my heart and mind, and grant me your peace. Amen.
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“I cast all my cares upon You” – Joy Mcilwrath and Andrew Fynn


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Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!