Thursday Morning Prayer, 06 Aug 2020

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

Opening: (Luke 1:78-79)

God’s love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us
into a life of peace.

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God
because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:11

Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture Reading (NLT)

Psalm 86:11-13,15

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.

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You, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

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Abounding In Love – Psalm 86 – Mike Janzen

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Scripture Reading (NLT

Romans 5:1-11

Faith Brings Joy

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

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Reflection: Friends of God

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ
has made us friends of God.”
(Romans 5:11)

God’s present attitude towards the believer in Christ Jesus is one of favor, seeing them in terms of joy, beauty, and pleasure. He doesn’t just love us; He likes us because we are in Jesus.

Therefore:

• I don’t have to prove I am worthy of God’s love
• God is my friend
• The door of access is permanently open to Him
• I am free from the “score sheet” – the account is settled in Jesus
• I spend more time praising God and less time hating myself

“The former rebels are not merely forgiven by having their due punishment remitted; they are brought into a place of high favor with God – this grace in which we stand.” (Bruce)

“Not only has the reconciled man confidence that he shall escape God’s wrath, but triumphant confidence – joyful hope in God.” (Wuest, quoting Alford)

Prayer

Gracious God: write your Word on my heart, that I may live according to your truth –

+ that I may believe and consent to be loved, though I am unworthy….
+ that I may refuse to make resolutions, trusting in my own ability to keep….
+ that I may expect to be blessed, though I am undeserving….
+ that I may testify to your goodness, though I run into problems and trials….
+ that I may be certain of your future favor and kindness, during times of chastening….

Gracious God: fill me with your Spirit, that my heart may overflow with your love, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.

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“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” – CityAlight

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Closing -(Romans 5:2-5)

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

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