Friday Morning Prayer: 21 Aug 2020 -Psalm 119:1-24, Philippians 1:3-6, 9- 11 ~ God always finishes what he starts

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

https://youtu.be/sOrgi9NqS3o&gt?rel=0

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

https://youtu.be/VeIcKmHZSnc?rel=0
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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

https://youtu.be/R6Svj51zysk?rel=0

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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.

Thursday Morning Prayer: 20 Aug 2020 -Psalm 115, Romans 16 ~ The God of Peace

Thursday Morning Prayer, 20 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
(Romans16:20)

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: Psalm 115 (NLT)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Why let the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens,
and he does as he wishes.
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.

Trust in God (Psalm 115) – Teshuva – Hallel

May the Lord richly bless
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

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Scripture Reading

Romans 16:17-20, 25-27 (NLT)

Paul’s Final Instructions

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
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Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.

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Reflection:

The God of Peace

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
(Romans16:20)

The God of peace, the author and giver of all good. When we come to God for spiritual victories, we must not only eye him as the Lord of hosts, whose all power is, but as the God of peace, a God at peace with us, speaking peace to us, working peace in us, creating peace for us. Victory comes from God more as the God of peace than as the God of war; for, in all our conflicts, peace is the thing we must contend for. God, as the God of peace, will restrain and vanquish all those that cause divisions and offences, and so break and disturb the peace of the church. (Matthew Henry)

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Prayer:

God of Peace: we pray for victory over the designs and devices of Satan –

+ that we may not be seduced by false teaching, that causes conflict and division among believers….

+ that we may not be ensnared by temptations, that keep us from living commendable godly lives….

+ that we may not be overcome by fears, that prevent us from living courageously by faith….

+ that we may not be stymied by weakness, instead of relying on your strength and wisdom….

God of Peace: we take you at your word, celebrating every small victory you give us now, and looking forward to the final defeat of Satan when Jesus comes again. Amen.
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“Enemy’s Camp” – Daywind

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Closing: Romans 16:19-20

I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

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

Wednesday Morning Prayer: 19 Aug 2020 -Psalm 111/112, Romans 15:1-13 ~ The God of Hope

Wednesday Morning Prayer, 19 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

“I pray that God, the source of hope,
will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.”
(Romans15:13)

Collect for Purity

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Scripture: Psalm 111 / 112 (NLT)

Psalm 111:1-4

Praise the Lord!

I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

Psalm 112:1-4

Praise the Lord!

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

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Psalm 111 and 112 (first 4 verses of each) – MIQEDEM (in original Hebrew – for translation turn on CC!

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Scripture Reading

Romans 15:1-13 (NLT)

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:

“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name.”

And in another place it is written,

“Rejoice with his people,
you Gentiles.”

And yet again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

And in another place Isaiah said,

“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Reflection:

Confident Hope (Matthew Henry)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.
Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)

God is the God of hope. He is the foundation on which our hope is built, and he is the builder that doth himself raise it: he is both the object of our hope, and the author of it.

The joy and peace of believers arise chiefly from their hopes…. this is through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Prayer:

God the source of our hope:

+ Fill us with true heavenly joy, that satisfies the deep longing of our souls….

+ Produce in us unspeakable joy, through the powerful working of your Holt Spirit….

+ Fill us with peace of conscience, the confident assurance of sins confessed and forgiven….

+ Strengthen our faith, in the goodness and love of Christ – the substance and evidence of our hope….

We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Confidence” – Sanctus Real

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Closing: Romans 15:13

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Tuesday Morning Prayer: 18 Aug 2020 – Psalm 107:1-22, Romans 14:1-4, 7-9, 17-19 ~ we belong to the Lord

Tuesday Morning Prayer, 18 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

“We don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord.”
(Romans14:7)

Collect for Purity

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Scripture: Psalm 107:1-22 (NLT)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live.

Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one was there to help them. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains.

Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.

Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.

Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

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Psalm 107 – Tribes and Tongues | Zambia Messianic Fellowship

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Scripture Reading

Romans 14:1-4, 7-9, 17-19 (NLT)

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.
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For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
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For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

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Reflection:

“Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

We live and die to the Lord.

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

From beginning to end, our lives are to be dedicated to God. Therefore, whatever we do, we do it to the Lord – because Jesus is our Lord (that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living). (David Guzik)

The grand object of [Christ’s] death was to acquire this absolute Lordship over His redeemed, both in their living and in their dying, as His of right. (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown)

What is the chief end of man? – Holly Dutton

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Prayer:

+ For the Universal Church (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

+ For the Unity of All Christian People

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

+ For Knowing and Loving God

O God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: Help us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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Closing: Romans 14:17-19

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.“

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

Monday Morning Prayer: 17 Aug 2020 – Psalm 106:1-5, Romans 13:8-14 ~ all authority comes from God

Monday Morning Prayer, 17 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

“All authority comes from God,
and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
(Romans13:1)

Collect for Purity

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Scripture: Psalm 106:1-5 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right.

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people;
come near and rescue me.
Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones.
Let me rejoice in the joy of your people;
let me praise you with those who are your heritage.

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Before the Throne of God Above – Selah

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Scripture Reading

Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)

Respect for Authority

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

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Reflection: Christians and Government

We subject ourselves to governing authorities because they are appointed by God and serve a purpose in His plan. (David Guzik)

“Your Savior suffered under Pontius Pilate, one of the worst Roman governors Judea ever had; and Paul under Nero, the worst Roman Emperor. And neither our Lord nor His Apostle denied or reviled the ‘authority!’ ” (Newell)

God appoints a nation’s leaders, but not always to bless the people. Sometimes it is to judge the people or to ripen the nation for judgment.
God uses governing authorities as a check upon man’s sinful desires and tendencies.
Government can be an effective tool in resisting the effects of man’s fallenness.
The job of government is to punish and deter evildoers.

Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For The President

O Lord our Governor, all authority comes from you: Grant to President Trump the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill him with the love of truth and righteousness, and make him continually mindful of his calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For Congress

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: So guide and bless our Senators and Representatives assembled in Congress, that they may enact laws pleasing in your sight, to the glory of your Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“God of Our Fathers” – “National Hymn” by: George Warren, 1888

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Closing: Romans 13:1

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.“

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

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