Friday Morning Prayer, 21 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1:6)

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 my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture: Psalm 119:1-3, 7-8 (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.

Psalm 119:1-3 (Walk in His Ways) – Stored In My Heart Worship

As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

Psalm 119:7-8 (I Will Praise) – Stored In My Heart Worship

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:3-6 (NLT)

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

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Reflection:

God Will Finish What He Began

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1:6)

God’s always finishes what he starts and that includes shaping your character. God has been molding your character to be like his Son’s. You were created to be like Christ. (Rick Warren)

Remember that it’s not about you. God isn’t saying, “You will finish the work you began…” Nor is he saying, “You will finish the work I began.” Rather, he is saying, “I will finish the work I began in you.” We’re not the ones who complete the work; he does.

So let’s stop being robbed of our joy because we’re feeling overwhelmed with the cares of life and worrying about how everything will turn out. Instead, let’s trust him to complete everything he has begun concerning our lives and the lives of our loved ones today. (Jim Cymbala)

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Prayer: 

Heavenly Father: Thank you for adopting me into your family, by grace through faith in your Son Jesus Christ. Fill me with your Spirit, and continue the makeover of my character that you have begun. I long for that day of completion –

+ when I will see Jesus face-to-face….

+ when all my physical ailments will be gone….

+ when all my character flaws will be gone….

+ when all my insecurities will be gone….

+ when my life will truly reflect your glory….

Heavenly Father: Fill me with your joy today, knowing that – no matter what happens around me – you will finish what you have begun in me, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
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“Awake My Soul (Christ Is Formed In Me)” – Phillips, Craig & Dean

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Closing: Philippians 1:9-11

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

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